Pope Francis has issued a fervent plea for an end to the war in the Holy Land, condemning an Israeli military attack on Gaza's Holy Family Catholic Parish.
The assault resulted in the deaths of two Christian women, Mrs. Nahida Khalil Anton and her daughter Samar Kamal Anton, and the destruction of a Missionaries of Charity convent.
During the Angelus prayer, the Pope decried the targeting of unarmed civilians in Gaza, emphasizing that it is "terrorism" and "war." He urged prayers for peace and invoked Scripture, stating, "God stops wars... breaks the bow, splinters the spear."
The attack, characterized as "terrorism" by the Pope, prompted a call for an end to hostilities and compassion for those suffering in conflict zones, including Ukraine and Palestine.
Israeli forces' heavy bombardment around Gaza's sole Catholic parish, and the subsequent sniper killing of two Christian women taking refuge in the church compound, further underscored the urgency for peace. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reported extensive damage, including the destruction of a convent, leaving 54 people with disabilities without a home.
