GAZA, (The Palestinian Information Center) Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of the Church of the Holy Family (Latin Patriarchate) in Gaza, confirmed that the church is sheltering 450 displaced people, including elderly, sick, and children, and that they will not leave the church, despite Israeli evacuation orders.
In a video message published by Vatican News on Wednesday evening, Father Romanelli revealed that Pope Francis personally called him following the Israeli evacuation notice.
“We told him we are okay, although the situation remains very difficult,” Romanelli said. “He gave us his blessing and prayed for us and for peace. He is closely following the situation and is committed to working toward ending the war.”
Father Romanelli added: “Most of the residents don’t want to leave. Danger is everywhere, but many prefer to stay. We’re doing our best to support and accompany them.”
Despite the hardship, the church recently celebrated a wedding and welcomed the birth of a child. “Amid so much pain, God blesses us with signs of life and joy,” Romanelli said.
He concluded with a call to prayer: “We continue praying for peace, for all of Gaza, for the Middle East, and the world. May God grant us peace.”
On August 26, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza and warning against the forcible mass displacement of civilians. They strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression.
The statement noted that the St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church and the Church of the Holy Family (Latin Patriarchate) have become shelters for hundreds of civilians, including elderly, women, and children. The Latin Church compound also houses individuals with disabilities, who are cared for by the Missionaries of Charity.
The two churches highlighted the worsening conditions inside their compounds due to hunger and malnutrition and warned that moving south would amount to a “death sentence” for many. Clergy and nuns have committed to staying to care for those seeking refuge.
The patriarchates emphasized that “there is no justification” for deliberate, forced mass displacement and called for an immediate end to the war, prioritizing the common good after the widespread destruction inflicted on lives and property.
The statement urged the international community to act swiftly to stop the “senseless and devastating war.”
