Pope Leo XIV Urges Ceasefire After Gaza Church Hit in Israeli Strike

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Gaza's only Catholic church, the Holy Family Catholic Church, was struck by what appears to be Israeli military action, resulting in at least two deaths and several injuries. Pope Leo XIV, in a deeply emotional response, expressed profound sadness and called for an immediate ceasefire, urging dialogue and reconciliation in a region long plagued by conflict. His message, conveyed through Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, offered spiritual solidarity to the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, and the grieving community.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a tragic error, attributing the damage to stray ammunition and expressing regret over the loss of innocent lives. Israel’s government reiterated a commitment to protecting civilians and holy sites, with an ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the strike. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that they do not target religious institutions and are reviewing the incident.

International reactions have been swift and sharp. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, calling Israel’s actions against civilians unacceptable, while the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem decried the targeting of a sacred space that had become a sanctuary for those displaced by war. Father Romanelli himself sustained minor injuries, a small but poignant reminder of the human toll in this ongoing tragedy.

What strikes deepest here is the symbolism: a church, a place of refuge, caught in the crossfire of a conflict that seems to spare nothing—not even the sacred. As calls for peace grow louder, one can only hope they are heard above the din of war.