Pope calls for ceasefire after attack on Catholic church in Gaza

Pope Leo XIV has renewed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza after the one Catholic parish within the territory fell victim to a deadly Israeli strike on Thursday morning. 

Two persons are reported to have been killed and a number of other others seriously injured within the strike on the Holy Family Catholic Parish. Among the injured was parish priest Fr Gabriel Romanelli.

The church has been a shelter for lots of of Christians and others in search of refuge from the conflict with Israel. 

Before his death in April, the late Pope Francis had called the parish daily in an expression of solidarity. 

Following news of the strike on Thursday morning, Pope Leo sent a telegram to the parish saying he was “deeply saddened” by the lack of life and injury, and assuring them of his “spiritual closeness”. 

In the telegram, the Pope said he was praying “for the consolation of those that grieve and the recovery of the injured”. 

“His Holiness renews his call for an instantaneous ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace within the region,” the telegram said. 

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, has condemned the “appalling” attack and said that he stands “in solidarity” with Fr Romanelli and everybody sheltering within the church, which also includes Muslims. 

“For twenty months, the Church of the Holy Family has managed to be a spot of sanctuary and spiritual support amidst the horrors of war, feeding and protecting lots of of individuals,” he said. 

“I add my voice to Pope Leo’s call for a return of hostages, and an instantaneous ceasefire to finish the suffering in Gaza and produce peace to the region. I encourage you, in your homes and parishes, to wish for peace and an end to this war.”

In April, Fr Romanelli said that around half of the 1,000 Christians remaining in Gaza were sheltering in his church. 

Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need on the time, he described a situation of “extreme poverty” but said that despite the difficult circumstances, everyone sheltering within the church felt “lucky” to be alive.