Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sorrow over an Israeli military strike that hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
The pontiff, speaking through a message conveyed by the Vatican’s secretary of state, called for an “immediate ceasefire” and reaffirmed his desire for peace through dialogue and reconciliation in the war-torn region.
The strike targeted the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, a sacred place of worship for the region’s Catholic minority. According to a statement released by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the attack led to the tragic loss of two lives. Israel, in response, denied intentionally targeting religious sites and confirmed that an investigation was underway into the events that unfolded in the area.
The Vatican’s message, written on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, emphasized the gravity of the incident: “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza.” While the telegram refrained from naming Israel directly, it conveyed the pope’s unwavering commitment to ending the ongoing violence, stating that Leo “renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”
Gaza, with a population exceeding two million, is home to a small Christian minority estimated at around 1,000 people, most of whom are Orthodox Christians. Among them, approximately 135 identify as Catholics, as noted by the Latin Patriarchate.
The deaths at the church compound came amid a broader escalation of violence, with Gaza’s civil defence agency reporting that at least 20 additional people were killed across the territory in other Israeli airstrikes. The ongoing conflict continues to claim civilian lives, further intensifying international calls for restraint and humanitarian consideration.
The pope’s remarks add to a growing chorus of global concern over the humanitarian toll of the conflict. His call for peace serves not only as a moral appeal but also as a reminder of the need for dialogue and mutual understanding in a region long plagued by division and suffering.
What you should know
Pope Leo XIV’s response to the Gaza church strike underscores the Vatican’s call for peace amid rising casualties in the region.
The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, holds special significance for the small Christian community, now mourning two of their own.
