Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow following a tragic incident in Gaza City, where three people lost their lives after a shell struck the Holy Family Church. The victims had been seeking refuge inside the Catholic church compound, which has been sheltering many displaced Christian families since the start of the war.
The Pope conveyed his condolences through a message, describing his profound sadness over the loss of life and injuries. He assured the grieving parish community, including the lightly injured priest Father Gabriele Romanelli, of his closeness in prayer. He once again urged for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the urgent need for peace, reconciliation, and dialogue in the region.
Father Romanelli, visibly shaken, was seen tending to one of the injured at a nearby hospital after the strike. The explosion, believed to have been caused by a tank shell, caused severe damage to the church roof and scattered debris throughout the courtyard. At the time of the incident, several people were outside the main building, including two elderly women who were seated in a tent used for psychosocial support. They sustained critical injuries and were rushed to the hospital after a delay in emergency services.
Three young individuals standing near the church entrance were also seriously wounded. Despite desperate efforts to save them, three people ultimately died, with others still recovering from serious and critical injuries. Among those who lost their lives were Saad Salameh, a 60-year-old janitor, and 84-year-old Fumayya Ayyad.
Eyewitnesses shared that Father Romanelli had warned people to remain indoors due to the presence of nearby tanks and ongoing shelling. His caution likely prevented further tragedy, with some estimating that dozens more could have been killed had people been outside at the time.
The attack occurred in a part of Gaza where residents had previously been told to evacuate. At the time, around 600 displaced individuals, including children and people with special needs, were seeking safety inside the church compound.
Religious leaders and humanitarian organizations condemned the attack, describing it as a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life and sacred places. Many are calling for urgent international action to protect civilians and ensure that places of worship remain safe havens in times of conflict.
The recent escalation of violence continues to take a heavy toll. On the same day, over 20 people were reported killed across Gaza. Among the victims were men protecting aid trucks and families, including children, who died in other attacks.
The war in Gaza erupted after the events of October 2023, leading to tens of thousands of deaths and a humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold. As the region endures more suffering, the voices for peace, including that of the Pope, grow ever more urgent.