The following is the telegram of condolence, sent on behalf of the Holy Father Leo XIV by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, for the victims of the military attack this morning on the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza:

Telegram

HIS HOLINESS POPE LEO XIV WAS DEEPLY SADDENED TO LEARN OF THE LOSS OF LIFE AND INJURY CAUSED BY THE MILITARY ATTACK ON THE HOLY FAMILY CATHOLIC CHURCH IN GAZA, AND HE ASSURES THE PARISH PRIEST, FATHER GABRIELE ROMANELLI, AND THE WHOLE PARISH COMMUNITY OF HIS SPIRITUAL CLOSENESS. IN COMMENDING THE SOULS OF THE DECEASED TO THE LOVING MERCY OF ALMIGHTY GOD, THE HOLY FATHER PRAYS FOR THE CONSOLATION OF THOSE WHO GRIEVE AND FOR THE RECOVERY OF THE INJURED.  HIS HOLINESS RENEWS HIS CALL FOR AN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE, AND HE EXPRESSES HIS PROFOUND HOPE FOR DIALOGUE, RECONCILIATION AND ENDURING PEACE IN THE REGION.

CARDINAL PIETRO PAROLIN

SECRETARY OF STATE