Pope Leo Calls For Ceasefire After Israel Attacks Gaza Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV/DOK PHOTO via Instagram @pontifex

JAKARTA - Pope Leo XIV has again called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip. Israeli attacks damaged the Catholic church building in 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 as reported by ANTARA from Anadolu, Thursday, July 17.

In its deadly attack on the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers have bombed several places of worship, including Gaza Baptist Church and Greek Orthodox Church Santo Porphyriius, the oldest church in the Gaza Strip and the third oldest in the world.

The Kudus Family Church is the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, which has accommodated many Palestinian Christians and Muslims who have been displaced since October 2023.