Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow following a deadly strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church compound in Gaza, which killed three people and injured ten others, including the parish priest. The Holy Father’s message of solidarity and grief was conveyed in a telegram signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, sent shortly after the July 17 attack.
“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,” the telegram read. “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.”
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed that the parish compound was struck by the Israeli army at approximately 10:20 a.m. local time. As of that afternoon, three people had died from their injuries, and ten others were wounded—one in critical condition and two seriously hurt. Father Romanelli, who was a close friend of the late Pope Francis, sustained light injuries.
“The people in the Holy Family compound 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,” read the Patriarchate’s statement.
On behalf of the Church in the Holy Land, the Patriarchate extended “our deepest condolences to the bereaved families” and offered “prayers for the swift and full recovery of the wounded.”
The Latin Patriarchate strongly condemned what it called “this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place,” adding: “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.”
In a moving appeal, the statement concluded: “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.”
Videos circulating online showed damage to the compound, including bloodstains, debris, and injuries to vulnerable members of the community. According to Caritas Jerusalem, those killed included the parish’s 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman receiving psychosocial support in a Caritas tent set up within the church grounds.
The compound had been sheltering both Christians and Muslims, including children and people with disabilities. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported that 600 people were taking refuge there, including 54 with disabilities.
Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa said publicly: “What we know for sure is that a tank — the IDF says by mistake, but we are not sure about this — hit the Church directly, the Church of the Holy Family, the Latin Church.”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged the incident and said it was under investigation. In a rare public apology, Israel’s Foreign Ministry said: “Israel expresses deep sorrow over the damage to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and over any civilian casualty.”
Holy Family Parish is the spiritual home of Gaza’s small Catholic community and has served as a place of refuge throughout the conflict. The Latin Patriarchate concluded its statement by affirming: “We will continue to stand by the side of the community of Gaza and do all that 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.”
