Israeli Strike Hits Gaza Catholic Church, Killing 3; Pope Francis Expresses Condolences

Attack on Holy Family Catholic Church

• 🎯 An Israeli shell struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, the only Catholic church in the Strip, on Thursday.
• 🕯️ The attack resulted in the deaths of three people and wounded 10 others, including the parish priest.
• 🕊️ The church compound had been sheltering approximately 400 displaced Palestinians from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Condolences and Reactions from the Vatican

• 💔 Pope Leo expressed profound sadness and condolences for the victims through a Vatican telegram, quoting Cardinal Petro Parolin.
• 🤝 He conveyed his closeness to the parish priest, Father Romanelli, who had a close relationship with the late Pope Francis, often communicating during the conflict.
• 🕊️ Pope Leo reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and expressed hope for dialogue, reconciliation, and enduring peace in the region.

International Condemnation and Apology

• 🌍 The attack drew international condemnation, with France's foreign minister calling for an end to the "carnage in Gaza."
• 🇮🇹 Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly criticized the attack, stating that no military action can justify such behavior against civilians.
• 🙏 The Israeli military acknowledged the damage to the church and stated it was investigating, issuing a rare apology and insisting they do not target religious sites.
• 😔 For those affected, words of remorse offered little comfort amidst the grief and destruction.