His Holiness Pope Francis Calls Catholic Faithful of Parish in Gaza

Sister Saleh (R) and Fr. Yusuf speak with His Holiness Pope Francis by phone 

His Holiness Pope Francis makes a phone call to the parishioners of the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza, with a religious sister expressing gratitude for his encouragement to the suffering community.

By Paolo Ondarza & Devin Watkins

"His Holiness Pope Francis assured us that we are in his Prayers and that he knows the suffering we are enduring."

Sister Nabila Saleh of the Rosary Sisters of Jerusalem shared that summary of a phone call received from His Holiness Pope Francis on Monday night.

The religious Sister serves in the Holy Family Parish, the only Latin rite parish in Gaza.

In an interview with Vatican News, Sister Saleh said the Pope called the parish priest, Fr. Yusuf, who then handed her the phone “so I could speak directly with the Pope since [the priest] does not speak Italian very well."

Pope’s concern for people of Gaza

She said Pope Francis wanted to know how many people are sheltering in the parish’s facilities.

“There are about 500 people, including the sick, families, children, the disabled, people who have lost their homes and belongings,” she said. “It was a great blessing to be able to speak with him. He gave us courage and support in prayer.”

Sr. Saleh asked the Pope to make an appeal for peace and told him that Catholics in Gaza are offering their sufferings “for an end to the war, for peace, for the needs of the Church, and for the ongoing Synod.”

“Our parishioners were very pleased,” she said. “They know that the Pope is working for peace and for the good of the Christian community in Gaza.”

This news was originally published on the website of Vatican News. Please click here to read the full text.