Pope Leo XIV is praying for the Christian community in Gaza following a deadly Israeli airstrike that killed five civilians on Saturday, October 3.

Two Greek Orthodox Christians, Maysa Khader Ibrahim Abu Daoud and her daughter, Mary Hafez Michel Najjar, were among those killed when a residential building was struck in western Gaza City. The two women had recently relocated after being displaced by the ongoing conflict.

After receiving news of their deaths, the Holy Father sent a personal message to Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza.

Pope Leo assured Father Romanelli that he was praying for the victims and all those suffering in Gaza. Confronted with the continued loss of life, the Pope turned to the words of Scripture, asking, “How long, O Lord?”

He also expressed his gratitude to Father Romanelli for remaining close to his parishioners and accompanying those longing for peace.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, likewise mourned the deaths and offered his condolences to the victims’ families. Funeral prayers for Maysa and Mary were held at Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City.

The deaths come as Gaza’s Christian community continues its ministry under difficult humanitarian conditions. Holy Family Parish, Father Romanelli, and the Missionaries of Charity have continued caring for displaced residents who have few options for shelter.

With winter approaching, Cardinal Pizzaballa has raised particular concern about families living in tents and other temporary accommodations.

Yet the local Church is also working to restore some elements of ordinary life. Gaza’s parish school has reopened, giving children an opportunity to return to the classroom and providing the community with a tangible step toward rebuilding daily life amid the continuing conflict.