In response to Pope Francis’s repeated pleas for an end to the war in Gaza and his recent day of prayer for peace, Rome’s chief rabbi has said that while armed conflict is always “an offense against human dignity,” at times it’s necessary to defeat evil.
Pope Francis closed this month’s Synod of Bishops on Synodality on Oct. 29 by telling participants that the process is not yet over, and urging them to prioritize love of God and others, things he said would free them from selfishness and attachment to personal agendas.
Participants in Pope Francis’ Synod of Bishops on Synodality have reiterated that there are no hostile divisions in the process despite differences of opinion, while also calling for a greater participation of women in leadership and for stronger ecumenical efforts to be made.
The power of prayer was on display at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James as the faithful gathered with Bishop Robert Brennan for a Day of Prayer for Peace on Friday, Oct. 27.
As the Israel-Hamas war nears its fourth week, the pastor of Gaza’s only Catholic church urged prayers for peace, the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid, telling OSV News his parishioners are experiencing “a terrible situation, a crazy situation.”
Pope Francis accepted the resignation of a Polish bishop in whose diocese a priest organized a “sexual orgy” as Polish media reported. The nunciature did not indicate in an Oct. 24 statement the reasons why Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak of Sosnowiec resigned, but commentators in Poland expressed surprise at the news of what they called a “fast-track” resignation.
Pope Francis again called for the release of hostages taken from Israel by Hamas militants and for allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.
In response to Pope Francis’ call for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace on Oct. 27 as war continues to rage in Gaza and Israel, Bishop Robert Brennan will celebrate a Mass of Prayer and Peace that day at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James.
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.
Nicaragua has expelled a dozen priests held as political prisoners as the increasingly tyrannical regime continues sending clergy into exile and cracking down on the Catholic Church.
