Pope Leo XIV has expressed sorrow over an Israeli military strike that hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, resulting in the deaths of two people.
The pontiff reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire as violence continues to ravage the region.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the attack struck the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, claiming two lives.
Israeli authorities, while acknowledging the incident, stated they “never target” religious sites and have launched an investigation into what transpired.
In a telegram conveyed on Thursday by the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Pope Leo XIV conveyed his grief over the incident.
“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 message read.
The pope also called once again for an end to hostilities. “Leo 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. Notably, the statement made no direct reference to Israel.
Gaza’s Christian community makes up a small minority of the region’s over two million residents, with roughly 1,000 Christians living in the enclave.
The majority are Orthodox, but around 135 are Catholics, according to the Latin Patriarchate.
The incident at the church coincided with other deadly strikes reported across the Gaza Strip.
The territory’s civil defence agency said at least 20 more people were killed in separate Israeli attacks on Thursday.
