Pope Leo speaks with Holy Family parish in Gaza

Fr Gabriel Romanelli

Source: Vatican Media, ICN

Pope Leo made a video call to the Holy Family parish in Gaza on Tuesday, following the news of Israel's order for residents to evacuate Gaza City.

Parish priest Fr Gabriel Romanelli, said the phone call with the Holy Father was a blessing.

Fr Gabriel said: "We told him we are well, even if the situation remains difficult.. The Pope gave us his blessing and prayed for us and for peace. He follows everything closely and is committed to ending the war."

Holy Family parish continues to shelter around 450 displaced people, including the elderly, the sick, and children. "Most of the population does not want to leave," Fr Romanelli said. "Everywhere there is danger, but many want to remain in the city. We try to accompany them and help as we can."

Despite the suffering, the parish recently celebrated a wedding and welcomed the birth of a baby boy named Marcos. "In the midst of so much pain, God blesses us with signs of life and joy," the priest said.

Fr Romanelli, who is Argentinian, concluded with an appeal to join in prayer: "We continue to pray for peace, for the whole of Gaza, for the Middle East, and for the world. May the Lord, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant us the miracle of peace."

The late Pope Francis used to regularly call the Holy Family parish, providing comfort and a sense of connection to the small congregation in the besieged city. HIs last call with them was on Holy Saturday, 19 April, just two days before his death in 21 April.