BREAKING Pope Leo XIV Sends Condolences for 2 Christian Women Killed by Israeli Attack in Gaza & Prays for the Victims: ‘How Long, O Lord?’

Pope Leo Prays for Gaza Victims: ‘How Long, O Lord?’

Pope Leo XIV sent a message of condolence to Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, following an Israeli airstrike that killed five civilians, including two Christian women. The early Saturday strike hit a residential building in western Gaza City's Rimal neighborhood, wounding several others. Among the victims were two Greek Orthodox women, Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud and her daughter Mary Hafez Michel Najjar, who had recently relocated seeking safety. Their funeral was held at Saint Porphyrius Church, officiated by Metropolitan Alexios.

In his message to Fr. Romanelli, Pope Leo shared his grief:

“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 wrote. “Thank you for accompanying the parish and so many people who wish to live in peace,” said the Pope. “Blessings and an affectionate embrace.”

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, also extended his condolences and condemned the loss of innocent life. Speaking to La Repubblica, Cardinal Pizzaballa observed:

“We have not yet moved beyond that day. Both peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, remain caught in this profound, unresolved trauma,” he said. “I see no emerging willingness to say, ‘Let us stop.’”

He warned that while military intensity has dropped, living conditions are deteriorating, especially with approaching winter rains threatening those in tents: “Reconstruction has not begun, living conditions have not improved; indeed, in some respects, they have even worsened.”

Despite ongoing relief efforts by Fr. Romanelli and the Missionaries of Charity, humanitarian needs remain severe. Medical sources at Al-Shifa Hospital reported the wounded were in serious condition, while the Israeli military stated the strike targeted a Hamas command center. One bright spot remains the reopening of Gaza's parish school:

“Reopening was an important sign to give. A sign that, despite all the difficulties, we want to begin again: we are not giving up,” the Cardinal said. “There was great joy that day; everyone was crying.”