In a heartfelt plea, Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza, is urging world leaders to act in the name of peace.
Speaking candidly about the current state of Gaza, he described the region as “a cage,” emphasizing the dire conditions that have left many trapped in a cycle of violence and despair.
Holy Family Parish Becomes a Refuge in Gaza’s War Zone
Father Romanelli’s parish has become a sanctuary for Gaza’s Christian minority amid the conflict.
The parish complex, which is the only Catholic church in Gaza, has been repurposed as an emergency shelter.
This has occurred in the wake of the brutal war that erupted between Israel and Hamas in October 2023.
The conflict, which began with a violent invasion by Hamas, has left countless lives shattered.
Over 1,200 Israelis lost their lives in the initial attack, and the aftermath has seen the kidnapping of 251 people, with 59 still in captivity.
Pope Francis Stays Connected Amid the Crisis
Despite the ongoing conflict, Pope Francis has consistently reached out to Father Romanelli and the people of Gaza.
Even while facing health challenges of his own, the pope continued to make regular calls, offering solace and encouragement.
Romanelli expressed his gratitude for the pope’s support during a recent interview with Vatican News, saying that his most recent call brought much-needed hope to the parishioners.
A Call for Peace from Gaza
Father Romanelli also took the opportunity to reiterate his call for peace, emphasizing that the people in Gaza have suffered enough.
While the parish itself is holding up “well” under the circumstances, Romanelli is deeply concerned about the continued violence and the toll it takes on the local population.
His message to global leaders is clear: Gaza needs peace, and urgent action must be taken to bring an end to the hostilities that have destroyed so many lives.
Romanelli’s words echo the desperation felt by many in the region, hoping that international attention and efforts will bring a long-awaited resolution to the conflict.
