Pope Leo XIV calls for end of ‘barbarity’ after Israeli strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church

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Pope Leo called for an end to the ‘barbarity of war’ on Sunday as he spoke of his profound pain over an Israeli strike on the sole Catholic church in Gaza.

Three people died and several were injured, including the parish priest, in the strike on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza City on Thursday.

Photos show its roof has been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and shattering windows.

Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the ‘barbarity of war’ after an Israeli strike on the only Catholic church in Gaza. AP
The flag of Vatican City seen near the damage at the Holy Family Church, which was hit in an Israeli strike, in Gaza City on July 18. REUTERS
Leo read out the names of those killed in the incident after his Angelus prayer. REUTERS

Speaking after his Angelus prayer, Leo read out the names of those killed in the incident.

“I appeal to the international community to observe humanitarian law and respect the obligation to protect civilians as well as the prohibition of collective punishment, of indiscriminate use of force and forced displacement of the population,” he said.

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