From the Liveblog of
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Pope Leo calls for end to ‘barbarity of war’ after IDF shelling of Gaza’s sole Catholic church
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Pope Leo calls for an end to the “barbarity of war” as he speaks of his profound pain over the Israeli shelling on the sole Catholic church in Gaza, an incident Israel has said was “mistaken.”
Three people died and several were injured, including the parish priest, in the shelling on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City on Thursday. Photos show its roof has been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and shattering windows.
Speaking after his Angelus prayer, Leo reads out the names of those killed in the incident.
“I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, of indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement of the population,” he says.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement Thursday expressing its regret over the incident, heeding a demand from US President Donald Trump, who angrily phoned the Israeli premier.
“Israel deeply regrets that a stray ammunition hit Gaza’s Holy Family Church,” the Prime Minister’s Office said. “Every innocent life lost is a tragedy. We share the grief of the families and the faithful.”
The Times of Israel Community.