Calling the strike a “military attack,” the Vatican’s Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said: “In commending the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, the Holy Father prays for the consolation of those who grieve and for the recovery of the injured.”

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, which has jurisdiction for Latin-rite Catholics in Gaza, said the Holy Family Church was struck by Israel on Thursday morning. The church has become a shelter for the enclave’s tiny Christian community amid the ongoing war.

The Israeli military said it was “aware of reports regarding damage caused to the Holy Family Church in Gaza City and casualties at the scene,” adding that “the circumstances of the incident are under review.” “The (Israel Defense Forces) makes every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them,” it said.

The patriarchate named the three killed as Saad Issa Kostandi Salameh, Foumia Issa Latif Ayyad and Najwa Abu Dawood. Several others were also injured. “We pray for the rest of their souls and for the end of this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians,” its statement read. Pope Leo used his statement to reiterate his plea for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. (CNN)