Amid the full tension over the new evacuation order issued by Israel to the residents of Gaza City, the Pope managed to speak with Father Gabriel Romanelli, parish priest of the Holy Family Church. The priest explained that “at the moment the Pope called, I couldn’t answer because we were in a long liturgical celebration. Then I was in contact with him. He asked how we were, gave us his blessing, and prayed for us and for peace”.
450 refugees under the protection of the parish
The parish priest emphasized, as reported by Vatican News, that around 450 refugees remain in the Holy Family Church, including elderly people, the sick, and children. “We continue here with them, caring for the people. In other parts of the city, some are moving south, but most do not want to leave”, he assured.
Despite the bombings and destruction, many residents prefer to remain in Gaza. “From the beginning of the war, they tell us that there is danger everywhere. Here we continue with daily activities, helping numerous families”, Romanelli stated.
Marriage and birth amid the pain
The priest also shared two signs of hope amid the tragedy. In the Mass of the previous day, a marriage was celebrated in the Catholic community, and a few hours later, a boy named Marcos was born among the refugees. “God always blesses us. Even in these moments of suffering, he shows us his closeness”, he declared to Vatican News.
A call to the world to pray for peace
In his message, the parish priest conveyed the plea of the Pope and the Gaza community: “We continue praying for peace. The war has turned the Middle East upside down. We trust that the end of this conflict will bring a little more serenity, even if it does not yet mean peace. We ask God, through the intercession of the Most Holy Virgin, to grant us the miracle of peace”.