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Middle East

Cardinal says Gaza violence caused by years of hateful language 

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, says violence in the Gaza Strip is the result of years of dehumanising rhetoric and has called for the replacement of hateful language with speech that opens horizons and new paths. Source: CNA.

Middle East Pope Leo XIV

We must pray, Pope says after Israel strikes Qatar

Israel’s attack on Qatar is “very serious news”, Pope Leo said, as he confirmed he had not been able to contact the Holy Family parish in Gaza. Source: The Tablet.

Foreign Aid Middle East

Government urged to prevent catastrophic drop in aid to Gaza

A delegation from Caritas Australia has presented a petition signed by 1376 members of the Australian Catholic community to the Albanese Government, calling for urgent action to protect and improve humanitarian access to Gaza.

Middle East Pope Leo XIV

Pope and Israeli President discuss ‘tragic’ situation in Gaza

Pope Leo XIV met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the Vatican yesterday, just days after appealing for Israel and Hamas to stop the violence and for Hamas to release the hostages it has held since attacking Israel in October 2023. Source: CNS.

Middle East Pope Leo XIV

Pope invites Israel’s President to the Vatican 

Pope Leo XIV has invited Israeli President Isaac Herzog to the Vatican for a meeting this week to discuss the safety of Christians in the Middle East and other “political matters”. Source: Crux.

Middle East

Iraqi PM reopens Catholic churches damaged by ISIS

Two Mosul churches damaged during the ISIS occupation of Iraq were officially reopened in a ceremony on Monday. Source: CNA.

Middle East Pope Leo XIV

Pope pleads with Israel and Hamas to end the violence

Pope Leo XIV appealed to Israel and Hamas to stop the violence that has caused “so much terror, destruction and death”. Source: CNS.

Charity Middle East

Caritas condemns man-made famine and assault on Gaza City

Caritas Internationalis has issued a statement on the famine in Gaza and attacks on Gaza City, saying it represents “a collapse of moral order, a failure of leadership, responsibility and humanity itself”. Source: The Southern Cross.

Middle East Vatican

Vatican ‘appalled’ by Israel’s deadly strike on Gaza hospital

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy See is “appalled by what is happening in Gaza” after an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza killed 20 people, including five journalists. Source: Vatican News.