Pope Francis Narrates Joy of Faithful in Gaza Amid Ceasefire

Vatican City, January 23, 2025: During his weekly General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Francis shared the heartwarming details of a phone call he made to the Holy Family Parish in Gaza and also urged the faithful to pray for peace in war-torn regions across the globe. Addressing the people gathered for the audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall, the Holy Father revealed that he spoke with parishioners of the church, where around 600 people are currently sheltering. 

"Yesterday, I called the parish in Gaza, as I do every day. They were happy. There are 600 people in the parish and the school. They told me, 'Today, we ate lentils with chicken—something we weren't used to in these times. Just some vegetables, a little something... They were happy,'" Pope Francis said.

The Holy Father’s call was made 3 days after a fragile ceasefire came into effect, offering a brief respite after nearly 15 months of violence and hardship. The Holy Family Parish in Gaza has served as a refuge for many during the conflict. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the Argentine-born pastor of the parish, and his assistant, Father Yusuf Asad, have been in close contact with Pope Francis throughout the crisis. The Pope also expressed his admiration for members of the parish, noting their return to a semblance of normality amidst the ceasefire during his address.

Reflecting on the ceasefire that came into effect on Sunday, Fr. Romanelli described it as "a step toward peace" and also expressed gratitude for the Pope's continued support. The Holy Father, known for his personal approach, has made it a point to call the parish daily at 7 p.m. to pray, offer blessings, and inquire about the well-being of parishioners.

During his address, Pope Francis also reiterated his condemnation of war, stating, “War is always a defeat. The only ones who profit from it are the arms manufacturers.” He also drew attention to the suffering in Ukraine, particularly among the elderly. “Remember in your prayers the elderly in Ukraine, who are living through the tragedy of war,” he urged.

Pope Francis also renewed his invitation for the faithful to pray for Gaza, Ukraine, the Middle East, and Myanmar, saying, "Let us pray for Gaza, for peace there, and in so many parts of the world."

Courtesy: Vatican News