Conflict Strikes Religious Institution - Pope Demands Calm in Gaza
In the heart of Gaza City, the Holy Family Catholic Parish, the only church in the region, was targeted in a devastating attack last week. The incident, which left at least two people dead, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, and injured eleven others, has prompted an urgent call for peace from Pope Leo XIV.
The Holy Father, currently on vacation at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, was informed about the incident and immediately expressed his deep sorrow for the loss of life and injuries. In a condolence telegram, he conveyed his spiritual closeness to the affected parish community, commending the souls of the deceased to "the loving mercy of Almighty God." He also offered prayers for the recovery of the wounded and comfort for those grieving.
At the time of the attack, the Holy Family Church was sheltering over 500 civilians, including disabled and ill children cared for by the Missionaries of Charity. The assault caused visible damage to the church, particularly near the cross on its roof, a symbol of deep significance for the Catholic community there.
Pope Leo XIV emphasised that only dialogue and reconciliation can ensure enduring peace in the region, renewing his hope for peace and calling for dialogue and reconciliation as necessary steps toward resolving the conflict. His call for "dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace" echoes his previous pleas for a ceasefire in recent weeks.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of religious minorities and places of worship in conflict zones. The Pope's intervention highlights the tragic consequences of the ongoing conflict on Gaza's Catholic community and the Holy Family Church.
Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed deep regret over the damage to the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City and any civilian casualties. The ministry stated that Israel never targets churches or religious sites, a claim that has been met with scepticism in light of the recent attack.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed the fatalities, while the parish priest, Father Romanelli, remains in recovery. The Pope's call reflects the Vatican's concern for protecting sacred sites and its broader advocacy for peace amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since October 2023.
As the world watches the unfolding events in Gaza, the Catholic Church, and the global community, stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, praying for peace, reconciliation, and an end to the violence.
The incident at the Holy Family Church, a shelter for displaced civilians, underscores the need for dialogue and reconciliation, as advocated by Pope Leo XIV, within the context of war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news. The pope's call for peace, prompted by the attack that targeted the only church in the region and resulted in casualties, reiterates his hope for a resolution to ongoing conflicts which dangerously impacts religious minorities and places of worship.
