Palestinians pass along a street surrounded by buildings destroyed during Israeli air and ground operations in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, in Gaza City, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Short Take

The Epiphany story reminds us: Keep our eyes on Palestine in 2026

by Julie Schumacher Cohen January 4, 2026January 4, 2026

The violent oppression of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank continues, and looking away will not change that.

The sun sets over a tent camp sheltering Palestinians displaced by the Israeli offensive, on New Year's Eve in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Dec. 31, 2025. Israel on Dec. 30 said it had suspended operations of more than two dozen humanitarian organizations, including, including Caritas.

News

Israel bans dozens of aid groups from Gaza, including Caritas, drawing condemnation

by Judith Sudilovsky - OSV News January 3, 2026January 3, 2026

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.

News

Pope Leo and Israeli president speak by phone about Sydney attack, peace in Gaza

by Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

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.

A sleeping newborn at Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem. The hospital delivers almost 4,000 babies each year and treats more than 500 each year at its neonatal clinic.

The Weekly Dispatch

Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem brings hope and help to West Bank Christians

by Kevin Clarke December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

Economic and political conditions for West Bank Christians have grown dire, but Holy Family Hospital remains a beacon of hope and faith.

Vatican Dispatch

Pope Leo meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas

by Gerard O’Connell November 6, 2025November 6, 2025

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.

News

Pope Leo condemns antisemitism and vows to fight it as tensions rise over Israel’s war in Gaza

by Nicole Winfield - Associated Press October 29, 2025October 29, 2025

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.

A Palestinian woman walks on the rubble of her destroyed home in Gaza City Oct. 15, 2025, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza went into effect. She now lives in a tent after getting displaced during the war.

The Weekly Dispatch

Catholic Relief Services is on the ground in Gaza as humanitarian surge begins

by Kevin Clarke October 17, 2025November 13, 2025

Winter shelters and clean water will be top priorities for Catholic Relief Services as massive humanitarian effort begins in Gaza.

Podcasts

Has Pope Leo’s honeymoon ended? U.S. Catholics push back.

by Inside the Vatican October 17, 2025October 17, 2025

Pope Leo faces criticism from some U.S. Catholics over his consistent pro-life ethic and advocacy for migrants.

A drone view shows Palestinians walking past rubble following the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza City, Oct. 12, 2025.

News

Amid historic deal, Gaza pastor says little is left after ‘tsunami’ of destruction

by Paulina Guzik - OSV News October 12, 2025October 12, 2025

Palestinians have returned to see only mostly rubble in Gaza City as hundreds of aid trucks slowly made their way out of a gigantic Rafah crossing queue on Oct. 12.