Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep sorrow over the Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church that killed two people, calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace in the region.
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday expressed sorrow over an Israeli strike that hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza, killing two people. In a telegram from the Vatican’s secretary of state, the pope was said to be “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza.”
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed the deaths, while Israel said it does not target religious sites and is investigating. The telegram added that Leo “renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”
Only about 135 Catholics remain among Gaza’s population of over two million.