Pope Leo XIV, USCCB president and Latin Patriarch offer prayers for those killed in Gaza parish: July 17, 2025

Pope Leo XIV, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio and Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa offered the following statements after a military strike on Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza.

Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Broglio offer prayers for those killed in Gaza parish

From Pope Leo XIV

The following is the telegram of condolence, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, for the victims of the military attack this morning on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza:

Telegram

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. 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.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE

From Latin Patriarch  +Pierbattista Card Pizzaballa

This morning, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the Compound of the Holy Family in Gaza, belonging to the Latin Patriarchate, was struck by the Israeli army. As of this hour, three individuals lost their lives as a result of the injuries sustained and nine others were wounded, including one in critical condition and two in serious condition. The community’s parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, sustained light injuries.

The people in the Holy Family Compound are people who found in the Church a sanctuary—hoping that the horrors of war might at least spare their lives, after their homes, possessions, and dignity had already been stripped away. On behalf of the entire Church of the Holy Land, we extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and from here, we offer our prayers for the swift and full recovery of the wounded.

The Holy Father has conveyed his own heartfelt condolences, his solidarity with them, and his prayers on their behalf.

The Latin Patriarchate strongly condemns this tragedy and this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place. However, this tragedy is not greater or more terrible than the many others that have befallen Gaza. Many other innocent civilians have also been harmed, displaced and killed. Death, suffering and destruction are everywhere.

The time has come for leaders to raise their voices and to do all what is necessary in order to stop this tragedy which is humanly and morally, unjustified.

This horrific war must come to a complete end—so that we may commence the long work of restoring human dignity.

We embrace all those in the compound and stand with them in this painful hour, as they bury members of the community. We express our gratitude to all those who are sharing their condolences and sympathy with the Patriarchate and the church.

We will continue to stand by the side of the community of Gaza and do all that what is within our power to support them.

May the souls of the victims rest in eternal peace and may the Lord grant you all His Peace.

From Archbishop Broglio, President of the USCCB

WASHINGTON – Reacting to the military strike of Holy Family Church in Gaza this morning, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops joined the prayers of Pope Leo XIV for those killed and to those injured and emphasized the need for immediate ceasefire and dialogue for peace.

“With the Holy Father, the Catholic bishops of the United States are deeply saddened to learn about the deaths and injuries at Holy Family Church in Gaza caused by a military strike. Our first concern, naturally, goes out to Father Gabriele Romanelli and all his parishioners, most especially to the families of those killed. Our prayers are for them during these tragic times. With the Holy Father, we also continue to pray and advocate for dialogue and an immediate ceasefire. Yesterday was the memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, through her intercession, may there be peace in Gaza.”

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