Pope Leo XIV writes to Gaza parish after airstrikes kill five civilians

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his closeness to victims of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians after new airstrikes in Gaza. In a message to Holy Family Church, in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, the pope referred to the events of October 3, when Israeli bombing killed five civilians and wounded many others.

Among the dead were two Orthodox women, Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud and her daughter, Mary Hafez Michel Najjar, who have already been buried. The pope addressed his message to Father Gabriel Romanelli, a priest of the parish.

Continuity with Francis' legacy

His predecessor, Pope Francis, kept in regular contact with the Holy Family community, writing letters and telephoning to offer his support to those affected by the conflict until his death in 2025. In his letter, Leo XIV said he deeply regretted the lives lost in the recent bombing, and asked: "How long, O Lord?"

The pope said he was pained by the deaths of Maysa and Mary, and that he had been praying for them, for their families and for the whole community in Gaza. "Thank you for accompanying the parish and so many people who wish to live in peace," he wrote.

Solidarity from the Patriarch of Jerusalem

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, also voiced solidarity with those affected by the recent attacks and said he hoped the hostilities would end.

Romanelli told EWTN News that Pope Francis contacted him two days before his death to offer his support and to thank them for the prayers being offered for his health. "He told us he was praying for us, he blessed us and he thanked us for our prayers for him," Romanelli said.

A call for peace and humanitarian aid

Romanelli said he hoped the pope's appeals would not be ignored. He called for an end to the bombing, an end to the war, the release of the hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid to those who need it most.