Pope Leo XIV has responded firmly to the recent attack that severely damaged the Catholic parish of the Holy Family in Gaza, the only active Catholic Church in the Strip. In a direct call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Pontiff expressed his deep concern and condemnation of the incident, calling for respect for sacred sites and the lives of those seeking refuge there.

The Holy See reported that Pope Leo XIV emphasized the seriousness of the attack, stressing that the parish attacked was a place of refuge for women, children, the elderly, and the sick, cared for by the small but active local Christian community. “There is no justification for putting innocent people at risk or damaging churches dedicated to worship and the service of life,” the Pope reportedly stated during the conversation.

In his message, the Pontiff called on Israel to guarantee humanitarian corridors and urgently protect religious and civil institutions in the conflict zone. He also reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and a solution that respects the dignity of all peoples in the region.

The images of the partially destroyed church have sparked a wave of solidarity within and outside the Catholic world. Leo XIV, consistent with his clear and decisive pastoral line, thus reaffirms that Gospel diplomacy demands courageous action in the face of human suffering.

Amidst a backdrop of pain and tension, the Pope’s voice resonates with moral and evangelical force, reminding us that every war is a defeat for humanity, and that the only true victory is peace.