Pope Francis continues to comfort the people of Gaza 

A Gazan Priest who visited Glasgow last year has spoken of his cherished nightly calls with the Holy Father.

Fr Gabriel Romanelli is the Parish Priest of the Holy Family, the only Catholic Church in Gaza, and has developed a very special relationship with Pope Francis. While Fr Gabriel was shut out of Gaza, he visited Glasgow where the SCIAF team welcomed him to an event in the Royal Concert Hall, attended by hundreds of supporters.

Fr Gabriel said at the time: 

“[My visit to Glasgow] is a good opportunity to present a message of peace; peace for all, for Palestine and Israel…We pray for peace, for justice, without revenge."

Thankfully, Fr Gabriel has since been able to return to his church in Gaza City. Because of the war, Fr Gabriel’s Parish complex has been transformed into a makeshift shelter where over 500 people now live.

Every single day since this awful war began, Pope Francis has called the Holy Family to pray with and show his solidarity for the Gazan people. 

The calls to the Parish were only interrupted recently as the Holy Father suffered a deterioration in his health. When the Holy Father was able to speak to them again, Fr Gabriel and the people of his Parish “rejoiced to hear his voice.” 

These calls, made even whilst Pope Francis has been in a critical condition, have been a true comfort for Fr Gabriel, his Parish, and the people who shelter there.

Fr Gabriel said:

“That blessed call. 

“As he did every day from the beginning of this terrible war, Pope Francis has called us once again to show his closeness, to pray for us and to give us his blessing.

“Knowing that despite his delicate state of health, he continues to think and pray for everyone, for Peace in Gaza and thanking us, at the same time, for our constant prayers. This gives us great joy even in the midst of so many trials. "

SCIAF Chief Executive Lorraine Currie said:

“We need to redouble our efforts towards peace in the Holy Land; deep and lasting peace where everyone can survive and thrive, feel safe, secure and be authors of their own lives’ stories. 

“Fr Gabriel continues to follow information about the Pope’s health. 

“Fr Gabriel’s words have made us truly appreciate our Pope for reaching out to the people of Gaza so personally in their time of need. 

“Alongside Pope Francis, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Fr Gabriel and the people of Gaza. Together, at SCIAF we join Fr Gabriel in praying for peace in the Holy Land and of course for the improvement of the Pope’s health.”