Ethan Walker
The Catholic population in Gaza is small, with estimates ranging from 135 to 150. The Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza has sheltered around 650 Christian Palestinians since the start of the assault on Gaza on 7 October 2023, including 135 Catholics, almost the entire Catholic population in Gaza. The Catholic community in Gaza has faced extreme conditions during the conflict, with Israeli strikes targeting places of worship and civilians. Pope Francis maintained close contact with the Catholic community in Gaza during the war, calling the parish priests every night to offer support and calling for a lasting ceasefire.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholics in Gaza | 135 |
| Number of Christians in Gaza | 1,300 |
| Number of Palestinian Christians sheltered in the Holy Family Catholic Church | 650 |
| Number of Palestinian Christians sheltered in the Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius | 200 |
| Number of people in the Zaytun neighbourhood, the Old City of Gaza, who depend on the Catholic parish for essentials | 2,200 |
| Number of families helped by the Catholic parish in northern Gaza | 7,000 |
| Number of individuals helped by the Catholic parish in northern Gaza | 41,000 |
| Number of people housed in the Catholic compound | 416 |
| Number of children with disabilities housed in the Catholic compound | 63 |
| Number of people housed in the adjacent Orthodox compound | 204 |
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What You'll Learn
There is just one Catholic church in Gaza
The Missionaries of Charity care for the elderly and disabled, and the Rosary Sisters operate a school. The community is served by priests from the Institute of the Incarnate Word. The Holy Family Church has been a place of refuge for Christians during the war in Gaza. Since the war began in October 2023, more than 300 Palestinians have sheltered at the church. The church's compound houses 416 Christians, both Catholic and Orthodox, as well as 63 children with disabilities who are cared for by the Missionaries of Charity.
The Catholic community in Gaza is small, with only about 1,300 Christians in a total population of two million. The Holy Family Church normally serves a community of around 150 Catholics, but since the outbreak of the war, hundreds of Gazans have sought shelter there. During the war, the church has been targeted by Israeli strikes and bombings. In December 2023, a Palestinian Christian mother and daughter, Nahida and Samar, were killed by an Israeli sniper as they attempted to reach the bathroom in an annex of the church. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem confirmed the killings, and Pope Francis condemned Israel's acts of "terrorism".
Despite the challenges and dangers faced by the Catholic community in Gaza, the church remains committed to its mission and to providing education and aid to those in need. The parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli, has prioritized education for children in the region, even as rocket attacks and bombings disrupted classes. The church has also provided essential support to thousands of displaced people in the Zaytun neighborhood, offering food, water, and medical assistance.
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Pope Francis called the church every night
Pope Francis: A Beacon of Hope for Gaza's Catholics
Pope Francis, the first Pope from the Americas, was a source of solace for the Catholic community in Gaza during the devastating war that began in October 2023. The Pope called the priests in Gaza every night at 7 pm or 8 pm, providing comfort and driving away their fears. The congregation of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, found strength in these nightly conversations with the Pope.
The war in Gaza has resulted in immense loss and suffering for Palestinians. The Israeli response to the Hamas-led attack that initiated the conflict has led to the deaths of over 51,000 Palestinians and the destruction of the Palestinian enclave. The Catholic parish in Gaza has become a refuge for thousands of displaced people, providing essential support with food, water, and medical assistance. The priests of the Holy Family Church, including Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, have been at the forefront of these relief efforts, ensuring that the vulnerable are cared for.
Pope Francis's nightly calls to the church in Gaza were a testament to his concern for the Palestinian people. During these conversations, he inquired about the well-being of the children and the most vulnerable, and he also discussed schools and hospitals in the area. The Pope's unwavering support and advocacy for the people of Gaza provided a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of war. He believed that the Palestinians deserved to live with dignity and independence, and his calls helped to keep their spirits alive.
The death of Pope Francis has left the Catholic community in Gaza feeling orphaned. They have lost a leader who not only provided spiritual guidance but also actively worked for their protection and well-being. The Pope's calls ensured that the world did not forget the plight of the Palestinians, and his passing has left a void that will be difficult to fill. However, his legacy of compassion and solidarity will continue to inspire those working tirelessly to bring peace and relief to the war-torn region.
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The church has been used as a shelter
The Holy Family Church in Gaza City is the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. It has served as a shelter for over 300 Palestinians since the war in Gaza began in October 2023. The parish also functions as a small dispensary and analysis laboratory to help the sick. The Catholic Church has provided aid, supported by appeals made by the Latin Patriarchate to Catholic communities worldwide.
The incessant sounds of bombing have become a familiar backdrop for Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of Holy Family Church. Pope Francis called the priest every night at 7 pm to check in on the Christian congregation in Gaza. The pope offered solace and drove fear from their hearts. The pope not only cared about the Palestinian Christians but also the entire Palestinian people, often inquiring about schools and hospitals in Gaza.
The Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City has also opened its doors to shelter Muslims and Christians fleeing the war. Archbishop Alexios stated that the church was doing its duty and providing help to those in need. The church offered food, blankets, mattresses, and toys for the children. The mosque nearby and the church's neighbors also lent a hand in assisting those seeking refuge.
The war in Gaza has resulted in the destruction of homes and the displacement of thousands of people. The Holy Family Church and the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius have become places of refuge for those seeking shelter from the bombs and attacks. The churches have provided not only physical shelter but also emotional support and a sense of community for those impacted by the war.
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The Catholic population in Gaza is tiny
The Holy Family Church is the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The parish includes a school that provides a Christian education to children in Gaza. The community is served by priests from the Institute of the Incarnate Word. The church's school was bombed by the Israeli Air Force on 7 July 2024, killing four displaced people sheltering on the school's grounds. The Catholic compound currently houses 416 Christians, both Catholic and Orthodox, plus 63 children with disabilities.
The war in Gaza has taken a toll on the Catholic population, with 2.5% of the pre-war Christian community estimated to have been killed in the first 74 days of Israeli bombing. The Catholic Church in Gaza is committed to making plans for the future, especially regarding education. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church, has prioritized education for children in the region, organizing classes in Arabic, English, Math, and Science. However, the constant bombing has made it difficult to hold regular classes.
The Catholic community in Gaza faces significant challenges, including food and water shortages, medical needs, and unemployment. The church provides essential support to thousands of displaced people in the Zaytun neighborhood and the Old City of Gaza. Despite the difficulties, the Catholic Church in Gaza remains resilient, with priests like Father Gabriel Romanelli offering spiritual solace and educational opportunities to those seeking refuge in the church.
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The church provides education for children
The Holy Family Church of Gaza City is the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The parish includes a school that provides Christian education to children in Gaza. The school was founded in 1974 by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and has over 1,200 students. In addition to the school, the parish also houses a small dispensary, an analysis laboratory, and a shelter for those seeking refuge from the war.
Despite the ongoing conflict and uncertainty in Gaza, the Catholic Church remains committed to providing education for the children in the community. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest of the Holy Family Church, has made it a priority to ensure that children continue to receive "remedial" schooling. With the help of teachers, they offer classes in Arabic, English, Math, and Science. However, due to the frequent rocket landings and airstrikes, lessons often have to be suspended.
The Catholic compound currently houses 416 Christians, including Catholics and Orthodox Christians, as well as 63 children with disabilities who are cared for by the Missionaries of Charity. The living conditions in the compound are crowded and difficult, with multiple families sharing small spaces. Despite these challenges, the Catholic Church strives to provide a sense of normalcy and continuity in education for the children affected by the war.
The Rosary Sisters, who work closely with the Holy Family Church, also operate a school with around 500 students. This school offers kindergarten and elementary education. Unfortunately, the Rosary Sisters' school has faced challenges, including looting and vandalism, and destruction by Israeli airstrikes during the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis. Despite these setbacks, the Rosary Sisters remain dedicated to providing education and support to the children of Gaza.
In addition to their educational efforts, the Catholic Church in Gaza serves as a vital source of aid and assistance for thousands of displaced people. They provide essentials such as food, water, and medical assistance to those in need. The church has become a refuge for Christians and Muslims alike during the war, with around 650 Palestinian Christians seeking shelter within its walls.
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Frequently asked questions
There are only about 135 Catholics in Gaza, with a total Christian population of 1,300.
Gaza's Catholics have been sheltering in the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City, the only Catholic church in the Gaza Strip.
The Holy Family Catholic Church has been sheltering around 650 Christian Palestinians, mostly Orthodox, with 135 Catholics, and a small number of Protestants. They are living in extreme conditions, with little food, electricity, or water.
The Catholic Church has been committed to providing education to children in the region. They have also provided spiritual support, never suspending adoration, the rosary, or Mass.
