Brother Tony Choukri, Guardian of the Franciscan Monastery of St. Joseph in Beirut, tells Vatican News about life under war and calls for peace, emphasising that “human beings are not an object, and death is neither a path nor a tool to change strategies, demography, or borders.”

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A final report from Study Group 3 of the Synod of Bishops underscores the need for the Church to engage the digital environment as a vital space for evangelization, dialogue, and pastoral accompaniment.

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The Israeli military said Monday it launched a “wide-scale” series of strikes on targets in Iran, escalating a conflict now entering its third week.

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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Marking the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel launched their first attacks on Iran and since the Israeli military resumed strikes in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire.

"On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire!" he said March 15. 

"May paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace for which the people are waiting," he said after praying the Angelus with people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"For two weeks now, the people of the Middle East have been suffering the horrific violence of war," the pope said. "Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes. I renew my prayerful closeness to all who have lost loved ones in the attacks, which have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas."

"The situation in Lebanon is a cause for great concern," he added. "I hope that avenues for dialogue will emerge to support the country’s authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis currently unfolding, for the common good of all the Lebanese people." 

The next day, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called Pope Leo about the "alarming developments in the conflict in the Middle East and the living conditions of the Palestinian people," according to a communique released by the Vatican press office.

"During the conversation, the Holy Father reaffirmed the Holy See's commitment to achieving peace through political and diplomatic dialogue, as well as through full respect for international law," the press office said.
 

The Holy See Press Office releases the logos and mottos for Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Journey to Africa, on the same day as the official programme is released for his visits to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.

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The Holy See Press Office informs journalists that Pope Leo XIV received a call from Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, regarding recent developments in the Middle East conflict.

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The 11-day visit combines pastoral encounters with Catholic communities, meetings with political leaders and civil society, and symbolic gestures of interreligious dialogue and reconciliation.

Ahead of the Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land, Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti encourages all Catholics to offer what they can to help restore hope to the people who reside in the places where Jesus lived.

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The Holy See Press Office releases the programme for Pope Leo XIV's Apostolic Journey to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, which takes place on April 13-23, 2026.

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Disturbed by the widespread demolition and repurposing of churches across the U.K., Samuel Leeds has launched a personal mission to purchase and restore these historic buildings.