Two people, including a priest, were killed after an Israeli shell struck the Holy Family Church, Gaza's only Catholic Church.
Four people sustained serious injuries in Thurday's attack, according to Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. He also reported that two were killed by the shell: Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh and Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad.
The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, was struck by an Israeli shell on Thursday morning, resulting in several injuries, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) July 17, 2025
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, told Vatican…
"We must first understand what happened, what must be done to protect our people, seek to ensure that these things do not happen again, and then see what we should do," said Patriarch Pizzaballa. "But certainly we will never leave them on their own."
Pope Leo XIV also spoke out on the attack, expressing sadness at the deaths that occurred and renewing his calls for a ceasefire in its aftermath.
"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 Catholic Church in Gaza, and he assures the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, and the whole parish community of his spiritual closeness," said the Vatican Secretary of State visa telegram.
"In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, the Holy Father prays for the consolation of those who grieve and for the recovery of the injured. His Holiness renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region," the telegram continued.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they were "aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and casualties at the scene," adding that "the circumstances of the incident are under review."
"The (Israel Defense Forces) makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them," it continued.
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