Catholics and Jews must be very careful not to reduce our relations with one another to politics or diplomacy. Instead, we should seek friendship and interreligious dialogue that can thrive beyond all political considerations.
Israel Palestine
Posted inFaith, Short Take
A rabbi’s call for Pope Francis and Catholics to respond to ‘existential threat’ facing Jewish people
The Second Vatican Council helped establish a bond of friendship between Catholics and Jews. What is the state of that unity after the Oct. 7 terrorist massacre?
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis meets separately with Israelis and Palestinians at the Vatican
Pope Francis met at the Vatican today with relatives of Israelis held hostage by Hamas and, separately, with relatives of Palestinians suffering under the Israeli siege of Gaza.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
The human rights of victims—in Israel and Palestine—must be protected
Our common belief in human rights must be undergirded by a recognition that rights come with duties—including the duty to protect those whose rights are unequally threatened.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
What a Catholic peace studies expert thinks is the way out of war in Gaza
How to restore peace in Israel and Gaza now after this historic outbreak of violence and mutual suffering? It will take outside pressure on both Israel and Hamas.
Posted inFaith, Faith and Reason
Wars end in defeat for everyone: A reflection on Gaza
The church can be prophetic in reminding all that every human being—yes, even a Hamas militant or a Zionist settler—is created in the image and likeness of God.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Newborns in Gaza’s hospitals are desperate. This Catholic medical group is trying to deliver life-saving care.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens by the day, among the most vulnerable civilians within the strip are newborn babies and their mothers.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis issues new plea for end to Israel-Hamas war
Pope Francis calls for an end to the Israel-Hamas war. Israel has continued a constant bombing of Gaza since the conflict started on Oct. 7 in retaliation for the attack by Hamas in southern Israel.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
How Pope Francis is responding to war in Israel and Palestine
“Francis’ immediate goal is a stop to the killing,” explains Gerry, which motivates the pope’s advocacy for a ceasefire, entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of all hostages being held by Hamas.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Christians in Gaza rush to baptize their babies as war escalates
The pastor at a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza organized a hurried baptism celebration for nine children after two unbaptized children were killed in an I.D.F. missile strike on the compound on Oct. 20.