Pope Leo Expresses 'Closeness' To Dead And Wounded At Church Targetted By Israel

Pope Leo XIV renewed his plea for “an immediate ceasefire” in Gaza following an apparent attack by Israeli Defense Forces on the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, released a message on behalf othe pontiff, which expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life and for the injuries caused by the attack. Reports indicate that at least two persons died at the parish church. Currently, about 500 persons have taken shelter at the church compound. Pastor Fr. Gabriel Romanelli was injured during the attack. The Pope expressed his closeness to the injured priest.

The Pope commended the souls of the dead to the “loving mercy of Almighty God” and offered prayers for the recovery and consolation of the wounded. He renewed his call for peace and a ceasefire in Gaza, which has been torn by war ever since the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks by Muslim militants on Israel, resulting in dozens of rapes and deaths. The Pope said he has "profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region.”

So far, 60,200 people (58,313 Palestinians and 1,983 Israelis) have been reported killed in the Gaza war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, since the beginning of the conflict. However, the figures reported from Gaza have been highly disputed because the Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists remain in control. Hamas has repeatedly refused to release all the hostages under its control, and has refused to stop fighting.