Pope Leo XIV condemns the Israeli bombing of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, sheltering hundreds of civilians. He calls for an urgent ceasefire and the protection of sacred places and vulnerable civilians.

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Pope Leo XIV raised his voice as a strong moral call amid the escalating conflict in Gaza: “It is time to put an end to this massacre,” he said following a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, July 18.

The conversation took place a day after an Israeli military strike hit the Holy Family Church, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, killing three civilians and seriously injuring several others.

Since October 2023, the church had functioned as a shelter for more than 500 vulnerable people , including women, children, elderly, and sick individuals. The attack, caused by fragments of an Israeli projectile, severely damaged the church’s structure and scattered debris across the compound, raising urgent concerns about the protection of places of worship and civilians during armed conflict.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened dramatically, with hospitals overwhelmed, severe shortages of medical supplies, electricity, and food. Thousands of civilians, especially children, have lost their lives in the ongoing military offensive. The Holy Family Church, beyond being a religious symbol, stood as a rare sanctuary for those with no other refuge amid indiscriminate violence.

Pope Leo XIV emphasized that respect for human dignity and sacred spaces must be unwavering even in times of war. During his call with Netanyahu, he stressed the urgent need to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to hospitals, schools, and shelters.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in #Gaza. I assure the parish community of my spiritual closeness. I commend the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and pray for…

— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) July 17, 2025

The attack on the church has sparked widespread condemnation within the international religious community. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem labeled the incident an unacceptable violation of international humanitarian law, calling for safety guarantees for all civilians trapped in Gaza regardless of religion.

Pope Leo XIV reiterated his rejection of disproportionate use of force and indiscriminate violence that claim innocent lives and called for a transparent investigation to clarify what happened and prevent future tragedies.

Since the conflict began in October 2023, the Vatican has consistently advocated for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue between the parties involved. Its diplomatic efforts with religious leaders in the region seek to chart a path toward peace based on mutual respect and fundamental human rights.

The planned deployment of a Vatican humanitarian delegation to Gaza signals solidarity with those suffering and the Church’s unwavering commitment to supporting all innocent victims caught in this protracted conflict.

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