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Pope Leo XIV Mourns Fr. Pierre & Victims in Middle East Escalation
Pope Leo XIV has expressed his "deep sorrow" regarding the escalating violence in the Middle East, specifically mourning the loss of the "many innocents, including many children" and those who have died while attempting to provide aid.
SEE ALSO: BREAKING Catholic Priest Killed in Lebanon in Israeli Attack - RIP Fr. Pierre https://www.catholicnewsworld.com/2026/03/breaking-catholic-priest-killed-in.html
The Death of Father Pierre El-Rahi
The Holy See highlighted the tragic killing of Father Pierre El-Rahi, by Israeli attacks. He was a Maronite Catholic priest in Qlaya, Lebanon. According to reports from Vatican News:
The Incident: Father Pierre was killed this afternoon during an Israeli attack on a house near his parish in the mountains.
The Act of Service: Father Toufic Bou Merhi, a Franciscan priest, shared that Father Pierre had rushed to the scene with dozens of young people to help an injured parishioner.
The Fatality: While he was assisting, a second attack struck the same location. Though he was rushed to a local hospital, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
A Plea for Peace
The Holy See Press Office, via its Telegram channel, conveyed the Pontiff’s spiritual closeness to all victims. The Vatican note emphasizes that the Pope:
“Follows with concern what is happening and prays that all hostility ceases as soon as possible.”
The Impact on Children
The Pope’s thoughts were particularly directed toward the youngest victims of the conflict. Data from organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children indicate that approximately 300 minors have been killed since the start of this current escalation.
Pope Leo XIV continues to pray for “all the victims of the bombings of recent days in the Middle East, for the many innocent people, including many children, and for those who helped them, like Father Pierre El-Rahi.”
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