On Thursday, the Israeli army launched an attack on the Catholic parish of the Holy household in Gaza, 1 of the last places where local Christians could find shelter. 3 people were killed as a consequence of the fire: Saada Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latifa Ayyad and Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud.
The monastery buildings and church chapel were besides damaged. The parish provided shelter for women, children, and the elderly. All remained in place, hoping that the place of worship would be respected as neutral, untouchable space.
The attack had no military justification. According to Vatican sources and independent humanitarian organizations, there were no military targets present. Nevertheless, there has been a tragic breach of the basic principles of global law.
"I pray for the victims – Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad and Najwa Ibrahim Latif Abu Daoud – and in a peculiar way I want to assure their household and the full parish community of my proximity" – said Pope Leon XIV on Sunday, during the speech after the prayer of the Angel of the Lord.
The Holy Father did not limit himself to a motion of compassion – in his speech he expressed a strong opposition to violent military actions and violations of human dignity.
"Unfortunately, this act is another among continuous military attacks against civilians and places of worship in Gaza."
These words include not only a diagnosis, but besides an accusation: a war waged without principle, aimed at innocents, becomes barbaric. The Vatican clearly points out that the attack on the church was not only a physical demolition but besides a symbolic blow to fundamental human rights.
"I call on the global community to respect humanitarian law and respect the work to defend civilians, as well as to ban collective penalties, uncontrolled usage of force and forced displacement of the population."
The Pope called for clear actions – not only for prayer or compassion, but for law enforcement and for taking work for actions violating global conventions. He stressed that it was the work of states and global organisations to defend the defenceless, not to ignore them.
The Holy Father addressed peculiar words to local Christians – those who live in the shadow of fear all day, but inactive do not quit their faith.
“I want to say to our beloved Christians in the mediate East: I share your sense of helplessness toward this dramatic situation. You are in the heart of the Pope and the full Church. Thank you for your evidence of faith.”
It was not just a message – it was an expression of solidarity and spiritual support. At a time erstwhile the Western planet mostly ignores the dramas of spiritual minorities in the mediate East, the pope recalls that these people were not forgotten.
In the closing words, Leon XIV entrusted the parish community and the full mediate East with the care of Our Lady.
"May the Blessed Virgin Mary, the female of the East, the Dawn of the fresh Sun, which shone in the past of humanity, always defend you and lead the planet to the dawn of peace."
This message contains hope – not for the triumph of 1 side, but for actual peace. Peace that is not based on strength, but on justice, respect for the life and dignity of all person, regardless of religion or origin.
