Amid international tensions surrounding the war in Gaza following the deadly bombing of a hospital, Pope Francis has called for another day of prayer and fasting for peace, saying war “cancels the future” and breeds hatred and revenge.
International News
Nicaraguan Priests Transferred to Prison Notorious for Torture, Deplorable Conditions
Eight priests have been transferred to a prison notorious for torture and deplorable conditions as the Nicaraguan regime again ramps up its repression of the Catholic Church.
Hundreds Killed in Gaza Hospital Rocket Strike as Both Sides Deny Responsibility
While Christian faithful across the globe prayed and fasted for peace in the Holy Land, a rocket struck the Christian hospital in Gaza City where hundreds of people were being treated, but also where hundreds were taking shelter. U.S. President Joe Biden is on his way to Israel to make a quick visit Oct. 18.
U.S. Pilgrims Fled to Safety as Hamas Attacked the Holy Land
A harsh audio signal burst from Sue Thompson’s phone, much like an Amber Alert or a severe weather warning. But this alarm was for something different: rocket attacks in Israel.
Oct. 17 is Day of Prayer, Fasting for Peace in Holy Land
As war between Israel and Hamas rages, Catholics in the U.S. are heeding a call to pray and fast for peace in the Holy Land.
Synod Discussions Include Addressing Pain Church Has Caused People
The synodal way is not an invention of Pope Francis, but it is based on Jesus’ way of inclusivity and listening, and on divine revelation itself, said Redemptorist Father Vimal Tirimanna, a leading moral theologian from Sri Lanka.
Synod Focus on ‘Inclusion’ Key for People with Disabilities, Member Says
In many places in the world, including in Rome, people with disabilities cannot enter Catholic churches because of the architectural barriers, but even when they do, “we are not asked anything and we are not asked to participate either,” said Enrique Alarcón García.
Catholic Patriarch Offers to Be Exchanged for Hostages Held by Hamas
Amid the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war, a top Catholic leader in the Middle East said he would be willing to trade places with Israeli children who have been among those taken hostage by Hamas terrorists.
Synod Looks at Catholics’ Shared Mission, But Also Exclusion of Women
The life of women in the Catholic Church “is full of scars” and alternating experiences of being encouraged or rejected, the president of Latin America’s religious superiors told members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
Israeli Families Missing Loved Ones Wait for Proof of Life; Patriarch Appeals for Prayer, Fasting
By Judith Sudilovsky JERUSALEM (OSV News) — Just before the children in her kindergarten class went on vacation for the Jewish Sukkot festival, Romina Shvalb, 42, a kindergarten teacher in the quiet Israeli kibbutz of Nir Oz near the Gaza border, had baked challah — the braided sweet bread Jews traditionally eat on the Sabbath […]