Pope Leo XIV expressed profound sadness following an Israeli strike that resulted in the deaths of two individuals at Gaza’s only Catholic church on March 14, 2024. The attack on the Holy Family Church, which serves the enclave’s small Christian community, has sparked international concern and condemnation.
In a telegram issued from the Vatican, the Pope described the incident as a “military attack.” The Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, added that the Pope commended the souls of the deceased to God’s mercy and offered prayers for those mourning and for the recovery of the injured. The two victims were identified as Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh and Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The strike occurred on the morning of March 14, when the church was reportedly hit directly by Israeli military fire. Several others were injured in the incident, including Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, who has served in Gaza for nearly 30 years. The Latin Patriarchate condemned the attack, asserting that “nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians.”
Damage and Historical Context
Images verified by various sources showed significant damage to the Holy Family Church, which has provided refuge to the Christian community in Gaza. Despite the destruction, the crucifix atop the church remained intact. The church had previously faced violence; in December 2023, two women sheltering inside were killed by an Israeli sniper.
The church is known for its connection to the late Pope Francis, who maintained regular communication with the parish since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023. Before this escalation, approximately 1,000 Christians resided in Gaza, which is predominantly Muslim.
The Israeli military acknowledged the incident, stating it was “aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City” and confirmed that the circumstances of the attack were under investigation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized their commitment to minimizing harm to civilians and religious sites.
Ceasefire Negotiations Continue
As humanitarian concerns grow, ceasefire negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza remain ongoing. Palestinian officials report that over 58,000 individuals have lost their lives since the beginning of the conflict. Negotiators are exploring potential compromises, including Israel’s possible flexibility regarding troop withdrawal from the Morag Corridor, a strategically significant area in southern Gaza.
This corridor was established by Israeli forces in April 2023 to exert pressure on Hamas. Discussions about a ceasefire have gained momentum recently, particularly following a breakthrough in a brief Israel-Iran conflict. However, despite days of negotiations, a definitive agreement has yet to be reached.
The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, with the Pope’s call for an immediate ceasefire resonating with many who seek an end to the violence and suffering in the region.