Faith Leaders Unite in Gaza After Tragic Church Strike

 

In a rare and poignant show of unity, top Catholic and Greek Orthodox leaders entered Gaza on Friday to express solidarity with its embattled Christian community following a deadly Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III led the delegation, marking one of the few outsider visits to the territory since Israel’s offensive began in May.

The church compound, which had been sheltering both Christians and Muslims—including children with disabilities—was hit by shell fragments during Israeli military operations, killing three civilians and wounding ten others, including the parish priest. Israel expressed regret over what it called an accidental strike and launched an investigation.

During their visit, the patriarchs offered prayers, comforted survivors, and pledged humanitarian aid, including hundreds of tons of food and medical supplies. Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire, while global condemnation of the attack continues to mount.

The leaders’ presence served as a powerful reminder of the shared pastoral mission of the Churches of the Holy Land and their commitment to stand with Gaza’s suffering population. As Cardinal Pizzaballa stated, “They will not be forgotten, nor will they be abandoned”.