Father Romanelli revealed that the Holy Father personally reached out to the parish, offering his blessings and expressing concern for the Christian community in the Gaza Strip.
Newsroom (07/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza, shared a message of hope and solidarity from Pope Leo XIV, who has reaffirmed his prayers for peace in the war-torn region. In a recent social media post, Father Romanelli revealed that the Holy Father personally reached out to the parish, offering his blessings and expressing concern for the Christian community enduring the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
“Pope Leo sent me a message assuring us of his prayers for peace,” Father Romanelli wrote. “He says his prayers accompany us and has sent his blessing to all.” The priest’s message comes as the war in Gaza marks its second year, leaving a trail of devastation and loss. In a video statement, Father Romanelli lamented, “It has been two years since the start of this war, which has caused so many casualties, and still, no one knows how it will end.”
As negotiations between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages continue in Egypt, Father Romanelli called for intensified prayers, extending his appeal to religious congregations, including the Sisters of the Rosary of Jerusalem, whose mission was temporarily shuttered after their school was bombed early in the conflict. The sisters had sought refuge in the Holy Family parish. He also acknowledged the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa, who are marking the anniversary of their foundation amid the crisis.
A Plea for the Miracle of Peace
On Tuesday morning, the Holy Family parish held an adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, where Father Romanelli and parishioners prayed fervently to Jesus and the Virgin Mary for “the miracle of peace.” Despite a slight reduction in bombardments in some areas, the priest emphasized the grim reality: “The number of deaths each day remains high. The news may give the impression that the war is over, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. There are still bombings, deaths, and destruction.”
According to Father Romanelli, more than 120 people were killed between Sunday and Monday, with many injured still trapped under rubble. “The people are anxious, and it’s no surprise. We are all exhausted,” he said, reflecting the toll of the prolonged conflict on the community.
Resilience Amid Crisis
Despite the hardships, parish activities continue with remarkable intensity. Father Romanelli noted that gatherings focus on critical themes such as justice, peace, reconciliation, the sanctity of life, and the Christian witness in the Holy Land. These discussions also address the war’s broader implications, including the risk of prolonged conflict and the negative sentiments it has fueled, which he believes require careful attention.
A Call for Reconciliation and Justice
Father Romanelli expressed a firm conviction that society must work collectively to foster reconciliation, justice, and peace. He voiced concerns about the challenges of the postwar period, stating, “The post-war phase will be very difficult. But just as God protects us during the war, He will do so afterward.” He urged continued prayers for peace, trusting in divine intervention to grant the region the respite it desperately needs.
The priest’s message underscores the resilience of Gaza’s Christian community and their unwavering hope for an end to the violence, bolstered by the spiritual support of Pope Leo XIV and the global Church.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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