Israeli Missile Hits Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Derdghaya, Lebanon, Killing at Least Eight

A Melkite Greek Catholic church in Derdghaya, Lebanon, was struck by an Israeli missile on October 9, killing at least eight people, according to the report. The church was sheltering displaced civilians at the time.

The strike completely destroyed the church. A priest’s house and a three-story parish building were also destroyed.

Pope Francis condemned the attack, calling for an immediate ceasefire and expressing solidarity with the Lebanese people. In a series of tweets, he stressed the right of all nations to exist in peace and security and urged an end to the violence.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, praised the Pope for his leadership and compassion. In a letter published in L’Osservatore Romano, he said the Pope had been the only world leader to recognize the human suffering of all people in the region.

The Patriarch called for a response of love and forgiveness in the face of hatred and mistrust. He emphasized the importance of building relationships and trust, even amid conflict, in a call that reflects the pursuit of peace (Matthew 5:9).

He urged Catholics to reject the logic of evil and hatred and to strive for peace and justice.

Source: Read the original report