Pope Leo XIV Prays for Gaza Attack Victims
Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep sorrow and extended prayers to the Christian community in Gaza following a tragic Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of five civilians, including two Greek Orthodox women, Maysa Kha…
Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep sorrow and extended prayers to the Christian community in Gaza following a tragic Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of five civilians, including two Greek Orthodox women, Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud and her daughter, Mary Hafez Michel Najjar. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, when the airstrike struck a residential building in the Rimal neighborhood of western Gaza City, leaving many others wounded.
In a message directed to Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, Pope Leo reflected on the painful loss, stating, “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?” He also thanked Father Romanelli for his ministry, acknowledging the challenges faced by the local population during these difficult times.
The Pope's message emphasized solidarity with those suffering, saying, “Thank you for accompanying the parish and so many people who wish to live in peace. Blessings and an affectionate embrace.” In addition to the Pope’s message, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, expressed his condolences to the victims' families and condemned the loss of innocent lives, reiterating the urgent need for peace in the fractured region.
The funeral for the two women took place on Saturday at Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City, attended by Metropolitan Alexios, who prayed for their eternal rest. Hospital reports confirmed that many of those injured in the strike were in serious condition, underscoring the severity of the situation. The Israeli military stated that the airstrike targeted a Hamas command center or leader, revealing the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have continued to deteriorate, raising alarm among Church leaders and local activists. With winter approaching, Cardinal Pizzaballa expressed particular concern for families displaced by the ongoing violence, warning that conditions may worsen as rain could create further hardships for those living in tents.
Despite these daunting challenges, the reopening of Gaza's parish school has provided a glimmer of hope for the community. Cardinal Pizzaballa highlighted this development as a crucial sign that, even amid adversity, the community is determined to rebuild and foster resilience.
