Marking the International Day of Peace yesterday, Caritas Australia convened a coalition of Catholic organisations to issue a united call for an immediate ceasefire and urgent humanitarian access in Gaza.
The joint statement, titled Australian Catholics for Peace in Gaza, urges the Australian Government and the international community to act decisively to protect the lives and dignity of civilians caught in the escalating crisis.
“At least 60,000 people, including over 17,000 children, have been killed in Gaza. The situation is only getting worse,” the statement read.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalating starvation crisis, especially among children. The lack of food, baby formula, clean water, and essential medical supplies is already costing lives.”
Bishop Tim Harris, chair of the Bishops Commission for Social Justice, Mission and Service, said the “suffering in Gaza calls us to respond not with silence, but with steadfast compassion and moral clarity”.
“Peace is not merely the absence of violence, it is the presence of justice, mercy, and respect for human dignity. Where peace is absent, the Church must stand united in prayer and action, urging all leaders to protect life, for in every person we see the face of Christ.”
The collective call from Catholic organisations in Australia is reflective of the Church’s enduring commitment to peace and justice. It echoes the position of Pope Leo XIV, who has consistently advocated for the protection of human dignity and the pursuit of peace through nonviolence and diplomacy.
In turn, the statement calls for respect for humanitarian law, a ceasefire, the return of hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access, the abandonment of plans to intensify offensive actions in Gaza, and the suspension of the trade in weapons, including components.
Kirsten Sayers, CEO at Caritas Australia, said: “Peace is not a passive ideal, it is an active, sacred duty anchored in our shared faith. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, to uphold the dignity of every human life, and to speak out when that dignity is under threat.
“On this day of peace, we join with our Catholic partners across Australia to call for an end to the violence in Gaza and for urgent humanitarian access. This is a moment for moral courage, for compassion, and for unity in the face of immense suffering”.
Meanwhile, Australia has formally recognised Palestine as a sovereign state, becoming one of more than 150 countries to do so, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
The move was previewed in August but became official on Sunday in a joint statement by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
FULL STORY
Australian Catholics unite for Gaza on the International Day of Peace (Caritas Australia)
Australia officially recognises Palestine, shrugging off Trump complaints (By Matthew Knott, Sydney Morning Herald)
RELATED COVERAGE
Pope on Gaza: ‘There is no future based on violence, forced exile, and vengeance’ (Vatican News)
