The aftermath of a deadly strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church has prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach out directly to Pope Leo XIV, as outrage builds globally over the loss of civilian lives and the destruction of sacred ground.
The incident occurred at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, killing three people and injuring ten more. The Vatican confirmed the conversation between Netanyahu and the Pope on Friday.
“During the meeting, the Holy Father renewed his appeals for renewed impetus to negotiations and for a ceasefire and an end to the war.
He reiterated his concern for the dramatic humanitarian situation of the population in Gaza, whose excruciating price is being paid especially by children, the elderly, and the sick,” the Vatican stated.
The airstrike has sent shockwaves through religious and humanitarian circles. The Church of the Holy Family, the only Catholic parish in Gaza, had been a shelter for dozens of civilians. Israel has expressed regret over the strike, claiming it was the result of misfired weaponry.
“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful,” Netanyahu’s office said. “Israel is investigating the incident and remains committed to protecting civilians and holy sites.”
That statement came shortly after Netanyahu issued a public apology for the attack, which drew sharp criticism from religious groups worldwide. The full context surrounding Netanyahu’s apology for the church strike offers further insight into Israel’s diplomatic response.
According to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, several of the injured are in serious condition, with one person reported to be critically hurt. The spiritual leadership has since been actively responding on the ground.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Church in Gaza,” read a Vatican press statement.
In a direct move of pastoral solidarity, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, travelled into Gaza on Friday with an official church delegation. Representing Catholic communities across Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus, the cardinal visited the devastated parish.
“During their stay, the delegation will meet with members of the local Christian community, offer condolences and solidarity, and stand alongside those affected by the recent events,” the Patriarchate announced.
“His Beatitude Cardinal Pizzaballa will personally assess the humanitarian and pastoral needs of the community, to help guide the Church’s continued presence and response.”
In partnership with humanitarian organisations, the Church has already started delivering essential aid. Access has been secured to distribute food, medical kits, and emergency supplies to those affected.
“This includes hundreds of tons of food supplies as well as first aid kits and urgently needed medical equipment,” the statement confirmed.
“In addition, the Patriarchate ensured the evacuation of individuals injured in the attack to medical institutions outside Gaza, where they will receive care.”
This tragic episode has sparked renewed criticism of the war’s toll on civilians, particularly vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
Faith leaders across the UK and Europe are calling for urgent action to ensure places of worship are no longer caught in the crossfire.
For the UK, a country with a vibrant Christian community and a deep history of supporting humanitarian causes in conflict zones, the strike on the Holy Family Church is being closely followed.
The Vatican’s appeal to Netanyahu, though diplomatic in tone, reflects mounting frustration with the ongoing violence, especially when even sacred spaces are no longer spared.
