Pope and Archbishop of Westminster condemn Israel's attack on Gaza church

Senior Christian figures are calling for an immediate ceasefire on Thursday after Israel launched an air strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, multiple media outlets reported. 

Pope Leo XIV said he was "deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury caused by the military attack," and called for a ceasefire. 

Archbishop of Westminster Cardinal Vincent Nichols condemned the attack and also called for an immediate ceasefire.

“I condemn this appalling strike on the Holy Family Church in Gaza, pray for the dead and injured, and stand in solidarity with Father Gabriel Romanelli and the people sheltering in the compound - Christians and Muslims alike," the leader of Catholics in England and Wales said.

“For 20 months, the Church of the Holy Family has managed to be a place of sanctuary and spiritual support amidst the horrors of war, feeding and protecting hundreds of people.”

Three people were killed in the attack, and ten others were wounded, including the community's parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli.

The late Pope Francis spoke to Father Romanelli on a regular basis before his death.