Pope Leo XIV has urged an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza following anIsraeliAirstrike resulted in the death of three individuals at a Catholic church located in the area where Pope Francis used to make nightly calls for updates regarding the conflict.
Fourteen individuals sustained injuries during the assault at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, among them the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.
“A statement released via the Vatican’s Secretary of State Pietro Parolin conveyed that His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was profoundly distressed upon learning about the casualties and injuries resulting from the military strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza,” said.
His Holiness once again urges for an immediate halt to hostilities and conveys his deep hope for conversation, healing, and lasting peace in the area.
The church suffered “significant destruction” during the attack, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem stated, ‘Targeting a holy site that is currently providing shelter to around 600 displaced individuals, mostly children and 54 people with special needs, constitutes a clear breach of human dignity and a serious violation of the sanctity of life and religious places.’
The explosion damaged significant portions of the facility, and individuals with specific requirements had to leave the area, some of whom could not obtain the breathing devices they need to stay alive.
Father Carlos Ferrero, a clergy member at the church, statedThe NationalTwo individuals lost their lives and 14 others were hurt. The number of fatalities was subsequently increased to three.
The Israeli forces mentioned they were “informed about the damage to the church and the injuries.”
It stated that the details of the event are being examined,” it mentioned, asserting that it took “all possible measures to reduce damage to civilians and civilian facilities, including places of worship.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a message on X stating that “the findings of the inquiry will be disclosed openly.”
“Israel does not target churches or religious places and expresses regret for any damage to a religious site or to innocent civilians,” it further stated.
Sister Nabila Saleh, who was in charge of the Rosary Sisters’ School within the church premises prior to her declining health leading her to depart the region last year, statedThe Nationalthat the Israelis “struck the church directly”.
Currently based in Jordan, she mentioned that she contacted a parish priest in Gaza on Thursday morning, who verified the attack and the injuries.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Melonisaid: “The assaults on the civilian population that Israel has been conducting for several months are not acceptable. No military operation can excuse such conduct.”
According to Italy’s Ansa news agency, six individuals were seriously injured, while Father Romanelli, who previously kept the late pope informed about the war, sustained slight leg injuries.
Earlier, Sister Saleh told The National that FrancisOnce, the church was contacted daily. On most occasions, priests and congregants mentioned that the calls typically lasted around 15 minutes, during which the pope would communicate with church officials and Palestinians taking refuge at the church.
The action served as a daily reminder for Palestinians that Gaza remained in the spotlight.
Pope Francis maintained a firm position regarding the conflict in Gaza. He stood out as one of the most steadfast international figures advocating for a halt to hostilities and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Eyewitnesses of the explosion reportedThe Nationalthat the church was attacked 10 minutes following the conclusion of prayers. If the incident had occurred sooner, a higher number of casualties could have been expected, according to them. The religious site was regarded as a secure area under international law.
If they were still inside, we would have seen a terrible massacre,” said Elyas Al Jelda, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Arab Orthodox Church in Gaza. “This attack is part of a continuous campaign that churches have endured for several months. It’s an effort to force Christian families to depart.
Other individuals depicted scenes of disorder as emergency services arrived at the site of the attack. Mohammed Saqqa Allah, a local inhabitant residing near the church, stated, “the majority of the injured were women, individuals not involved in the conflict.”
As stated by Ismail Al Thawabta, head of the Government Media Office in Gaza, the attack marks the third church that has been targeted while providing refuge to displaced people.
He stated that what occurred at the church is not a coincidence, but rather a component of a larger, intentional plan aimed at undermining Palestinian society, irrespective of religious beliefs.
The assault marks the second instance that the Holy Family Church premises have been targeted by the Israeli forces since the conflict started.
“It is a highly unfortunate situation,” Sister Saleh stated.The NationalI am aware that the situation is severe since they are unable to respond due to the bombing.
She remembered the fear felt by congregants in 2023 when she was residing in the church compound, as Israeli snipers killed two women who were walking from the church to a convent. The Roman Catholic Church criticized this attack, while the Israeli military denied that its snipers were involved.
I am extremely frightened and worried,” Sister Saleh stated. “Each day, we pray for the individuals in the church.
The Roman Catholic Church has frequently advocated for the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. In a different event in October 2023, at least 17 individuals lost their lives when Israeli bombs struck the nearby ancient Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius.