Church in Gaza refuses to evacuate, welcomes Pope’s support amid war
Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish pastor of the Latin Holy Family Church in Gaza, declared that his church, sheltering 450 Palestinian displaced persons, will remain in the city, openly defying 'Israeli' army evacuation orders targeting residents of northern Gaza.
In a video message, Romanelli revealed that Pope Francis personally called to express support, confirming that priests and nuns had resolved to stay with those seeking refuge.
Pope Expresses Concern
In his statement, published Wednesday evening by Vatican News, Romanelli said that Pope Francis contacted him to check on the welfare of the displaced. “We told him we are holding up despite the dire situation. The Pope gave us his blessing and is monitoring everything closely,” he said.
Romanelli emphasized that “most residents refuse to leave,” adding: “The danger is everywhere, yet many insist on staying in the city. We are committed to supporting and protecting them as much as possible.”
Even amid the relentless violence, the priest highlighted moments of resilience and humanity, including a recent wedding and the birth of a child among the displaced. “These are signs of life and hope that God grants us amid this overwhelming suffering,” he said.
Patriarchates Warn of Forced Displacement as War Crime
Romanelli’s defiance aligns with a joint statement issued on 26 August by the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates in Jerusalem, which condemned the looming threat of mass forced displacement.
The statement noted that the Mar Porfirios Church and the Latin Church in Gaza have become vital refuges for hundreds of civilians, including the elderly and persons with disabilities under the care of the Sisters of Charity.
Forcing these vulnerable civilians south, it said, would amount to a death sentence for many due to their fragile health.
The patriarchates denounced the ongoing Israeli military aggression, stating that “there is no justification for deliberate, forced mass displacement of civilians” and urged the international community to intervene immediately to halt what they called a senseless and devastating war.
