Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, custos of the Holy Land, urged pilgrims to return not only as an opportunity to be where Christ was, but also as a sign of solidarity with Christians in the area whose livelihoods depend on pilgrims.
Israel Palestine
Posted inNews Analysis
Antisemitism is bad politics—and even worse Christianity
Mr. Vance has thus far rejected the idea of expelling antisemitic elements from MAGA. But successful political coalitions must sometimes draw bright red lines.
Posted inBooks
Building a Palestinian theology amid the ruin
‘The Cross and the Olive Tree’ allows peace advocates in the Middle East to imagine a new year with a glimmer of hope.
Posted inShort Take
The Epiphany story reminds us: Keep our eyes on Palestine in 2026
The violent oppression of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank continues, and looking away will not change that.
Posted inNews
Israel bans dozens of aid groups from Gaza, including Caritas, drawing condemnation
A patriarchate spokesperson said Caritas Jerusalem would continue its humanitarian and development operations in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, in accordance with its mandate.
Posted inNews
Pope Leo and Israeli president speak by phone about Sydney attack, peace in Gaza
Pope Leo XIV and Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke by telephone Dec. 17, just days after a terrorist attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Australia led to the deaths of 15 people.
Posted inThe Weekly Dispatch
Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem brings hope and help to West Bank Christians
Economic and political conditions for West Bank Christians have grown dire, but Holy Family Hospital remains a beacon of hope and faith.
Posted inVatican Dispatch
Pope Leo meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas
Pope Leo XIV and the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, recognized the “urgent need to provide assistance to the civilian population in Gaza and to end the conflict by pursuing a two-state solution,” when they met for the first time in the Vatican this morning, Nov. 5.
Posted inNews
Pope Leo condemns antisemitism and vows to fight it as tensions rise over Israel’s war in Gaza
At a time of rising antisemitism stemming from Israel’s war, Leo adopted as his own the Vatican’s official position abhorring antisemitism as he marked the 60th anniversary of a landmark Vatican document that revolutionized the Catholic Church’s relations with Jews.
Posted inThe Weekly Dispatch
Catholic Relief Services is on the ground in Gaza as humanitarian surge begins
Winter shelters and clean water will be top priorities for Catholic Relief Services as massive humanitarian effort begins in Gaza.