While outright war conditions pertain in Gaza and along its border in southern Israel, in the north, in Jerusalem and the West Bank, conditions are also fraught. Violence between Palestinians and Israeli settlers has broken out sporadically.
International
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
As war begins again in Holy Land, Jesuit David Neuhaus hopes Christians can be instruments of peace
Father Neuhaus: The current military confrontations in the Holy Land are accompanied by a war to control public opinion at home and abroad. The rhetoric used on both sides basically denies the other side’s humanity.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Is it Ireland’s turn to ward off a toxic populism?
The protest was organized over social media, where it was dubbed “Call to the Dáil,” drawing participants from far-right groups and individuals nurturing a host of grievances and anxieties about contemporary Irish society, from Covid-19 conspiracies to immigration and transgender issues, housing shortages and the economy.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
In Jerusalem Cardinal Pizzaballa calls for international help to de-escalate after Hamas shock attack on Israel
“The operation launched from Gaza and the reaction of the Israeli Army are bringing us back to the worst period of our recent history,” the patriarchate, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said in a statement.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
With a new cardinal, Jerusalem (finally) finds its place at the heart of the Catholic Church
In his first Mass as cardinal, he acknowledged the flood of congratulations he had received from all quarters and all sects of his diocese. “Cardinals in our time are no longer the princes of the church,” Cardinal Pizzaballa said, “but its servants and those of the people of God.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Interview: Get to know Jerusalem’s first cardinal
Energetic, resolutely modern, as comfortable with technology as with theology, and deeply cosmopolitan, Patriarch Pizzaballa shares Pope Francis’ intention to restore Jerusalem to its former glory.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Jesuits and nuns team up to bring education to vulnerable African girls
There are just under 20 million primary-grade girls out of school in sub-Saharan Africa. The Bakhita Partnership for Education is working to change that.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Jesuits and local church deplore violence as cartel turf war cut off towns in southern Mexico
“The drug cartels have taken over our territory, and we are under a state of siege, suffering widespread psychosis from narco blockades,” the local Roman Catholic Diocese said in a statement.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Pope Francis has called on Europe to change its migration policies—will it?
On his visit to Marseille last week, Pope Francis decried the “fanaticism of indifference” on the plight of migrants who risk their lives—and all too often lose them—in the attempt to reach Europe across the Mediterranean Sea.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
South Africa plagued by crippling power outages and broken promises
In a pastoral letter, titled “All Citizens to Reclaim the Dream,” the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference encouraged South Africans not to lose hope.