On July 17, 2025, an Israeli strike hit the Holy Family Church, Gaza’s only Catholic church, killing two people—a 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman—and injuring several others, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.
The church, sheltering hundreds of Palestinians, including Christians, Muslims, and children with disabilities, was reportedly struck by tank shelling, causing extensive damage.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire, urging dialogue and peace in a Vatican telegram. He expressed deep sorrow and urged dialogue and peace to address the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military said it was investigating and expressed regret, claiming efforts to avoid civilian harm, while Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the strike as “unacceptable.” Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled, with ongoing violence exacerbating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.