Cardinal Vincent Nicholas has condemned an “appalling” attack that has reportedly killed two people sheltering in a Christian church in Gaza.
Responding to the shelling by an Israeli tank of Gaza’s only Catholic church, Cardinal Nichols said: “I condemn this appalling strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, pray for the dead and injured, and stand in solidarity with Father Gabriel Romanelli and the people sheltering in the compound – Christians and Muslims alike.
“For 20 months, the Church of the Holy Family has managed to be a place of sanctuary and spiritual support amid the horrors of war, feeding and protecting hundreds of people.
“I add my voice to Pope Leo’s call for a return of hostages and an immediate ceasefire to end the suffering in Gaza and bring peace to the region. I encourage you, in your homes and parishes, to pray for peace and an end to this war.”
Many displaced Christian families from the small local community have been living in the church since the war began and their own homes were destroyed.
The late Pope Francis called the church almost every day during the crisis.
Father Gabriel is said to be among several people injured in the shelling and the church itself has been seriously damaged.
Our photo shows explosions near the church earlier in the war.