POPE: “MAY WEAPONS FALL SILENT, SITUATION IN GAZA IS DESPERATE”
Appealing for peace in the Holy Land, Pope Francis expresses concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling on all parties to lay down their weapons and all Christians to pray and fast on 27 October for peace.
By Francesca Merlo (Vatican news)
“The number of victims is growing and the situation in Gaza is desperate.”
With these words, Pope Francis turned his thoughts to Palestine and Israel pleading that “everything possible be done to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.”
Speaking at his weekly General Audience, the Holy Father also drew attention to the unsettling possibility of the conflict’s expansion.
“The world already witnesses so many open war fronts,” he lamented.
In light of these circumstances, he implored, “Lay down weapons and heed the cries for peace from the poor, the people, and the innocent children.”
“War solves no problems,” he said. “It only sows death and destruction, increases hatred, multiplies revenge. War erases the future, it erases the future.”
The Holy Father went on to urge all believers to take one side only: that of peace. “But not with words,” he continued, “with prayer and with total dedication.”
Invitation to a day of penance
In this regard, Pope Francis invited everyone to a day of prayer, fasting, and penance for peace.
On Friday, 27 October, he encouraged people of different Christian denominations, other religions, and all those who advocate for peace to participate as they see fit.
The central event will be an hour of prayer at 6 PM in St. Peter’s Square, with the goal of invoking peace for the world.
“I invite all the particular Churches to take part by organizing similar initiatives which involve the people of God,” he concluded.
AN INHUMAN ACT
(Vatican news editorial) The massacre of hundreds of innocent civilians in a hospital in Gaza cries out to the international community. A humanitarian catastrophe must be avoided, as must the outbreak of a war with unimaginable consequences.
By Andrea Tornielli
The massacre of civilians that took place in Gaza last night, striking the al-Ahli Arabi Anglican hospital, is an inhuman act. The attack claimed hundreds of civilian casualties, including many women and children.
Gaza evacuation –
TO CONTINUE: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/world/news/2023-10/an-inhuman-act-gaza-al-ahli-hospital-anglican.html
HEADS OF CHURCHES IN JERUSALEM CONDEMN ATTACK ON GAZA HOSPITAL
Mourning civilian victims of the massacre in Gaza and extending solidarity to the Episcopal diocese of Jerusalem: TO CONTINUE: https://www.lpj.org/posts/statement-for-the-patriarchs-and-heads-of-the-churches-in-jerusalem-about-the-attack-of-al-ahli-anglican-hospital-in-gaza.html
WHO WILL BE WRITING THE CRUCIAL SUMMARY REPORT OF THE SYNOD?
Chief spokesman Paolo Ruffini told reporters last week that the drafters are assisted by collaborators called ‘sherpas’ and added that ‘it makes no sense to give their names.’
VATICAN CITY — As well as withholding the names of who is seated in which small groups, the Vatican is also declining to share with journalists the complete list of those who will be drafting the final synthesis report that will bring together all the contributions of the small groups and the General Congregations. TO CONTINUE: https://www.ncregister.com/news/synod-on-synodality-who-will-be-writing-the-crucial-summary-report-of-the-synod?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
A “MEDIA SYNOD” VERSUS THE REAL SYNOD?
Is there a “media synod” running parallel to the Synod of Bishops’ assembly that’s currently being held at the Vatican, where 365 voting members have gathered to discuss synodality and the future of the Church?
In fact, it’s a classic question when major meetings of this kind take place at Catholicism’s bureaucratic center. And it’s been that way for over half a century. Benedict XVI, before stepping down as pope in 2013, told the priests of Rome that he was convinced that this happened at the Second Vatican Council (1962-65). “There was the Council of the Fathers – the real Council – but there was also the Council of the media. Thus, the Council that reached the people with immediate effect was that of the media, not that of the Fathers,” the late pope said. TO CONTINUE: https://international.la-croix.com/news/religion/a-media-synod-versus-the-real-synod/18530?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Mailjet_18Oct23N1&cmid=5cdecc6f-5f2f-43e4-8070-d8aef64c86c0
POPE FRANCIS MEETS WITH U.S. LGBT GROUP PREVIOUSLY DENOUNCED BY VATICAN
Pope Francis met Tuesday at his residence with leadership from the U.S. LGBT organization New Ways Ministry, which was previously denounced by both the U.S. bishops’ conference and the Vatican’s doctrinal office for causing confusion on sexual morality among the Catholic faithful. TO CONTINUE: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/255724/pope-francis-meets-with-us-lgbt-group-previously-denounced-by-vatican
Joan's Rome 