3 killed in strike on the last Catholic church in Gaza; a friend of Pope Francis is among the injured
Pope Leo XIV was "deeply saddened" by the assault, which he called a "military attack," the Vatican said. He also renewed his calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

July 17, 2025, 5:01 AM EDT / Updated July 17, 2025, 6:29 AM EDT
By Chantal Da Silva

Three people were killed and at least nine injured, including a parish priest who was a close friend of the late Pope Francis, in an Israeli attack on the only Catholic church in Gaza, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said Thursday.

The Holy Family Church in Gaza City “was struck by the Israeli army,” the patriarchate said in a statement, adding that it strongly condemned “this targeting of innocent civilians and of a sacred place.”

“Three individuals lost their lives as a result of the injuries sustained and nine others were wounded, including one in critical condition and two in serious condition,” the statement said.

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/israel-strike-catholic-church-gaza-pope-francis-gabriele-romanelli-rcna219268