Christian Leaders Visit Gaza After Israeli Attack on Church

  • Publish date: Friday، 18 July 2025 Reading time: two min read

Christian patriarchs bring solidarity, aid and calls for ceasefire after Gaza’s only Catholic church struck

Two senior Christian leaders—the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III entered Gaza on July 18, in a rare show of solidarity following a devastating Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church, Gaza’s only Catholic place of worship.

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The strike, which occurred on July 17, tragically killed three civilians and injured the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, among others. The church also sustained extensive damage while providing shelter to hundreds, including children and those with disabilities.

Israel’s government expressed regret, describing the incident as the result of “stray ammunition” and pledged an investigation; Prime Minister Netanyahu stated he “deeply regrets” the strike.

U.S. President Donald Trump also contacted Netanyahu, relaying that the White House “was not happy” with the incident.

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During their visit, Patriarchs Pizzaballa and Theophilos III met with Gaza’s Christian community to deliver condolences and distribute hundreds of tonnes of food, first-aid kits, medical supplies, and to support the evacuation of the wounded.

Latin Patriarchate emphasized the delegation’s mission to assess “humanitarian and pastoral needs” in the enclave.

Global religious voices responded strongly.
Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis in May, issued a call for an immediate ceasefire, expressing deep sorrow over the fatal attack.

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He reaffirmed hopes for dialogue, reconciliation and lasting peace. Meanwhile, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the strike as “unacceptable,” and France joined in denouncing the loss of civilian life.

This mission highlights the fragile state of Gaza’s tiny Christian community—approximately 1,000 Christians, of whom only around 135 are Catholic, amid a conflict that has already damaged or destroyed numerous religious sites, including other churches and mosques.

This article was previously published on omanmoments. To see the original article, click here