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The Journal
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Young man injured in Israeli attack on Catholic church in Gaza says ‘love is stronger than war'
A YOUNG MAN who was seriously injured in an Israeli attack on Gaza's only Catholic parish has said he hopes he can 'start his life again after the attack'. On Thursday, an Israeli tank attacked the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, which the late Pope Francis called daily. Over 600 people, both Christians and Muslims, are sheltered in the parish within its church and school – the majority are children and 54 have additional needs. Image of the damaged Holy Family Catholic church in Gaza Three people were killed and ten others were injured in the attack, including the parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. Suhail Abo Dawood, a young Catholic student from Gaza, was also seriously injured. From Gaza, he contributes to L'Osservatore Romano with his column: 'I write to you from Gaza.' L'Osservatore Romano is the daily newspaper of Vatican City. His most recent column on 8 July was titled 'Love Is Stronger Than War'. In a video message from his hospital bed, he repeated this message to L'Osservatore Romano's Jerusalem correspondent, Roberto Cetera. Suhail is a young Catholic student from Gaza, seriously wounded in the Israeli attack on the Holy Family parish on Thursday. He writes a column for L'Osservatore Romano, the Holy See's newspaper. Although Suhail sustained shrapnel wounds to his internal organs during… — Vatican News (@VaticanNews) July 19, 2025 He sustained shrapnel wounds to his internal organs during Thursday's attack, but the shrapnel has now been removed and his condition has improved. He said he is feeling 'much better than yesterday' and thanked people for their prayers and messages. 'I hope I can start my life again and continue my vocation in Italy.' He added: 'As always, love is stronger than war.' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret for the deaths, which he blamed on a 'stray' round after a phone call with US President Donald Trump. Advertisement However, the top Catholic official in the Middle East questioned whether is was a mistake. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, told Vatican News the IDF claimed that the strike by a tank was 'by mistake'. However, he added: 'We are not sure about this, they hit the church directly.' Catholic media outlet The Pillar reports that a tank was allegedly involved in the attack, and reporters in Gaza have reported that a drone strike had also taken place. Cardinal Pizzaballa told The Pillar that he is 'not sure' whether the attack was entirely accidental. In a social media post, Israel claimed it 'never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site or to uninvolved civilians'. Cardinal Pizzaballa also said the church compound had been a 'sanctuary' where people hoped to escape the 'horrors of the war'. El párroco argentino Gabriel Romanelli fue herido luego de que atacaran la iglesia Sagrada Familia en Gaza. El bombardeo dejó a dos muertos y cuatro heridos. 📹 Vía: @CatholicArena — Corta (@somoscorta) July 17, 2025 Yesterday, he brought with tonnes of food aid, first aid kits and medical equipment for the Holy Family Church community and other families in need. He also assisted in evacuating people injured in the attack. Pope Leo XIV spoke to Netanyahu on the phone yesterday morning and is said to have 'repeated his appeal for a renewed push for negotiations, a ceasefire and an end to the war'. 'He again expressed his concern about the tragic humanitarian situation for the population of Gaza, whose children, elderly and sick are paying an agonising price,' said the Holy See press office. The late Pope Francis had been in daily contact with the Holy Family Church since 9 October, 2023, two days after the bombings began in Gaza. Francis continued to hold these calls during his extensive hospitalisation prior to his death in April. The late pontiff described the parish community as 'very courageous' and he used his final public address to call for an end to the 'deplorable humanitarian situation' in Gaza. Francis also described some Israeli actions in Gaza as 'terrorism' in his memoir. Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 58,765 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Middle East cardinal visits and brings aid to Gaza's Catholic church day after Israeli attack
A CARDINAL BASED in the Middle East has visited the only Catholic church in Gaza, which was serving as a safe sanctuary for Christians and Muslims, one day after three people were killed following an Israeli attack on the parish. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, also brought with tonnes of food aid, first aid kits and medical equipment for the Holy Family Church community and other families in need. Extensive damage has been caused to the church and the attack resulted in dozens being injured, including the parish priest Fr Gabriel Romanelli – who the late Pope Francis used to call every day before his death. The body of a victim is brought to a local hospital following the attack yesterday. Alamy Alamy Pope Leo XIV has today spoken with Pizzaballa. They have both strongly condemned Israel's attack and called for an immediate ceasefire between is the Israeli defence forces and militant group Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said an investigation into the incident is underway, adding: 'Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza's Holy Family Church.' Advertisement Catholic media outlet The Pillar reports that a tank was allegedly involved in the attack, and reporters in Gaza have reported that a drone strike had also taken place. Cardinal Pissaballa told the Pillar that he is 'not sure' whether the attack was entirely accidental. Leo yesterday expressed 'deep sorrow for the loss of life and injuries caused by the attack'. He also expressed 'spiritual closeness' to Fr Romanelli and to the entire parish community. The Holy Family Catholic Church is the only parish in Gaza and was providing shelter to over 600 Christians and Muslims. Alamy, file Alamy, file Over 600 people, both Christians and Muslims, were seeking shelter from Israel's war on Gaza in the parish, within its church and school. The attack happened yesterday morning at 10.20am local time (8.20am Irish time). The late Pope Francis had been in daily contact with the Holy Family Church since 9 October 2023, two days after the bombings began in Gaza. He continued to hold these calls during his extensive hospitalisation prior to his death in April. The late pontiff described the parish community as 'very courageous' and used his final public address to call for an end to the 'deplorable humanitarian situation' in Gaza. Francis also described some of Israel's actions in Gaza as 'terrorism' in his memoir. Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 58,573 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in Gaza. With reporting by Diarmuid Pepper Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pope Leo XIV: First American Pope raises questions about whether he must pay taxes
The Brief The United States taxes its citizens living abroad, including foreign-based income. The Pope is entitled to a monthly stipend up to $33,000, totaling almost $400,000, annually. His tax liability could exceed $135,000. HOUSTON - Pope Leo XIV will be officially inaugurated in a special mass at the Vatican on Sunday. A conversation of curiosity has grown, since the election of the first American Pope, over whether he has to pay taxes. While almost all of the pontiff's needs will be taken care of by the church, he is entitled to a salary of up to $33,000 a month, totaling almost $400,000 a year. Fortune magazine estimates such an income could mean a tax bill of more that $135,000. The IRS has no blanket exception for religious personnel, nor for people who are diplomats or heads of state for foreign countries such as the Vatican. The last three popes all declined their monthly stipend, and as a member of the Augustinian order, Pope Leo did take an oath of poverty and could defer the money to them. As he remains an American citizen, U.S. taw law suggests the Pope would have to file a tax return if he collects any of the stipend. Since this is uncharted territory, prevailing expectation leans toward the I.R.S. privately addressing the question, or Congress passing a law that outlines the tax situation for the Pope. The Source Fortune Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, The Pillar
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Popes Can Choose Any Name They Want. Here's Why Peter Is Always Skipped
When Robert Francis Prevost stepped out on the balcony as Pope Leo XIV, he reintroduced himself to the world. But how did he choose his regnal name? 'There are very few rules for the man at the top, so they're allowed to choose what they want,' Joshua McManaway, who teaches about the history of the Papacy, told The Pillar. However, no pope choses the name 'Peter,' out of respect for Saint Peter the Apostle, the first pope. 'I suspect it is humility or perhaps even because one does not want to compare oneself to the one pope we know Christ chose himself. That may be a bridge too far!' McManaway added. 'It is an unwritten rule; it would be fair game. But I think anyone would cause great scandal if they chose Peter II.' However, he clarifies, 'Paul is safe. You're allowed to chose Paul.' For five centuries, popes didn't change their name upon being elected pope; instead, they kept their birth name. Starting in 533, however, a priest named Mercurius decided to change his name to Pope John II, likely not wanting a name associated with a Roman god. That said, popes choosing a regnal name didn't become tradition until the 11th century, and Pope Marcellus II in 1555 officially became the last pope to keep his birth name. Papal regnal names often have historical significance. 'Linking to the names of previous popes who weathered crises, inspired reform, or were incredibly popular can often, although not always, play a role in the choosing of a name,' Liam Temple, assistant professor in the history of Catholicism at the Centre for Catholic Studies at Durham University, told CNN. Pope Francis, for example, chose to honor Saint Francis of Assisi. Pope Benedict XVI, meanwhile, chose his name in honor of Saint Benedict and Pope Benedict XV. Throughout history, there have been a few common pope names: John (21 popes), Gregory (16), Benedict (15), Clement (14), and Innocent (13). Leo is also a popular choice, now having been selected by 14 pontiffs. In contrast, there have been 44 papal names used only once—including Francis, who was the first uniquely named pope in over 1,000 years. You Might Also Like Nicole Richie's Surprising Adoption Story The Story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Her Mother Queen Camilla's Life in Photos
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
New Pope Leo XIV accused of ‘looking the other way' over sex abuse allegations against priests in Chicago & Peru
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) POPE Leo XIV has been accused of "looking the other way" over sexual abuse claims against several Catholic priests he worked with. The historic first ever American Pope, whose real name is Robert Prevost, is already facing serious scrutiny by survivors' groups over how he responded to three accusations in the past. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 New Pope Leo XIV addresses crowds at the Vatican after being elected on Thursday Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 Prevost is accused of allowing priest Father James Ray to live in his friary despite the man facing allegations of sexually abusing minors Credit: 9 Prevost became the first American pope in history as Catholics cheered on from the Vatican Prevost, 69, has served the Catholic Church for decades with his work taking him across the world from his native Chicago to a seminary in Peru. But during his time as an ordained priest he is accused of looking the other way when allegations of abuse in the US and South America were uncovered. Prevost allegedly ignored sick accusations that Augustinian priest Father James Ray sexually abused minors in the years before the pair worked together in Chicago, the survivors' group claims. Ray was allowed to live at the St. John Stone Friary in Hyde Park despite him being removed from ministering to the public nine years earlier. read more in the new Pope THE CHOSEN ONE How maths whizz from Chicago Robert Prevost rose to become Pope The friary sat just half a block away from an elementary school at the time. The latest on Pope Leo XIV... Cardinal Robert Prevost elected Pope Inside the life of the first ever American Pope Donald Trump congratulates Prevost JD Vance makes peace offering to new Pope after 'anti-MAGA' tweets It is alleged that Prevost refused to notify heads at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic school of Ray's past, reports Will County Gazette. The priest was later relocated away from the school under new rules which aimed to keep those accused of abuse as far away from children as they could. Two further priests in Peru also faced accusations of sexual abuse under Prevost's watch, it is claimed. Prevost was hit with criticism over how he dealt with the allegations as he was the head of the Diocese of Chiclayo where the men worked between 2014 to 2023. Catholic news outlet The Pillar investigated the claims in 2022 and say they believe the church should have handled allegations by three sisters against a father at Diocese of Chiclayo better. President Trump is honored by new American Pope Allegations were later made against a separate priest at the same South American church, The Pillar reported. The alleged victims claimed in a statement the Diocese downplayed details and documentation around their allegations. They claim they were told that the probe "was shelved for lack of evidence and because the statute of limitations had expired", according to The Pillar. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), laid blame on Prevost for not having opened a formal church investigation into the claims himself. Lopez de Casas, a child victim of abuse by a Texas priest and national vice president of SNAP, has now blasted the newly-elected Pope after his election. He told MailOnline: "You can't cover up sexual abuse and be a good priest. "Staying silent is a sin. It's not what God wants us to do. "Jesus wants us to stop these things, not make a heathy garden for sexual abuse to grow." 9 SNAP and other survivors' groups said they laid out all of the information they had found on Prevost to the cardinals taking part in the Conclave Credit: Getty 9 Prevost chose the name Pope Leo XIV Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 9 A young Robert Prevost at the start of his budding career within the Catholic church Credit: Reuters 9 SNAP and other survivors' groups said they laid out all of the information they had found on Prevost to the cardinals taking part in the Conclave. They also wrote a letter to the Vatican slamming what it described as Prevost's inaction in Peru and Chicago. De Casas added: "He was high on our watchlist at SNAP to make sure he was not selected for pope." But on Thursday evening, Prevost became Pope Leo XIV after less than 25 hours of voting in the Sistine Chapel. The dark horse beat odds of 66/1 to become God's messenger on Earth before being unveiled to crowds of the faithful in Rome. Despite being disappointed in the result, de Casas says he hopes it will only help to further highlight sexual abuse scandals which have rocked the Catholic Church for decades. Who is new American Pope Robert Prevost? PREVOST was born in Chicago in 1955 to immigrant parents of French, Italian and Spanish descent. After graduating from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with a degree in maths, the future pontiff joined the Order of St Augustine, taking his vows in 1978. Ordained as a priest in 1982, he joined a mission in Peru where he spent many years heading up a seminary. Returning to the US in 1999, he then met controversy when he allowed alleged child abuser Father James Ray to reside at a friary in Chicago. He was made archbishop in 2023 and within a few months he was promoted to the cardinal by late Pope Francis. Overall, the new pope is considered a centrist, however, on many social issues he has been hailed as progressive. He has been seen to advocated for marginalized groups as the Francis did. But Pope Leo XIV has opposed ordaining women as deacons, which has made him seen as conservative on church doctrine. The multi-talented Catholic Church head can also speak English, Spanish, Italian, French and Portuguese - and can even read Latin and German. The SNAP vice president said: "For them to chose a cardinal who has hidden sexual abuse and is American only means that this person will be scrutinised from left to right. "That's helpful for victims everywhere because we have this pope who will be under the public eye in terms of things he was involved with in the past." It comes just weeks after a top lawyer for Catholic Church sex abuse survivors told The Sun he has no hope of finding justice in whoever is nominated to lead the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis. Francis took steps to place a spotlight on clergy child sex abuse cases that have been a stain on the Catholic Church for decades. But following his tragic passing, their are now fears that the systemic issues may be played off. Boston-based attorney Mitchell Garabedian told The U.S. Sun: "The Catholic Church has not changed its ways in preventing child abuse or helping survivors trying to heal. "Survivors do not have much faith in the Catholic Church all of a sudden changing. He added: "I think many survivors feel as though the church never cared about survivors and never will." 9 Prevost with late former Pope Benedict XVI Credit: Reuters
