Pope Leo XIV called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this Friday to agree to an immediate ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza, while also demanding protection for places of worship and the faithful. The appeal came during a phone conversation, just one day after an Israeli airstrike hit the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, leaving at least three people dead and several others wounded.
According to the Vatican, “the Holy Father renewed his appeal for the resumption of peace negotiations and the achievement of a lasting ceasefire” during the call. He also voiced deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, “a tragedy whose heaviest toll is being paid by children, the elderly, and the sick.”
The conversation took place while Pope Leo XIV was staying at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. It followed a military strike by the Israeli army on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, where more than 400 displaced people—including children and individuals with special needs—had taken refuge. The attack drew widespread condemnation from the international community.
Among the injured was the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, whom Pope Francis had been calling daily in recent days. The pontiff reiterated to Netanyahu “the urgent need to protect places of worship and, above all, the faithful and all civilians in both Palestine and Israel.”
Later that evening, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed regret over what he described as a “stray munition” from the Israeli army striking the church, adding that “every innocent life lost is a tragedy.” His comments came shortly after a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Prior to speaking with Netanyahu, the Pope had already condemned what he called the “needless slaughter of innocents” following the “unjustifiable attack” on the parish. He also phoned the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, to inquire about the situation in Gaza and the condition of Father Romanelli and the other victims.
On Friday, Cardinal Pizzaballa, accompanied by Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III, entered Gaza with 500 tons of humanitarian aid for civilians. Meanwhile, the Italian government urged Israel to halt its military actions and ensure the safety of both religious leaders as they carry out their vital mission.
