Following a deadly shelling incident at Gaza’s Holy Family Catholic Church, Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Pope Leo XIV, who renewed calls for peace and the safeguarding of civilians and religious sanctuaries.
Gaza / Jerusalem / Vatican City —
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call with Pope Leo XIV on Friday morning, following a tragic incident in which fragments from a tank shell struck the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, killing three people and injuring others.
The Vatican confirmed the call, stating that Pope Leo expressed deep sorrow and renewed his appeal for a revival of peace negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. The Pope voiced particular concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and underscored the urgent need to protect holy sites, religious communities, and all civilians—both in Palestine and Israel.
According to a preliminary IDF investigation, the incident occurred as a result of fragments from a shell fired during operational activity, which mistakenly impacted the church. The cause is under official review.
“The IDF directs its fire solely at military targets and takes every feasible measure to minimize harm to civilians and religious structures,” the military said in a statement. “We regret any unintended damage caused.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu offered condolences Thursday night, stating:
“Israel deeply regrets that a stray munition struck Gaza’s Holy Family Church. Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share in the grief of the families and the faithful and are grateful to Pope Leo for his words of comfort. An investigation is underway. Israel remains committed to the protection of civilians and holy places.”
Pope Leo responded with a heartfelt message:
“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 God’s mercy and pray for the families and the wounded. I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. Only dialogue and reconciliation can bring lasting peace.”
Earlier Friday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III visited the damaged parish in Gaza to express solidarity with the Christian community. During their visit, Pope Leo XIV called Patriarch Pizzaballa directly to offer his prayers, support, and commitment to peace efforts.
The incident adds urgency to growing international appeals for a ceasefire, as religious and humanitarian leaders amplify their voices for protection of civilians, dialogue, and restraint on all sides.
