Pope Leo XIV Calls for Ceasefire After Israeli Strike on Gaza's Catholic Church
Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate ceasefire following an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, which left at least two dead and several injured. The Pope expressed profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region following the incident. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has issued an apology for the attack, attributing it to stray ammunition.
Background and Context
The Holy Family Catholic Church, the only Catholic church in Gaza, was struck in an offensive by the Israeli military, causing significant damage and loss of life. The incident has sparked international outrage and condemnation, with top Christian leaders in Jerusalem making a rare solidarity visit to Gaza.
The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and his Greek Orthodox counterpart, Theophilos III, were granted access to Gaza, where they met with the local community and inspected the damaged church. The Patriarchate confirmed that the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, was among the wounded.
Key Developments
The strike on the church has drawn criticism and condemnation from religious and political leaders around the world. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced the attack, describing Israel's ongoing attacks on the civilian population as unacceptable.
In a statement, Pope Leo expressed sorrow over the incident and called for peace, but his failure to name Israel as the attacker led to criticism from some quarters. Despite the criticism, the Pope reiterated his call for an end to the barbarity of war
and specifically condemned the indiscriminate use of force
and forced displacement of the population.
Reactions and Implications
The incident has prompted a series of reactions from a wide range of sources. Netanyahu has issued an apology to Pope Leo for the incident, expressing deep regret
over the stray ammunition
that struck the church. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also acknowledged the deadly incident, attributing it to stray ammunition.
In response to the attack, another vessel Handala
will depart towards Gaza on Sunday, according to the Freedom Flotilla coalition. The mission is described as being for the children of Gaza.
Current Status
As the situation stands, the Pope's calls for a ceasefire and dialogue have yet to yield concrete results. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with thousands of Palestinians, including women and children, forcibly displaced, and many losing their lives. Despite the growing international outcry, the conflict continues, with the church strike marking yet another tragic chapter in the ongoing crisis.
The Pope's plea for peace and an end to the conflict has resonated with many around the world. Yet, the continued violence in Gaza underscores the stark reality of the situation on the ground, and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.