Pope Leo XIV Calls for Protection of Places of Worship Following Deadly Strike on Gaza Church

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Protection of Places of Worship Following Deadly Strike on Gaza Church
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Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgent need to protect places of worship during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, Arab News reported. The conversation came after an Israeli strike hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, the Holy Family Church, killing three people and sparking international condemnation.

The Vatican stated that Netanyahu initiated the call, which took place the day after the deadly incident. During the discussion, the Pope renewed his appeal for negotiations, a ceasefire, and an end to the ongoing conflict in the region. He expressed deep concern for the “dramatic humanitarian situation” in Gaza, especially the suffering endured by children, the elderly, and the sick.

The Holy Father reiterated the importance of safeguarding not only places of worship but also the faithful and all civilians in both Palestine and Israel. Netanyahu conveyed Israel’s “deep regret” over the strike, attributing it to a “stray round.” According to a spokesman for Netanyahu, the conversation was described as “friendly,” and both leaders agreed to meet soon to discuss the situation further.

Nonetheless, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Catholic official in Jerusalem, told an Italian newspaper on Friday that none of the approximately 600 people seeking shelter in the church thought the incident was accidental.

The incident at the Holy Family Church has intensified calls for urgent humanitarian relief and renewed efforts to restore peace in the region.