In the midst of unimaginable suffering and unrelenting violence, the faithful in Gaza continue to uphold the values of peace and hope, even as they endure what has been described as living in a “cage.” Fr. Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of the Latin-rite Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, shared the heart-wrenching reality of life in the besieged region in a recent interview with Vatican News. He spoke about the profound impact of Pope Francis’ continued calls and the ongoing prayers for peace offered by his parishioners, which have become a source of light in the darkness.
Living in a Cage
Fr. Romanelli, who remains close to both the Christian community and the refugees being sheltered in the church compound, vividly described the overwhelming conditions in Gaza. “In our traumatic reality, where we essentially ‘live in a cage,'” he said, reflecting the harsh restrictions imposed on the people of Gaza by the ongoing conflict. Despite the dire situation, Fr. Romanelli emphasized the importance of continuing to pray for peace and to remain steadfast in hope. His words resonated with the global call for peace that Pope Francis has repeatedly issued during this time of crisis.
For the people of Gaza, Pope Francis’ calls have been a source of solace. Fr. Romanelli expressed deep gratitude for the Pope’s recent gesture of reaching out, despite the great distance and the continuing hardships. “The Pope called, greeted us, asked how we were doing, how the people were,” Fr. Romanelli recounted. He shared how the children and young people in the compound reacted with joy, shouting “Viva il Papa!” in both Arabic and Italian. “The people were very happy to hear he was calling,” he said, further illustrating how the Pope’s concern and prayers provide much-needed comfort to the people of Gaza.
A Call for Peace and Healing
The situation in Gaza, according to Fr. Romanelli, is not only a humanitarian crisis but a spiritual one as well. The priest described how, despite the ongoing suffering, the Christian community continues to pray fervently for peace. He thanked Pope Francis for his “brief, but deeply heartfelt and appreciated” phone call and for the Pope’s ongoing appeals for peace. “For this closeness, concern, and for his appeals, we thanked him,” Fr. Romanelli said, underscoring the importance of these gestures of solidarity.
However, the conditions in Gaza remain dire. As Fr. Romanelli pointed out, “The emergency of food, water, and medicine is extremely urgent across the entire Strip.” Living in a compounded area with 500 refugees and neighbors from the Zeitoun neighborhood, the priest acknowledged that though they are “okay for now,” the situation is rapidly deteriorating, with critical resources running out. “Everything is starting to run out,” he said, painting a bleak picture of the situation.
Gaza: A Prison of War
Fr. Romanelli did not mince words when describing the plight of the people in Gaza, calling the region “a prison” and “a giant cage.” Yet, amid this suffering, the faithful continue to demonstrate a powerful witness of service and peace. He stressed that despite the hardships, the Christian community seeks to be “instruments of peace for all.” They help not only Christians but also their Muslim neighbors, embodying the call to be peacemakers in the face of violence and despair.
“Gaza is a prison—it’s become a cage,” Fr. Romanelli declared, a stark image of the restrictions and hardships that have plagued the region for far too long. Yet, he pointed out that they continue to live with hope, relying on “the help of the Lord” and the goodwill of those who desire peace. “It is truly a Lent, with a heavy cross, for the people of Gaza,” he reflected. “We count on the help of the Lord, and on people of good will who truly desire peace.”
Prayers for Peace and the Call to Action
The heartfelt appeal from Fr. Romanelli reflects the urgency of finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict. He echoed Pope Francis’ call to convince world leaders that peace is not only necessary but possible. “As long as this armed conflict continues,” he warned, “no problem will truly be resolved.” The situation in Gaza, he emphasized, cannot be ignored any longer. For peace to be realized, the voices of both Palestinians and Israelis must be heard, and a solution that respects the dignity of all must be pursued. “We are in a cage,” he said, yet his words carry a message of hope—a call for an end to the violence and a future built on peace.
The witness of Fr. Romanelli and his parishioners in Gaza is a profound reminder to Catholics around the world of the importance of prayer and action in times of crisis. As they continue to endure unimaginable hardship, their prayers for peace echo the cries of so many around the globe, yearning for an end to war and the restoration of justice.
The call for peace is not just a cry from Gaza but a universal plea. As we join in prayer with Fr. Romanelli and his community, let us remember the power of unity, solidarity, and faith in bringing about a world where peace and dignity are not just hopes, but realities for all people.
Source: Vatican News, interview with Fr. Gabriel Romanelli.
