The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a call for peace in the Middle East and an end to the Israel-Hamas war in a statement signed by USCCB President Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Bishop Elias Zaidan. As Holy Week began, the bishops urged Catholics and people of goodwill to renew their prayers for an end to the conflict which has resulted in the death of thousands and displacement of many more. Pope Francis’s call to negotiate and end the war was echoed by the bishops, emphasizing the need for a cease-fire and protection of civilians.
The bishops highlighted the importance of Holy Week, a time when Christians reflect on Christ’s suffering and resurrection, as a source of hope in the midst of the ongoing violence in the Middle East. They emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, calling for the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in dire need. The bishops stressed that moving forward requires a cessation of war and violence, with a focus on protecting innocent civilians and ensuring the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Throughout the conflict, the USCCB has consistently advocated for peace, prayer, fasting, and the release of hostages. They have also condemned the loss of civilian lives and supported efforts to negotiate an end to the war. The bishops underscored the Christian belief in the hope of resurrection, urging prayers for peace and justice in the Holy Land. As Christians around the world observe Holy Week, the bishops called for a renewed commitment to prayer and action to bring about an end to the violence and suffering in the region.
The bishops’ statement came amid ongoing devastation caused by the Israel-Hamas war, with thousands of innocent lives lost and many more facing displacement and suffering. The bishops emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire and a permanent end to the conflict, as well as the protection of civilians and the release of hostages. They urged Catholics in the United States and all people of goodwill to join in prayers for peace in the Holy Land, drawing inspiration from the hope of Christ’s resurrection during Holy Week.
As Pope Francis has stated, the way forward in times of conflict is through negotiation and a commitment to ending war. The bishops echoed this sentiment, calling for efforts to negotiate a lasting peace and ensure the protection of civilians in the Holy Land. They emphasized the importance of humanitarian aid reaching those in need and the necessity of releasing hostages to move forward towards a more peaceful and just resolution to the ongoing crisis in the region.
In response to the ongoing violence and suffering in the Middle East, the USCCB has continued to issue statements calling for peace and an end to the conflict. They have emphasized the need for prayers, fasting, and action to promote peace and justice in the region. The bishops’ call for a day of fasting and renewed prayers during Holy Week reflects their commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas war, grounded in the Christian values of hope, justice, and compassion.
