Pope Leo XIV said on Thursday he was deeply saddened by an Israeli strike that hit a church in Gaza, killing two people, and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported that an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church — Gaza’s only Catholic church — resulted in two deaths. Israel stated it never targets religious sites and is investigating the incident in Gaza City.
A telegram sent by the Vatican’s secretary of state in the pope’s name read, “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza.”
The telegram further stated, “Leo renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”
The message did not mention Israel by name.
Out of Gaza’s population of over two million, about 1,000 are Christians. Most are Orthodox, but according to the Latin Patriarchate, approximately 135 are Catholics.
The deaths at the church compound occurred as Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 20 people killed in other Israeli strikes across the Palestinian territory.
— AFP
