The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic Church in Gaza, was struck by a raid this morning, resulting in three deaths and several injuries, including the Parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. In a statement, the Latin Patriarchate in Jerusalem appeals to leaders "to raise their voices and to do all that is necessary in order to stop this tragedy which is humanly and morally unjustified."

By Vatican News

The Holy Family Church, the only Catholic Church in the Gaza Strip, was hit by a tank this morning. Three people subsequently died from their injuries. Others were reportedly wounded more lightly, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli. 

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, earlier spoke to Vatican News:

“What we know for sure is that a tank, the IDF says by mistake, but we are not sure about this, they hit the Church directly, the Church of the Holy Family, the Latin Church”, he said. “There are four people seriously wounded, among these four, two are in very dramatic conditions and their lives are in serious danger”.

“There are also other injured but less problematic, among them also the Parish Priest, because they were all in the Church”.

“We don’t have complete information about what has happened in Gaza today because the communication in Gaza is not that simple”, he explained, adding he will try to get more information as soon as possible.

Listen to Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Father Gabriel Romanelli being treated for his light injuries

We will never leave them alone

Speaking in Italian to Vatican News, Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed his closeness to those affected in Gaza: "We always try to reach Gaza in all possible ways, directly and indirectly. Now it's too early to talk about all this; we need to understand what happened, what should be done, especially to protect our people, and of course, try to make sure that these things don't happen anymore. Then we will see how to continue, but certainly we will never leave them alone."

Earlier, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem had posted a press release on X confirming the Church was “struck by a raid”.  The statement said there are “no fatalities confirmed” at the moment, but the Church has sustained damage.

According to the Catholic press agency SIR, the Holy Family Church is currently hosting around 500 displaced Christians.

Death, suffering and destruction are everywhere

In a statement posted later in the day, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said, "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."

Extending its deepest condolences to the bereaved families, "On behalf of the entire Church of the Holy Land," the Patriarchate offered prayers and condemned the raid, pointing out that it is just one of the many attacks destroying Gaza and its people.

"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 statement reads.

Appeal

Launching an urgent appeal, the statement continues saying, "The time has come for leaders to raise their voices and to do all that 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."

Reiterating closeness to those who are burying members of the community "in this painful hour", the Patriarchate and the church expressed gratitude for all expressions of solidarity and closeness and reiterated Cardinal Pizzaballa's pledge never to leave the people alone.

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

Article updated at 17:30 CET