Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York said April 14 he and those he traveled with to the Holy Land “feel safe and secure” in Bethlehem after they were forced to take shelter the night before when Iran launched a missile attack against Israel.
Israel
Pope Francis Pleads for Military Restraint in the Middle East
The morning after Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel, Pope Francis pleaded with nations to avoid a further escalation of the violence.
US Catholic Bishops’ Holy Week Message: Pray for an End to Israel-Hamas War
Leaders of U.S. bishops are urging Catholics to pray during Holy Week for an end to the Israel-Hamas war.
U.S. Catholic Leaders Call for ‘Peace and Accountability’ Between Israel and Hamas
With Israel and Hamas still unable to reach a deal to free hostages and halt their war, Catholic leaders in the northwest United States are calling for an agreement between the sides, as well as for them to negotiate a two-state solution for lasting peace.
Pope, in Letter to Jews in Israel, Condemns Antisemitism as a Sin
In a letter addressed to “my Jewish brothers and sisters in Israel,” Pope Francis expressed his heartbreak at the violence unleashed by the Hamas attack on Israel in October and he repeated the Catholic Church’s condemnation of all forms of antisemitism and anti-Judaism.
Relocation of Palestianians Cannot Be A Solution to Gaza Crisis, US Officials Say
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has insisted that Palestinians must not be pressured into leaving Gaza and must be allowed to return to their homes once conditions allow, Christians in the Holy Land worry the Israeli statements may threaten other small communities in the Holy Land, including theirs.
Pope Condemns Attack on Gaza Parish Where Israeli Sniper Killed 2 Christian Women
Following the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s denouncement of a series of attacks on Christians in Gaza by Israeli forces Dec. 16, including the killing of a mother and daughter at a Catholic parish, Pope Francis and numerous bishops across the globe also condemned the attack, calling for peace.
Latin Patriarchate Says IDF Killed Women at Gaza Parish ‘in Cold Blood’
After two women were killed and several others injured in a series of targeted attacks on a Catholic church and convent by the Israeli military in Gaza, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the violence, especially as Christmas draws near.
Antisemitic Attack Survivor Calls For Expression of Faith
Joseph Borgen has had the same menorah since he built it in kindergarten. He looks forward to the first day of Hanukkah every year, when he can place it in his front window for all those who pass by his apartment to see.
Palestinian Ambassador Lauds Pope’s Description of Gaza War as ‘Defeat’
Palestine’s ambassador to the Holy See has lauded Pope Francis’ description of the current war in Gaza as “defeat” and has called for both a cease-fire and an end to Israeli settlements, urging international leaders to do more.