nnAn Israeli military strike hit Gaza’s only Catholic church today, killing three civilians and injuring several others including parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sadness through Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, who called the incident a ‘military attack’ and offered prayers for victims. The Holy Family Church in Gaza City, which shelters the enclave’s small Christian community, suffered significant damage in the attack. Israel’s military acknowledged reports of casualties at the religious site and stated the incident is under review. The Pope renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire while Gaza’s death toll surpasses 58,000 people since the war began.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/17/middleeast/pope-leo-israel-strike-gaza-church-intl