Saint Joseph Catholic Church

cna

cna

cna

cna

cna

feature

feature

The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries of the Holy Land announced that it was suspending its scheduled meeting in Nazareth because of the Iran war.

“To a greater or lesser extent, all communities are suffering from the consequences of the war ravaging the region,” the prelates said in their statement, dated March 10 and released the following day. “We have observed that, even in the most challenging circumstances, our Christian faithful have not succumbed to the temptation of responding with violence. This is a sign of hope and a testimony to our Christian identity.”

“During this Lenten season, we lift our prayers and sacrifices to God, asking Him to enlighten the hearts of those who lead the nations and guide them onto the path that leads to true peace,” the prelates added.

The Cuban government announced last night that it is releasing 51 prisoners as a goodwill gesture to the Vatican.

“In the spirit of good will and the close and fluid relations between the Cuban State and the Vatican, with which communication has historically been maintained regarding the review and release of prisoners, the Cuban Government has decided to release 51 people sentenced to imprisonment in the coming days,” according to the announcement.

Pope Leo received Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, the nation’s minister of foreign affairs, on February 28. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of His Holiness, said on March 9 that the Holy See has worked for a “dialogue-based solution to the problems that exist” there.

The chairman of the US bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace expressed “profound ecclesial solidarity” with the Church in South Sudan following the March 2 massacre of civilians in Jonglei state.

“Our committee has long voiced urgent concern over the mass destruction and loss of life caused by civil conflict in South Sudan,” Bishop A. Elias Zaidan wrote in a March 10 letter to Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio, South Sudan. “We are deeply alarmed by the recent escalation of violence and further intensified humanitarian crisis ... We also seek to amplify your call for international assistance in addressing needs for basic humanitarian services, pastoral care, and psychosocial support for the millions currently in distress.”