Pope Leo XIV spoke with Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Friday, emphasizing the need to protect places of worship in the wake of an Israeli military strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, which claimed three lives.
According to the Vatican, the call was initiated by Netanyahu a day after the attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza City sparked international condemnation.
The pontiff, who spoke from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, renewed his call for peace and highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Palestinian enclave.
“During the conversation, the Holy Father renewed his appeal to revive negotiations and reach a ceasefire and the end of the war,” the Vatican said.
The pope also voiced his deep concern over the ongoing suffering in Gaza, particularly among the most vulnerable.
“He once again expressed his concern for the dramatic humanitarian situation of the population in Gaza, whose heartbreaking toll is borne particularly by children, the elderly and the sick.
“Finally, the Holy Father reiterated the urgency of protecting places of worship and especially the faithful and all people in Palestine and Israel,” the statement added.
Netanyahu, while expressing Israel’s “deep regret” over the incident, described it as the result of a “stray round.” He echoed this sentiment in the call with Pope Leo XIV.
A spokesperson for the Israeli leader described the exchange as “friendly” and noted that both leaders agreed to meet in the near future.
