LONDON, GAZA and ROME — Two people were killed as the Holy Family Church, a Catholic church in Gaza, was damaged by “an apparent strike by the Israeli army” on Thursday, said the parish and the Vatican, which issued a response from Pope Leo the XIV.
“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,” the Vatican press office said in a statement.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, the local priest, was injured along with “several” others, said the church, which is the only Catholic parish in Gaza.
“With deep sorrow the Latin Patriarchate can now confirm that two persons were killed as a result of an apparent strike by the Israeli army that hit the Holy Family Compound this morning,” the church said in a statement. “We pray for the rest of their souls and for the end of this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians.”
The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that it was “aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and casualties at the scene. The circumstances of the incident are under review.”
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The IDF statement added, “The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them.”
The Vatican in its statement said the pope assured Romanelli “and the whole parish community of his spiritual closeness.”
“In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of almighty God, the Holy Father prays for the consolation of those who grieve and for the recovery of the injured,” the Vatican said.
The statement added, “His holiness renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”