Saint Joseph Catholic Church

“The recent cycles of bombardment and retaliation, involving major global and regional powers, risk plunging the region and the world into a conflict of incalculable human and economic consequences,” the bishops warned in their March 3 statement, as they called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to exercise moral responsibility, resisting the spiral of escalation that leads only to deeper suffering and irreversible loss.”

“We invite all our local Churches across Asia in this season of Lent to intensify prayer, fasting, and concrete acts of solidarity for peace,” the bishops added.

As he left Castel Gandolfo, where he spends his Tuesdays, Pope Leo told reporters, “Pray for peace, work for peace, less hatred. Hatred in the world is constantly increasing.”

“Truly strive to promote dialogue,” he added. “Seek solutions without weapons to resolve problems.”

The General Secretariat of the Synod, led by Cardinal Mario Grech, released the first two of 15 final reports of the study groups established by Pope Francis during the synod on synodality.

“Conscience is the most secret core and sanctuary of a person, where he or she is alone with God,” the prelate preached at a March 3 Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls marking the 100th anniversary of Italy’s Military Ordinariate. The Church’s task, said Cardinal Parolin, is “to safeguard and enlighten” conscience, “this inviolable space of the human person.”

Without referring to the US fuel blockade of Cuba by name, the Caribbean bishops said that “recent developments in the region have resulted in acute shortages of fuel and essential supplies, causing widespread power cuts, disruptions to hospital and water systems, and serious threats to food security and basic public services in Cuba.”

“While Cuba stands in need of renewal and positive change, it does not need more pain,” the bishops added. “The Church cannot remain silent when dignity is threatened and access to food, healthcare, and basic necessities becomes uncertain.”

As the Iran conflict widened, Israel invaded Lebanon in retaliation for attacks by Hezbollah forces that are based in southern Lebanon.