By Christian Dispatch Staff
July 18, 2025
Two top Christian leaders—Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III—made a rare visit to Gaza Friday, following an Israeli strike that killed three people at the Holy Family Catholic Church, prompting international outcry.
The clerics visited both the Holy Family Church and Saint Porphyrius Church, offering prayers, words of comfort, and humanitarian aid to the Christian community. The churches have sheltered hundreds of displaced people, including children and those with special needs.
The Latin Patriarchate said they met with affected families, delivered food and medical supplies, and witnessed damage to the church building. The visit was described as a powerful gesture of unity and solidarity amid the suffering.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow over the church bombing and called for an end to the violence. He spoke with both the Latin Patriarch and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging negotiations and a ceasefire.
The war, now in its second year, has devastated Gaza. The recent strike reportedly killed over 30 people in a single day, including six members of one family. Israel says it was targeting Hamas infrastructure and regrets civilian casualties.
Gaza’s Christian population numbers around 1,000, including about 135 Catholics. Church leaders say Christian holy sites have been repeatedly damaged during the conflict.
Pope Leo pledged continued efforts “to stop the needless slaughter of innocents.”
