Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, IVE, of Holy Family Parish, spoke to Pope Leo XIV over the phone and shared images of the first day of the Israeli army's ground offensive in Gaza.
The pastor of the only Catholic parish in Gaza shared photos and videos on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 16 and 17, showing the aftermath of the first days of the Israeli army's ground offensive in the city.
"Some images from West Gaza City. Today 16.9.2025. Let us pray for Peace," said an Instagram post from Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, IVE. The post was originally captioned in Spanish and Arabic and was translated by Aleteia.
The images showed clouds of smoke and buildings reduced to rubble.
The day before the invasion began, Romanelli shared a video on X, formerly known as Twitter, of a service from the inside of his parish. Toward the end of the video, the sound of a bomb could be heard nearby.
"Pray for peace," said Romanelli. Another similar video was posted Wednesday, showing the service continue despite the sound of explosions.
Gaza invasion begins
Around 11 p.m. on Monday, September 15, the Israeli army began its invasion of Gaza City. Media in the Gaza Strip reported there were 37 attacks in the first 20 minutes, and much of the population of northwestern Gaza City left the area, said Vatican News.
Tuesday morning, Fr. Romanelli told Pope Leo XIV that the parish "continues to assist the approximately 450 people who have taken refuge there and those who turn to them, distributing meals and water and keeping the internal pharmacy open." The conversation was recounted by Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See's press office.
Fr. Romanelli additionally confirmed “the oratory also continues its activities, serving children and young people and providing assistance to the elderly and sick, despite the escalating conflict.”
Pope Leo assured the priest that he would continue to pray for Holy Family's parishioners and those who have turned to the parish for help, said Bruni.
Fr. Romanelli and Pope Leo previously spoke on the phone last week. In that call, Fr. Romanelli described his community as “between bombings and blessings.”
Earlier in September, leaders of the Orthodox and Catholic communities in Gaza confirmed they would not be able to comply with the evacuation order ahead of the invasion. Members of their communities, particularly those who are unable to evacuate due to medical reasons or age, meant they had to stay, they said.
In July, Holy Family Parish was hit by a shell and was damaged. Three people who were sheltering at the church were killed and several, including Romanelli, were injured.
The Israeli army later said that the church was not targeted and was hit by mistake.
