Pope Calls for Ceasefire as Gaza Catholic Parish Attacked

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his calls for “an immediate ceasefire” in Gaza following a military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Parish which killed 3 and injured Gaza’s only priest. The office of Israel’s prime minister has issued a statement expressing “deep regret that stray ammunition hit the church” and has promised that an investigation will be made into the matter.

In a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, on his behalf, the Holy Father expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life and for the injuries caused by the attack. According to Vatican News, he also conveyed his spiritual closeness to the parish priest, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, as well as to the entire parish community.

The Pope commended the souls of the deceased to the “loving mercy of Almighty God” and offered prayers for the recovery of the injured and the consolation of those who grieve. Over 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 October 7, 2023.

Further details of the incident can be found here on the CNN website.