Pope Leo XIV on Thursday expressed his deep sadness following reports of an Israeli military strike on Gaza’s Holy Family Church, which killed two people, according to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The Holy Family Church, located in Gaza City, is the only Catholic church in the territory, home to a small community of about 135 Catholics amid over 2 million residents. The broader Christian population in Gaza numbers around 1,000, most of whom are Orthodox.
“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,” read a telegram issued by the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
The Vatican statement did not directly name Israel but reiterated the Pope’s appeal for peace.
“He renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region,” the telegram added.
The Israeli military, responding to the allegations, said it “never targets religious sites” and announced an investigation into the incident.
The tragic deaths at the church compound occurred amid a wider surge in Israeli airstrikes, with Gaza’s civil defence agency reporting at least 20 other fatalities in separate attacks across the territory on the same day.
This strike has further inflamed global concern over civilian casualties and damage to religious and humanitarian sites amid the ongoing conflict.
Pope Leo XIV has been a vocal advocate for peace in the Middle East, calling repeatedly for the protection of civilians and for both sides to pursue dialogue over violence.
