Pope calls for world day of prayer for peace as catastrophe looms in Gaza October 18, 2023By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Warning against a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and ongoing conflicts elsewhere, Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace in the world Oct. 27.
Hundreds killed in Gaza hospital rocket strike on the day of prayer, fasting for peace October 18, 2023By Judith Sudilovsky OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News 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.
Illinois man who killed Palestinian boy, wounded mother is Catholic parishioner October 17, 2023By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News An Illinois man accused of murdering a Palestinian boy and stabbing his mother because they were Muslim is a member of a local Catholic parish.
Pope calls Gaza parish staff as bombing continues October 17, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Huddled in a stairwell at the Catholic parish and school in Gaza, Rosary Sister Nabila Saleh, another sister and Father Youssef Asaad filmed themselves speaking to Pope Francis on the phone and begging for his continued prayers.
Jerusalem cardinal offers himself in exchange for Israeli hostages October 16, 2023By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News The Catholic Church’s highest ranking prelate in the Holy Land offered his “absolute availability” to be exchanged for Israeli children taken hostage by Hamas.
Catholic colleges, universities condemn Hamas attacks on Israel, pray for peace October 13, 2023By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Colleges, Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News Catholic colleges and universities throughout the U.S. have condemned a devastating attack on Israel, while calling for prayers for peace.
Rhode Island Catholic editor recalls his visit last December to Gaza border area of incursion October 13, 2023By Rick Snizek OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News Dodging sporadic rocket fire comes with the territory in Israel, especially when you live along the tense border with Gaza in the south.
Israeli families missing loved ones wait for proof of life; patriarch appeals for prayer, fasting October 12, 2023By Judith Sudilovsky OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, World News Bodies still remain strewn along roads and in communities as authorities go through the arduous and gruesome process of identifying so many bodies, some of which first responders have said were mutilated and burned beyond recognition.
In midst of Israel-Hamas war, prayers for peace go up in Archdiocese of Baltimore October 12, 2023By George P. Matysek Jr. Catholic Review Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, Local News, News Standing beside a white “peace pole” inscribed with “May peace prevail on earth” in multiple languages, the teaching assistant professor of economics was among more than 50 administrators, faculty members and students who prayed for peace four days after Hamas invaded Israel.
Synod members from around the globe unite in praying for peace October 12, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Synodality, World News Synod participants who have known war and conflict firsthand led the assembly of the Synod of Bishops Oct. 12 by praying for peace between Israel and Palestine, throughout the Middle East and across the globe.
‘War traumatizes everybody’ and ‘deep-seated peace’ needed, says Jesuit priest working in Jerusalem October 12, 2023By Gina Christian OSV News Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, Feature, News, World News Father John Paul, rector of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute spoke with OSV News Oct. 11, four days after Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip stormed into approximately 22 locations in Israel, gunning down civilians and taking some 100-150 hostages, including infants, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Pope condemns terrorism, expresses concern for civilians October 11, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Francis condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel and pleaded with the militants to free their hostages unharmed, but he also expressed concern about Israel’s tightening siege on Gaza and its impact on innocent civilians.