The only Catholic parish in Gaza: 8 key data on its work in the middle of the conflict

An attack reported on July 17 against the only Catholic Church in Gaza left three dead and nine injured, according to A statement of the Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

Among the injured was the pastor, Fr. Gabriel Romanelli. The images showed damage to the roof and church windows.

In the midst of the current war in Gaza, the parish has been a shelter for both Catholics and non -Catholics. These are eight things that you should know about the Church of the Sagrada Familia in Gaza:

1. The parish is the only Catholic Church in Gaza

The parish of the Sagrada Familia was built in the 60s. Before becoming a refuge, there were about 130 Catholics in Gaza, according to National Catholic Reporter.

Christians are a minority in this territory of Muslim majority, with just 1,000 Christians, according to the International Religious Freedom Report of the US Department of State of 2024. Most of the Palestinian Christians are Greek orthodox, although there are also Roman Catholics, Catholics Greco-Melquitas and some Protestant denominations both in Gaza and Cisjordan. Christians represent less than 1% of the population of Gaza, according to the Latin Patriarchy website.

Gaza is one of the most densely populated areas in the world, with approximately 5,000 people per square kilometer. In addition, it is an impoverished region with high levels of unemployment. According to a 2022 report by the Ministry of Health of Palestine, children under 15 constitute about 50% of the population.

2. The parish has offered refuge to more than 500 people

The parish complex has become an improvised home for more than 500 people: mainly Orthodox, Protestant and Catholics Christians, but also some Muslim families and children with disabilities.

The complex was adapted as a refuge at the beginning of the war between the terrorist group Hamás and Israel, initiated more than a year and a half ago, when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 men, women and children, and kidnapping more than 250 people. Currently, there are still about 20 hostages alive in Gaza.

3. The parish has a recognized school

In addition to the Church, the parish has a Latin Patriarchy School. Built in 1974, the Sacred Family School has more than 600 students, both Christians and non -Christians. According to the patriarchy website, it is considered the best Gaza school.

4. The parish priest is originally from Buenos Aires

Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, priest of the Institute of the Incarnate Word, is the parish priest of the Church and was born in Buenos Aires. He was injured in the leg by shrapnel during the recent Israeli attack on the parish.

Romanelli arrived in the Middle East as a missionary seminarian. After his ordination, he spent two years in Egypt learning Arab and then sent to Jordan. In 2019 he arrived in Gaza as pastor. In 2023, when the war between Israel and Hamas broke out, he was evacuated to Jerusalem, but decided to return to accompany his community.

5. Three religious congregations help in the parish

The Missionaries of Charity, founded by Santa Teresa de Calcutta, have been in Gaza since 1973. Several sisters take care of the elderly and people with disabilities in a convent within the parish complex. In December 2023, his convent was reached by rockets, which caused a fire that left him uninhabitable. Two women died in that attack, which, according to the patriarchy, was directed by the FDI, although the Israeli army denied responsibility.

The Rosary sisters also have a presence in the Talo neighborhood to the Hawa de Gaza. They founded a school in 2000 with more than 800 students, of which 10% are Christians. However, at the beginning of the conflict, the school – which had been evacuated days before – was severely damaged. Currently, the two sisters of the Rosary reside in the parish of the Sagrada Familia.

The Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matá (SSVM), known as “Server”, are also present in Gaza, as well as other parts of the Middle East. Together with Father Romanelli, they are part of the religious family of the incarnate verb. Two servants – who are also twin sisters – decided to remain in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict and continue their pastoral work there.

6. Pope Francis called the parish daily

During the last year and a half of his life, even being hospitalized, Pope Francis called almost every day to the parish of the Sagrada Familia. His last call was the night of the Pascual vigil, on April 19, just two days before his death. The calls were brief messages by WhatsApp, usually of a minute. The community waited with affection for night calls, and the children called the Pope “grandfather.”

7. The parish complex has already been bombarded before

The parish has been under attack on other occasions, including an explosion about 300 meters from the Church in March. In April, Romanelli described Gaza as a “prison” and asked world leaders to seek peace.

This week’s attack would have been caused by an Israeli tank. The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “deep regret” for damages and victims, and pointed out that Israel’s defense forces are investigating the fact, adding that Israel “never attacks churches or religious sites.”

8. Cardinal Pizzaballa prioritizes the welfare of the parish

In response to the recent attack, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said that “always” tries to “reach Gaza by all possible means”, and that “we will never leave them alone,” according to Vatican News.

That commitment has been a constant in its actions. He visited the parish in May and December 2024. Last month, the cardinal stressed the “maximum importance” of supporting the parish community. “Our main concern is our community in Gaza: to support them, be present for them, not abandon them,” said Ewtn News.

Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in CNA.