Pope speaks with Gaza parish priest

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV today spoke by phone with Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, and assures all those who turn to the parish of his concern, closeness, and prayers.

Overnight, just an hour before midnight, the Israeli army launched a massive ground offensive, with media in the Gaza Strip reporting 37 attacks in 20 minutes, and a mass flight of the remaining population from the northwestern area of the enclave.

According to the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, Fr Romanelli told the Holy Father that the parish - which was struck in June by an Israeli raid in which the pastor himself was injured - "continues to assist the approximately 450 people who have taken refuge there and those who turn to them, distributing meals and water and keeping the internal pharmacy open."

He said: "the oratory also continues its activities, serving children and young people and providing assistance to the elderly and sick, despite the escalating conflict."

Mr. Bruni told reporters that Pope Leo expressed his concern for what is happening in Gaza, "and assured Father Gabriel, and all those who turn to the parish, of his closeness and prayers."

After the outbreak of war in the Middle East, Pope Francis began making video calls every evening at precisely 7pm to Fr Romanelli and his curate, Egyptian Father Youssef Asad, to check on the condition of all the people of Holy Family.

Pope Leo has also called Fr Romanelli several times. The Pope's most recent phone call to Fr Romanelli came last week, after Israel issued an immediate evacuation order to the inhabitants of Gaza City.

At first, Fr Gabriel did not answer, as he and the parishioners were engaged in a long liturgical celebration. The Pope said he had tried to contact the parish priest but had received no news.

That evening, however, Fr. Romanelli, through his social media channels, confirmed that he had managed to speak with the Holy Father. In a video shared with Vatican News, Fr Romanelli described the conversation as "a great joy" and "blessing."

On Monday, through his X and Instagram accounts, Fr Romanelli released a new video in which bombings can be heard as a liturgy was taking place in the parish.

Throughout the 30-second video, the faithful continued to pray in silence, in spite of the noise outside.

Fr Gabriel said: "Catholic Parish of the Holy Family of Gaza, belonging to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. We pray for peace".