Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow and urged for a ceasefire following an incident where Gaza’s sole Catholic church was struck, presumably by Israeli forces, resulting in at least two fatalities and multiple injuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu subsequently mentioned that the church was unintentionally hit by “stray ammunition.”

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was profoundly moved by the tragic loss of life and harm caused by the military strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza. He assures Father Gabriele Romanelli and the entire parish community of his spiritual proximity,” stated a telegram from Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on behalf of the pope.

Parolin further mentioned that the pope “reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire, expressing his deep hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and lasting peace in the region.”

A view of the damage to the Holy Family church in Gaza City following an Israeli strike on the church in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City on July 17, 2025. (OMAR AL-QATTAA/AFP via Getty Images)

Israeli Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein echoed a similar message, saying that the country “expresses deep sorrow” over the damage to the church and the loss of life. He added that “Israel never targets churches or religious sites and regrets any harm to a religious site and uninvolved civilians.”

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said on Thursday that the community’s parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, “sustained light injuries” in the incident. 

A woman looks on as mourners attend the funeral of Palestinian Christians who were killed in an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Church, according to medics, at the Greek Orthodox Saint Porphyrius Church, in Gaza City, July 17, 2025.  (REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas)

“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 Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement. 

The Latin Patriarchate added that it “strongly condemns” the incident “and this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place.”