In a dramatic turn of diplomatic and religious tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to Pope Leo on Friday, just a day after an Israeli airstrike struck Gaza’s only Catholic church — the Holy Family Church — killing three civilians and injuring several others.
The Vatican confirmed the rare and urgent phone call, noting that the pontiff used the opportunity to renew his passionate plea for an immediate ceasefire and a lasting end to the relentless conflict ravaging Gaza. According to the Vatican’s statement, Pope Leo did not mince words, voicing “profound sorrow and alarm” over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
The Pope underscored the sacred obligation to protect civilians, religious institutions, and worshippers on both sides of the conflict. “Places of worship must never be turned into battlefields,” the pontiff reportedly told Netanyahu during the conversation.
The airstrike, which drew global condemnation, reportedly injured multiple civilians, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed the attack on Thursday, stating, “The Holy Family Church in Gaza has been struck by a raid this morning. There are several injuries, including the parish priest.” While no fatalities were initially confirmed, the Church building suffered visible structural damage.
In response to the global outrage, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement expressing regret and claimed it was reviewing the circumstances surrounding the strike. “The IDF is aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and casualties at the scene. The incident is under review,” the military posted via its official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“The IDF makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them,” the statement added — a response seen by many as insufficient given the tragic consequences.
The airstrike drew sharp criticism from several world leaders. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack in strong terms, stating, “Israel’s raids on Gaza also hit the Holy Family Church. The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such behaviour.”
Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antonio Tajani, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, adding to the growing chorus of international voices calling for restraint and accountability from the Israeli government.
The Holy Family Church has long served as a spiritual refuge for Gaza’s tiny Christian community — a population already devastated by war, displacement, and siege. The targeting of such a symbolic site has not only shaken the Christian world but also intensified calls for renewed international efforts to broker peace.
As the conflict deepens and casualties mount, the world watches closely to see whether words will finally give way to meaningful action — or whether Gaza’s suffering will continue to unfold in plain sight.
PIONEER NEWS 