Pope Leo Condemns Gaza Church Airstrike, Urges End To War

Pope Leo

On Sunday, Pope Leo expressed deep sorrow over a recent Israeli airstrike that targeted the only Catholic church in Gaza, urging an end to the “cruelty of war.” The attack, which occurred on Thursday, struck the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuring several others, including the parish priest. Images from the scene reveal significant damage, with the church’s roof hit near its prominent cross, leaving the stone exterior scorched and windows shattered.

Speaking after his weekly Angelus prayer, Pope Leo solemnly read aloud the names of those killed in the strike, emphasizing the human toll of the conflict. His voice carried a tone of grief as he addressed the tragedy, highlighting the need for compassion and peace in the region. The Holy Family Church, a vital spiritual and community hub for Gaza’s small Catholic population, now stands as a symbol of the broader suffering caused by ongoing violence.

In a heartfelt plea, Pope Leo called on the international community to uphold humanitarian principles and protect innocent lives. He stressed the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, which mandates the safeguarding of civilians during conflicts. Specifically, he urged global leaders to honor their obligations to prevent collective punishment, avoid indiscriminate attacks, and stop the forced displacement of people. His words underscored the moral imperative to prioritize human dignity and peace over continued aggression.

The strike on the Holy Family Church has drawn attention to the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza’s civilians, who face increasing hardship amid the violence. The church, one of the few Christian institutions in the region, has long served as a place of refuge and hope for the local community. Its partial destruction has further strained the already fragile circumstances for Gaza’s residents, many of whom rely on such spaces for support and solace.

Pope Leo’s message resonates as a broader call for peace, urging all parties involved to seek dialogue and reconciliation instead of resorting to violence. His appeal reflects a deep concern for the escalating loss of life and the destruction of essential community structures like places of worship. By focusing on the Gaza church attack, he highlighted the urgent need to protect sacred spaces and the people who depend on them.

As the conflict in Gaza continues, Pope Leo’s words serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to uphold humanity’s core values. His call to end the “barbarity of war” is a plea for global unity in fostering peace and protecting the vulnerable. The international community now faces the challenge of responding to this tragedy with actions that prioritize civilian safety and work toward a lasting resolution.

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