President Joe Biden and Pope Francis spoke by phone Oct. 22 to discuss the conflict in Israel and Gaza and facilitating a path to “durable peace” in the region, according to the press offices of both leaders.
Palestine
A Million Children Worldwide Prayed the Rosary for Peace in the Holy Land
On Oct. 18, just over a million children around the world prayed the rosary as part of a global campaign of praying for peace with a particular focus this year on peace in the Holy Land amid the ongoing war in that region.
Pope Says War ‘Cancels the Future,’ Calls for Oct. 27 Day of Prayer
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.
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.
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.
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 […]
Catholic Colleges, Universities Condemn Hamas Attacks on Israel, Pray for Peace
Catholic colleges and universities throughout the U.S. have condemned a devastating attack on Israel, while calling for prayers for peace.
U.S. Bishops Call for a ‘Cessation of Violence’ in Middle East as Biden Backs Israel
After an attack on Israel by Hamas and subsequent retaliation by Israel that has left more than more than 1,300 people dead and thousands more injured, the U.S. bishops’ conference has called for a cessation of violence from all sides, and for Catholics in the U.S. to pray for peace.
Gaza Strip Catholic Priest Brings Comfort to Traumatized Community, With Special Focus on Young People
Even before the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad had been called on the evening of May 13 after five days of fighting, Father Gabriel Romanelli of Gaza Holy Family Parish was already tentatively going over travel details for a trip to Egypt with some of the Catholic Scouts youth leaders, which had been long in the making.
