Church leaders visit Gaza following deadly strike on Catholic church

The Latin and Greek Orthodox Patriarchs of Jerusalem visited Gaza on Friday, a day after an 'Israeli' airstrike hit the territory’s only Catholic church, killing three people, a strike that drew widespread international condemnation.

The rare visit came after the Vatican announced a phone call between Pope Leo XIV and 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed "regret" over the strike, claiming a "stray munition" hit the Holy Family Church in Gaza.

According to a statement from the Latin Patriarchate, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and Patriarch Theophilos III of the Greek Orthodox Church led a clerical delegation into Gaza to express solidarity with local churches and the people of Gaza.

The statement said the visit aimed to "offer condolences and pastoral support to our Christian community, and to stand with all who have suffered in recent events." Cardinal Pizzaballa is also expected to assess humanitarian and spiritual needs to ensure continued support.

The Patriarchate added that, in coordination with humanitarian partners, essential aid had been secured for Gaza residents, including hundreds of tons of food supplies, emergency aid materials, and critical medical equipment.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate described the visit as a “powerful expression of church unity in the face of ongoing challenges.”