A mid-morning strike in Gaza this July 17 struck the only Catholic parish in the Strip. A follow-up statement from the Latin Patriarchate today confirmed that three were killed in the attack and another nine were injured, three gravely. As well, the parish priest sustained a slight injury.
Caritas Jerusalem gave details on the attack shortly afterward:
The explosion occurred near the cross on the church roof, scattering shrapnel and debris across the yard. At the time, some individuals were outside the main building, including two elderly women who were sitting inside our Caritas psychosocial support tent. Both were severely wounded and were transported by ambulance to Al-Ahli Hospital after a 15-minute delay.
Three young people who had been standing at the entrance of the church were also badly injured and were rushed to the hospital using private vehicles due to the urgency of the situation. Several others sustained minor injuries, including cuts that required stitches.
Pope Leo urges ceasefire
Shortly after the attack, Pope Leo sent a message of condolences through his Secretary of State.
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 Catholic Church in Gaza, and he assures the parish priest, Father Gabriele 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.
His Holiness renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region.
Horrific war must end
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem extends to Latin Catholics living in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus. It is currently led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
The statement from the Patriarchate insisted: "This horrific war must come to a complete end — so that we may commence the long work of restoring human dignity."
The Church leaders also reflected:
The Latin Patriarchate strongly condemns this tragedy and this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place. However, this tragedy is not greater or more terrible than the many others that have befallen Gaza. Many other innocent civilians have also been harmed, displaced and killed. Death, suffering and destruction are everywhere.
The president of the US bishops released a statement echoing the Holy Father.
With the Holy Father, the Catholic bishops of the United States are deeply saddened to learn about the deaths and injuries at Holy Family Church in Gaza caused by a military strike. Our first concern, naturally, goes out to Father Gabriele Romanelli and all his parishioners, most especially to the families of those killed. Our prayers are for them during these tragic times. With the Holy Father, we also continue to pray and advocate for dialogue and an immediate ceasefire. Yesterday was the memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, through her intercession, may there be peace in Gaza.
Read Aleteia's initial report here.
Here is the message released some hours after the attack by the Patriarchate.
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This morning, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the Compound of the Holy Family in Gaza, belonging to the Latin Patriarchate, was struck by the Israeli army. As of this hour, three individuals lost their lives as a result of the injuries sustained and nine others were wounded, including one in critical condition and two in serious condition. The community’s parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, sustained light injuries.
The people in the Holy Family Compund are people who found in the Church a sanctuary — hoping that the horrors of war might at least spare their lives, after their homes, possessions, and dignity had already been stripped away. On behalf of the entire Church of the Holy Land, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and from here, we offer our prayers for the swift and full recovery of the wounded.
The Holy Father has conveyed his own heartfelt condolences, his solidarity with them, and his prayers on their behalf.
The Latin Patriarchate strongly condemns this tragedy and this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place. However, this tragedy is not greater or more terrible than the many others that have befallen Gaza. Many other innocent civilians have also been harmed, displaced and killed. Death, suffering and destruction are everywhere.
The time has come for leaders to raise their voices and to do all what is necessary in order to stop this tragedy which is humanly and morally, unjustified.
This horrific war must come to a complete end — so that we may commence the long work of restoring human dignity.
We embrace all those in the compound and stand with them in this painful hour, as they bury members of the community. We express our gratitude to all those who are sharing their condolences and sympathy with the Patriarchate and the church.
We will continue to stand by the side of the community of Gaza and do all that what is within our power to support them.
May the souls of the victims rest in eternal peace and may the Lord grant you all His Peace.
