Pope Leo XIV expressed sadness and called for a ceasefire after Gaza’s only Catholic church was hit in an apparent Israeli strike, leaving at least two dead and several injured.

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack on the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza, and he assures the parish priest, Father Gabriele Romanelli, and the whole parish community of his spiritual closeness,” read a telegram sent by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on behalf of the pope.

Parolin added that the pope “renews his call for an immediate ceasefire, and he expresses his profound hope for dialogue, reconciliation and enduring peace in the region.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the attack and slammed Israel.

“Israeli raids on Gaza also hit the Church of the Holy Family. The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude,” Meloni said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was “aware of reports regarding damage” to the church and that the “circumstances of the incident are under review.”

“The IDF does not target religious institutions and takes many precautions to avoid harm to civilians or holy sites. We remain committed to safeguarding the freedom of religion for people of all faiths,” IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani wrote in a post on X.