Pope renews call for ceasefire in Gaza
Damage can be seen next to the cross on the roof of the Holy Family Church in Gaza after it was hit in an attack July 17, 2025. (CNS photo/courtesy Aid to the Church in Need, UK)
VATICAN: Pope Leo XIV has renewed his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following a deadly Israeli military strike on the Holy Family Catholic parish — the only Catholic church in the war-torn enclave. The attack, which left at least three people dead and several others wounded, including parish priest Fr Gabriel Romanelli, has drawn widespread condemnation from the Catholic Church.In a telegram sent on behalf of the Holy Father by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and injuries caused by the attack. He extended his spiritual closeness to the wounded, especially Fr Romanelli, and to the entire parish community.The Pope commended the souls of the deceased to 'the loving mercy of Almighty God,' offered prayers for the recovery of the injured, and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families. 'The Holy Father renews his appeal for an immediate ceasefire,' the telegram stated, 'and expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region.'The Holy Family Church compound in Gaza, which currently shelters around 500 displaced Christians, was struck on the morning of July 17 by what the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim was a tank shell fired in error. However, Church officials remain sceptical.Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, confirmed in an interview with Vatican News that the church was directly hit, resulting in serious casualties. 'There are four people seriously wounded,' he said, 'and among these, two are in very critical condition.' He added that Fr Romanelli, though lightly injured, was inside the church during the attack.Communication with Gaza remains difficult, complicating efforts to obtain precise details about the incident. However, the Patriarch stressed that the church will continue to stand by the community. 'We will never leave them alone,' he affirmed, adding that efforts are underway to ensure protection for civilians and sacred spaces alike.The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a strong statement condemning the raid, describing it as part of a wider tragedy engulfing Gaza. 'This targeting of innocent civilians and a sacred place is humanly and morally unjustified,' the statement read. 'This tragedy is not greater or more terrible than the many others that have befallen Gaza. Death, suffering, and destruction are everywhere.'Appealing to world leaders, the Patriarchate called for urgent international action to end the violence. 'The time has come for leaders to raise their voices and to do all that is necessary to stop this tragedy,' it said. 'This horrific war must come to a complete end, so that we may commence the long work of restoring human dignity.'
Since the outbreak of war on Oct 7, 2023, over 60,200 people have been reported killed, including more than 58,000 Palestinians and nearly 2,000 Israelis, according to figures from the Gaza Health Ministry.' --Vatican News
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