HOLY LAND: Catholic priest calls for ‘forgiveness’ hoping ceasefire really will end war in Gaza

A PARISH priest who defied evacuation demands to leave Gaza City has called on his flock to “forgive all those who have failed”, as he hopes the ceasefire will bring an end to this “atrocious war”.

A ceasefire in Gaza took effect on Friday (10th October) after Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the 20-point peace plan brokered by Donald Trump, with the next phases still to be negotiated.

In his Sunday address in the Holy Family Catholic Church, Gaza City, Father Gabriel Romanelli said: “This ceasefire, God willing, will become the end of this atrocious war.”

He added: “The long-awaited day has come to begin the implementation of the peace process or peace agreement… May God, in his goodness, grant the Holy Land – and particularly this part of the Holy Land, which is Palestine, Israel – that we may begin to live in peace, in justice, in reconciliation.

Fr Romanelli expressed his profound gratitude and hope following the first Sunday without bombing.

During the Mass, the priest invited parishioners to give thanks to God for their enduring faith and to participate in an act of reconciliation and forgiveness, inspired by the teachings of Pope Saint John Paul II. 

He said: “To forgive all those who, voluntarily or involuntarily, have failed, and ask forgiveness for our own shortcomings”.

At least 57 members of the Christian community have died during the war, including those who died while sheltering in the Catholic compound and the neighbouring Orthodox parish. 

Fr Romanelli e said: “War destroys everything, but we also experienced good things: solidarity and generosity, even in the most adverse conditions.” 

Invoking the words of Fr Werenfried van Straaten, founder of Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need Fr Romanelli said: “Human beings are much better than we think.”

The priest expressed gratitude for the constant support of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, as well as the prayers and support of Popes Francis and Leo XIV.

He stressed the importance praying and working so peace could take root for the region.

Fr Romanelli concluded: “Let us hope that it will truly be a just and lasting peace for all the inhabitants of the Holy Land.”