Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of the only Catholic parish in Gaza, is making an urgent plea for global leaders to work toward peace as the region remains engulfed in the ongoing war.
His message comes as Gaza continues to endure devastating effects from the conflict that has left its people trapped in what he describes as a “cage.”
Holy Family Parish: A Refuge Amidst Chaos
Holy Family Parish, where Father Romanelli serves, has become a safe haven for the Christian minority living in Gaza.
The parish complex, once a place of worship and community gathering, has been transformed into an emergency shelter since the start of the war.
The conflict began in October 2023, when Hamas launched an invasion of Israel, resulting in the tragic deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, including men, women, and children.
The attack also led to 251 hostages being taken, with 59 still believed to be in captivity, 35 of whom are presumed dead.
Pope Francis’ Continued Support for Gaza
Pope Francis has shown unwavering support for the people of Gaza, making regular calls to Father Romanelli and others in the parish.
Even when critically ill and in the hospital, the Pope continued to stay in touch with those enduring the horrors of the conflict.
Father Romanelli expressed his deep gratitude for the Pope’s concern, noting that the people of Gaza were “very happy to hear he was calling.”
The Pope’s calls have not only offered spiritual comfort but also served as a reminder of the global attention on the suffering faced by civilians in the region.
Romanelli shared that the Pope took time to ask how the community was coping, inquiring after the health and well-being of those in his care.
A Plea for Global Action
In a recent interview with Vatican News, Father Romanelli spoke about the current state of affairs in Gaza.
He emphasized that, despite the ongoing hardship, the parish is holding up well.
However, he stressed the need for world leaders to actively pursue peace, as the situation in Gaza has reached a critical point.
The plea comes not only as a call for immediate action to end the war but as a reminder of the lasting effects that such conflicts have on local communities, particularly minority groups like Christians who find themselves isolated in a war zone.
Father Romanelli’s words reflect the broader sentiment of hope and despair that permeates Gaza—hope for peace and justice, but also despair at the apparent stalemate in the conflict.
His call echoes a broader global desire to see an end to violence and a path toward healing for the people caught in the crossfire.