Israel

Pope Leo XIV issued a fervent appeal for return of diplomacy in the Middle East and Iran, condemning use of weapons that cause “destruction, pain, and death.”

Catholics in the Middle East are reeling with shock and sorrow, and responding with prayer, amid joint strikes Israeli and U.S. forces launched on Iran Feb. 28.

Those who espouse Christian Zionism “wound the unity of the faithful and burden the pastoral mission entrusted to the historic churches” in the Holy Land.

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Aid organizations whose licenses have been revoked include Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, CARE and World Vision International.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