Castel Gandolfo: In a heartfelt appeal following the Sunday Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV condemned the deadly strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, describing it as part of a relentless wave of violence targeting civilians and sacred spaces. The pontiff called for an immediate end to what he termed “barbarity” in the war-torn region.
Addressing the faithful from his summer residence, the Pope expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of three civilians Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, and Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud who were killed when the church, sheltering around 600 displaced Gazans, was hit during an Israeli assault. Parish priest Fr. Gabriel Romanelli was among the injured.
Pope Leo emphasized that the bombing of the Holy Family Church was not an isolated incident but emblematic of the ongoing and indiscriminate assaults on Gaza’s population and religious sites. “This violence must stop,” he declared, urging an immediate ceasefire and calling on global leaders to ensure respect for international humanitarian law.
He also reiterated the importance of protecting civilians, denouncing collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of people. “The international community has a moral obligation to defend human dignity and preserve sacred spaces,” he stressed.
Turning his thoughts to the Christian communities in the Middle East, the Pope acknowledged their feelings of helplessness amid the escalating crisis. “You are not alone,” he said. “The Pope and the entire Church carry you in their hearts. Thank you for standing firm in your faith.”
Earlier that day, Pope Leo also spoke with reporters after celebrating Mass in Albano, expressing his deep concern over the growing toll of war across the globe. “The world is weary of conflict,” he said. “There are too many wars, too much suffering.”
He confirmed a recent phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he appealed for a renewed commitment to dialogue and peace. The Pope urged the Israeli leader to prioritize the protection of religious sites and the innocent lives affected by the conflict. “We must move beyond hatred and violence,” Pope Leo concluded, “and return to paths of peace.”