17-07-2025
Israel-Gaza conflict: Pope Leo ‘deeply saddened' after Israeli strike on catholic church, urges ceasefire
Israel-Gaza News: Pope Leo has expressed his sadness over the deaths of two people following an Israeli strike on Gaza's sole Catholic Church. In a telegram for the victims signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, Pope Leo said he was 'deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack.'
The Pope also renewed his 'call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.'
Earlier in the day, two people were killed and several others injured after Israeli strike on Gaza's only Catholic church. According to reports, the Catholic charity Caritas Jerusalem said the parish's 60-year-old janitor and an 84-year-old woman receiving psychosocial support inside a Caritas tent in the church compound were killed in the attack. Meanwhile, Israeli military said it is aware of the incident and is investigating.
(With AP Inputs)
