DaysofPal– The Holy Family Latin Church in Gaza is refusing to comply with Israeli evacuation orders, continuing to shelter hundreds of displaced civilians as fighting intensifies across the besieged enclave.
Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest, said the church is currently providing refuge to around 450 people, including children, the elderly, and the sick.
“We will not leave the church despite the evacuation orders,” Romanelli stressed in a video message published Wednesday evening by Vatican News.
Romanelli revealed that Pope Francis spoke to him by phone shortly after the Israeli directive was issued. “We told him we are well, even if the situation remains difficult,” the Argentine priest said.
“The Pope gave us his blessing and prayed for us and for peace. He follows everything closely and is committed to ending the war.”
The priest underscored that most Gaza residents are reluctant to leave their homes, despite the danger. “Everywhere there is danger, but many want to remain in the city. We try to accompany them and help as we can,” he explained.
Amid the devastation, moments of hope have persisted inside the parish walls. “Despite the suffering, the parish recently celebrated a wedding and welcomed the birth of a baby boy named Marcos,” Romanelli said. “In the midst of so much pain, God blesses us with signs of life and joy.”
He concluded with a message of faith and resilience. “We continue to pray for peace, for all of Gaza, for the Middle East, and for the world. May God grant us peace.”
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