Catholic Church in Gaza Hit by Strike - Priest Close to Pope Injured, Children Among the Wounded

On a morning that should have been quiet with prayer, chaos and devastation unfolded inside the only Catholic church in Gaza.

The Holy Family Church, a place that had served as sanctuary for both Christians and Muslims amid the war-torn streets of northern Gaza, was struck on Thursday in what witnesses believe was an Israeli tank shelling. Several people were injured, including a child with disabilities, two women, an elderly person and the church’s own parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.

Fr. Romanelli wasn’t just any priest. Known for his deep compassion and tireless service, he was also in close contact with the late Pope Francis, the two speaking frequently throughout the war. Now, the man once offering comfort to others has become a victim of the very violence he sought to protect his flock from.

The church had become a fragile refuge for the vulnerable including children with special needs amid relentless airstrikes and a humanitarian crisis that has only grown worse.

“This place was sacred. And now it’s shattered,” said Dr. Fadel Naem, acting director of Al-Ahli Hospital, where the wounded were rushed. “The people hit today were civilians. The church was sheltering the helpless.”

At least two of the injured remain in critical condition.

The Israeli military has not issued a statement about the strike.

But condemnation is already echoing across the globe. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni laid blame squarely on Israel’s shoulders, calling the attack “unacceptable.”

“No military action can justify such an attitude,” Meloni said. “These are civilians people seeking shelter, not war.”

As the dust settles over Gaza’s shattered streets once again, one thing remains hauntingly clear: in this war, even holy ground is no longer safe.

Also Read: Florida Pastor Collapses Mid-Sermon, What He Said Before Falling Leaves Church in Tears 

Follow us on X @Dobblog1