Vatican City: In the wake of a violent assault on the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, Pope Leo XIV has once again called for an “immediate ceasefire” and renewed appeals for lasting peace in the war-torn region.
The Holy Father conveyed his message through a telegram sent by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, expressing his heartfelt sorrow over the recent incident in which several individuals, including parish priest Fr Gabriel Romanelli, were seriously injured during an Israeli military strike.
In the message, Pope Leo XIV extended his spiritual closeness to Fr Romanelli and the entire parish community, deeply mourning the loss of life and praying for the swift recovery of the wounded. He commended the deceased to the “merciful embrace of Almighty God” and offered words of comfort to those grieving the tragedy.
The Pope also reiterated his enduring hope for peace in the Holy Land, urging all parties to engage in dialogue and reconciliation. His appeal underlined the need for an end to hostilities and the beginning of a sustainable peace process in the region.
Since the escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 60,200 lives have been lost with 58,313 Palestinians and 1,983 Israelis confirmed dead.