Israel

Pope Leo spoke to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See in the Vatican Apostolic Palace Jan. 9.

Aid organizations whose licenses have been revoked include Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, CARE and World Vision International.

At a shrine topped by a 28-foot-tall statue of Our Lady of Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV listened to stories of unshakable faith amid war, injustice and suffering.

On Nov. 17, the U.N. Security Council voted 13-0 in favor of the U.S.-backed “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” with Russia and China abstaining.

The federal government shutdown extended into its third week while the East Wing of the White House was demolished amid President Trump’s plans for a ballroom.

As a peace deal nears, Father Gabriel Romanelli, pastor of Gaza City’s Catholic parish, said the entire Gaza Strip has experienced a “tsunami” of destruction.

With the start of the first phase of a peace deal between Israel and Gaza, Pope Leo XIV prayed for a just and lasting peace that respects all people.

Israel’s government ratified what the White House called the “first phase” of a ceasefire deal, as President Donald Trump indicated he planned to visit the region.

In his own post, Netanyahu said only, “With God’s help we will bring them all home,” an apparent reference to the hostages.

The federal government shutdown stretched into its third day with indications it would continue after lawmakers once again failed to pass a spending bill.