Death and Bombs Dominate in Gaza, Says Catholic Priest

Naples: Father Gabriel Romanelli, the priest of the Catholic Holy Family parish in Gaza, reported on the ongoing death and destruction in the enclave during a video message transmitted in Naples Cathedral for the feast of Saint Januarius.

According to Ansa News Agency, Romanelli highlighted the severity of the situation throughout the Gaza Strip, emphasizing the impact of continuous bombings. He described an ongoing war that has already claimed tens of thousands of lives, including over 18,000 children. Romanelli also mentioned the plight of hostages who remain deprived of their freedom and the wounded and sick who lack access to treatment due to insufficient hospital resources. He lamented that weapons have taken precedence over peace.

Romanelli stated his decision to remain in Gaza after Israel launched an offensive to seize Gaza City on Tuesday. He received a call from the Vatican where Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern and offered his prayers and support. Romanelli himself was injured in an Israeli strike on the Holy Family Catholic Church in July, which resulted in the death of three people.

Before his passing in April, Pope Francis had maintained regular contact with Romanelli, calling him nearly every day to provide support to the Gaza parish amid the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023.