Israeli strike hits Gaza’s sole Catholic church, killing two and injuring priest; Pope Francis urges ceasefire

GAZA CITY, July 18 — A suspected Israeli airstrike hit Gaza’s only Catholic church on Thursday, killing two people and injuring several others, according to a statement by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

The Patriarchate said the Holy Family Compound was struck in the morning, resulting in two fatalities. A separate statement from the Holy Family Church confirmed multiple injuries, with some victims reported to be in critical condition.

Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow over the incident and renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire. In a telegram conveyed through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope shared his “profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace in the region.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged reports of damage to the Holy Family Church and casualties, stating that the circumstances were being investigated. The IDF added that it "takes all feasible precautions to avoid harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure, including places of worship," and regretted any such damage.

Israel’s foreign ministry echoed this sentiment on social media, asserting that the country does not intentionally target religious sites and promising to publish the findings of its investigation.

The Latin Patriarchate also reported that Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the church, was among those injured. An Argentine national known for keeping the late Pope Francis informed about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Father Romanelli sustained minor injuries and was seen in hospital with a bandaged leg but able to walk.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the incident, directly blaming Israel for the strike.

“Israel’s repeated attacks on civilians over the past months are unacceptable. No military justification can excuse such actions,” she said in a statement. — Reuters