The Church of the Holy Family (Latin Patriarchate) in Gaza announced it will not comply with Israeli evacuation orders, choosing instead to remain a sanctuary for hundreds of displaced civilians despite the escalating danger.

Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of the church, confirmed that 450 people – including the elderly, the sick, women, and children – are currently sheltering in the church compound. “Most of the residents don’t want to leave. Danger is everywhere, but many prefer to stay. We’re doing our best to support and accompany them,” he said in a message published by Vatican News on Wednesday evening.

Romanelli revealed that Pope Francis personally called him after the evacuation notice, offering his blessing and prayers. “He gave us his blessing and prayed for us and for peace. He is closely following the situation and is committed to working toward ending the war,” Romanelli said.

Despite the siege and deteriorating humanitarian situation, the church continues to foster moments of hope. Romanelli noted that they recently celebrated a wedding and witnessed the birth of a child. “Amid so much pain, God blesses us with signs of life and joy,” he said, urging continued prayers for Gaza, the Middle East, and the world.

On August 26, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem issued a joint statement voicing grave concern over the situation in Gaza and condemning what they called a campaign of forcible mass displacement.

The statement highlighted that the St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church and the Church of the Holy Family are currently sheltering hundreds of civilians, including people with disabilities under the care of the Missionaries of Charity. It warned that conditions inside the church compounds are worsening due to hunger, malnutrition, and lack of medicine, and that moving south — as ordered by Israeli forces — would amount to a “death sentence” for many.

Clergy and nuns have pledged to remain with the civilians in their care, regardless of the risk. “There is no justification for deliberate, forced mass displacement,” the patriarchates declared, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to what they termed the “senseless and devastating war.”

The churches urged the international community to act swiftly to protect civilians, stop the attacks, and work toward a just peace that safeguards the dignity and rights of all people in Gaza. (ILKHA)