Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Calls Pope Leo After Attack On Gaza Church

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Pope Leo on Friday, a day after Israel's attack on the only Catholic church in Gaza killed three people and injured several others.

In a phone call, the Pope again called for a ceasefire and ended the war in Gaza, as well as expressed concern over the "dramatic" humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories.

The Vatican said in a statement reported by Reuters on Friday, July 18, explaining Pope Leo also stressed the urgent need to protect places of worship, believers, and everyone in the Palestinian and Israeli territories.

In a written statement following Israel's attack on Gaza's church on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV again called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip.

Israel's attack damaged the Catholic church building on the Gaza Strip and injured a number of people.

The Pope expressed his deep hopes for dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace in the region following an Israeli attack on the Catholic church that houses civilians.

The request was submitted in a telegram signed by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, after the Kudus Family Church in Gaza was attacked by the Israeli military.

The Pope said he was "deeply saddened" by the attack on the parish, which has provided shelter for more than 500 people since the start of the war.

Among those injured was the parish priest, Pastor Gabriel Romanelli, who suffered minor leg injuries and was hospitalized at Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City.

The Pope directly greeted Father Romanelli on the telegram, convincing him of his "spiritual closeness" and delivering prayers to the entire parish community.

"Trust the souls of those who have died to the mercy of God Almighty," the Pope said, praying "for comfort to those who mourn and for healing for those who are injured.