Pope Leo XIV described Israel’s recent attack against the Hamas terrorist group in Doha (Qatar), as a “truly serious” situation.
On the afternoon of September 9, at the exit of Castel Gandolfo – where the day had passed – the Holy Father went to the media and described as “truly serious” Israel’s recent attack against the Hamas terrorist group in Doha (Qatar).
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When referring to the growing tension of the Middle East conflict, the Pontiff said: “We do not know where things are directed; it is always serious. We must pray with fervor and continue working, looking for and insisting on peace.”
That same Tuesday, Israel launched an attack against Hamas leaders gathered in the capital of Qatar, in which at least six people died.
This Wednesday, at the end of the General Hearing held in the Plaza de San Pedro, the Holy Father recalled that this September 10 is celebrated in Poland the National Day of Poles Victims of War, “which symbolically commemorates their sufferings and contribution” to the reconstruction of the country after World War II.
In this context, he encouraged the faithful to remember “in their prayers and in their humanitarian projects also to the children of Ukraine, Gaza and other regions of the world affected by war.”
Talk to Fr. Romanelli after the immediate evacuation in Gaza
At the gates of Castel Gandolfo, the Pontiff also expressed concern about the situation in Gaza, after Israel ordered the immediate evacuation of residents before an imminent intensification of military operations.
Pope Leo XIV explained that he had tried unsuccessfully to contact Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of the Church of the Sagrada Familia, the only Catholic temple in Gaza.
“I tried to call the pastor now, but I have no news,” he said. “They were certainly fine, but after this new order I’m not sure,” he lamented.
Hours later, P. Romanelli himself reported in his X account that he finally managed to speak with the Holy Father. “He asked us how we were and how was the situation. He sent us his blessing and is praying for us and for peace,” he wrote.
Almudena Martínez-Bordiú
Graduated in journalism and advertising from the CEU San Pablo University of Madrid. Specialized in religious information in Spain since 2015. It has been a senior correspondent for ACI Press and Ewtn News at the Vatican for two years and is currently a correspondent for Europe based on Spain.