Pope Leo sends condolences after deadly ‘Israeli’ strike on Gaza

• Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences after an ‘Israeli’ strike in Gaza City killed five people, including two Greek Orthodox women.
• The pontiff said he was praying for the victims, their families and Gaza’s Christian community.
• Church leaders warned that humanitarian conditions remain dire despite a reduction in fighting.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed grief over the deaths of five civilians in an ‘Israeli’ strike in Gaza City, asking, “How long, O Lord?” as he offered prayers for the victims and Gaza’s Christian community.

In a message to Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, the Pope said he was praying for those killed, their families and the wider community following the attack.

The strike hit a residential building in the Rimal neighbourhood of western Gaza City in the early hours of Oct. 3. Five people were killed and others wounded, including Maysa Daoud and her daughter, Mary, two Greek Orthodox women who had sought refuge in the area.

“Since learning the painful news of the deaths of Maysa and Mary, I have been praying to God for them, for their families and for the entire community of Gaza. How long, O Lord?” Leo wrote in his message.

He also thanked Romanelli for continuing to support the parish and people seeking safety amid the war.

Read more: ‘Israeli’ strike kills young Gaza couple, their unborn child