Castel Gandolfo: Following a devastating Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, Pope Leo XIV held a critical phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, strongly urging an immediate ceasefire and greater protection for civilians and places of worship in the war-torn region.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the Pope, speaking from his residence in Castel Gandolfo, conveyed deep sorrow over the attack that claimed three lives and injured ten, including parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. The strike targeted the only Catholic church in Gaza, intensifying international outcry over the escalating civilian toll.
“During the conversation, the Holy Father repeated his appeal for a renewed push for negotiations, a ceasefire, and an end to the war,” the Vatican stated. He emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian relief and the moral imperative to shield sacred spaces and innocent lives from violence.
Pope Leo also expressed profound concern for the suffering of Gaza’s civilian population especially children, the elderly, and the infirm who continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. “The situation is agonizing and untenable,” he reportedly told Netanyahu, calling for immediate steps to halt further bloodshed.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem echoed the Pope’s call in a separate statement, condemning the attack and urging global leaders to act decisively. “This tragedy is humanly and morally unjustifiable,” said the statement, demanding stronger efforts to uphold international law and the sanctity of religious sites.
As global appeals for peace grow louder, Pope Leo’s intervention marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate one of the deadliest chapters in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.