Vatican Condemns Violence in Gaza Following Attack on Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV has named Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in the wake of a tragic incident involving an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The Vatican's statement labeled the attack as 'unjustifiable.' This incident marks a significant escalation of violence in the region, which has been under heightened conflict since the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. The parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, was among the ten injured in the strike, prompting condemnation not only from the Vatican but also from various global leaders, including Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. The day following the attack, Pope Leo XIV reached out to Pizzaballa, who was visiting the church at the time, alongside the Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III. During this visit, Pope Leo XIV conveyed his heartfelt support and affection to the entirety of the parish community afflicted by violence. He emphasized the Vatican’s commitment to preventing the needless slaughter of innocents and reiterated the crucial need for dialogue, reconciliation, and a lasting peace in the tumultuous region. In a related development on Thursday, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, expressing profound hope for a resolution to the ongoing hostilities. His remarks come in the backdrop of Pope Francis's frequent communications with Father Romanelli prior to his passing in April, during which he sought updates on the challenging conditions faced by the parish in Gaza. This tragic event has spurred widespread calls for peace as tensions escalate in a region already fraught with conflict, highlighting the urgent necessity for international efforts to mediate and seek resolution amidst the suffering of innocents caught in the crossfire. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2