Vatican News, the Holy See’s official news outlet, reported the Latin Patriarchate’s account on Saturday. The news report said the reported attack was “justified by Israelis” who “claimed the presence of a rocket launcher in the parish” but did not provide the source for that information. Vatican News also reported that “dozens are reported dead” following a heavy bombardment of the area around Holy Family Parish, citing the Palestinian government news agency Wafa.
As of Sunday morning Israel has not issued a statement on the alleged shootings at the parish. CNA contacted the IDF seeking comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.
‘Painful news from Gaza’
Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Dec. 17, Pope Francis expressed his deep concern over the reported attack. He also added new details beyond what was included in the Latin Patriarchate’s statement, including the victims’ full names and that the victims were targeted while “going to the bathroom.” He also referred to multiple “sharpshooters.”
“I continue to receive very serious and painful news from Gaza. Unarmed civilians are subjected to bombings and shootings. And this even happened inside the parish complex of the Holy Family, where there are no terrorists, but families, children, sick and disabled people, nuns,” the pope lamented.
“A mother and her daughter, Mrs. Nahida Khalil Anton and daughter Samar Kamal Anton, were killed and other people injured by sharpshooters, while going to the bathroom,” the pope continued.
