An Israeli shell struck Gaza’s only Catholic church on Wednesday, killing two civilians and injuring several others, including the parish priest, Rev. Gabriele Romanelli. The Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City had been sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians, including children and people with disabilities.
بيان صحفي أولي من البطريركية اللاتينية - Press Release of Latin Patriarchate pic.twitter.com/7jvPuTPDPN
— Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem (@LPJerusalem) July 17, 2025
Pope Leo XIV condemned the attack and renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire. In a message delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the pope expressed sorrow over the casualties and solidarity with the wounded priest, a close friend of the late Pope Francis.
🚨Israel just bombed the very Gazan church Pope Francis used to call daily during the genocide
— Muhammad Shehada (@muhammadshehad2) July 17, 2025
They injured the very priest, Gabriele Romanelli, who used to update the Pope on the situation.
2 church goers were killed, 6 wounded. pic.twitter.com/P1Pi9YqCIf
The victims included a 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman receiving care from Caritas Jerusalem. The Israeli military said it is investigating and expressed regret for civilian harm.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni denounced Israel’s actions as “unacceptable.”
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem called the shelling a grave violation of human dignity and the sanctity of religious sites.
