Israel Archives - Page 2 of 19

Israel

Church leaders ask Christians in Holy Land to refrain from Advent and Christmas celebrations

November 14, 2023

The patriarchs and heads of churches in Jerusalem have asked that Christians in the region refrain from usual festivities during the Advent and Christmas seasons in honour of those who have lost homes or family members. In a Nov. 10 statement, church leaders in both Europe and the Holy Land called for acts of solidarity

Explaining Pope Francis’s perceived ‘ambiguity’ on Israel and Judaism

November 09, 2023

ROME – Leaders often speak at least as loudly by what they don’t say as by what they do, and such would appear to be the case in recent days regarding Pope Francis’s approach to Israel and the broader Jewish world. A series of perceived papal slights began in late October, when a group of

‘This is not so much a clash of cultures as a clash of gods’

November 08, 2023

A few days ago, as I walked through the Underground a large Muslim, four inches taller than me, barreled up to me and out of nowhere threatened to beat me up if I didn’t get out of his way. This was something of a surprise. I don’t think looking at me it shows, but I

Vatican has unique role to play in tempering Iran

November 07, 2023

ROME – As the war between Israel and Hamas intensifies on the Gaza Strip, so too does diplomatic activity intended to prevent a wider regional conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, for instance, currently is setting new records for frequent flyer miles in a single week, visiting virtually every Middle Eastern capital of note.

Pope phones Biden to discuss escalating Israel-Hamas conflict

October 23, 2023

ROME – Pope Francis issued another public appeal for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world on Sunday, and made a phone call to United States President Joe Biden to discuss options for ensuring access to humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. Patriarchs and Church leaders in the Holy Land also issued

CRS warns of ‘unprecedented suffering’ in Gaza if aid isn’t allowed in immediately

October 19, 2023

NEW YORK – Following an Oct. 18 announcement from Israel and President Joe Biden that humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza from Egypt, the president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services is calling for the implementation of a plan to do so immediately. The call comes as more than a million people remain trapped

Pope calls for October 27 day of prayer after Gaza hospital bombing

October 18, 2023

ROME – 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. Speaking to faithful attending his Oct. 18 General Audience, Francis said to the sound of

Latin Patriarch offers himself in exchange for Jewish Israeli hostages in Gaza

October 18, 2023

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and highest ranking prelate in the Holy Land, has said that he would be willing to exchange himself for Israeli children taken hostage by Hamas. The Islamist group are believed to have taken 199 people, among whom a significant number are children, hostage after their latest assault