U.S. bishops have called for an immediate ceasefire following a deadly attack on a Gaza parish. The bishops expressed their deep concern and sorrow over the loss of life and the suffering of civilians. They emphasized the need for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians. The bishops urged for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza.
5 months ago
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), led by President Archbishop Timothy Broglio, has issued a strong call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following a deadly military strike on Holy Family Church 2 3. This appeal for peace and dialogue aligns with the stance of Pope Leo XIV 2 3.
On July 17, an Israeli strike hit Holy Family Church, the sole Catholic church in Gaza, resulting in three deaths and nine injuries, including the parish priest, Father Gabriel Romanelli 2 3. Archbishop Broglio expressed deep sadness and concern for Father Romanelli, his parishioners, and the families of those killed, offering prayers during these tragic times 2 3.
Pope Leo XIV had previously called for an immediate ceasefire via a social media message, commending the deceased to God's mercy and praying for the injured 2 3. Following the attack, Pope Leo XIV received a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 2 3. During this conversation, the Holy Father reiterated his demand for the urgent reactivation of negotiation processes to achieve a ceasefire and end the conflict 2. He also voiced profound concern for the humanitarian situation in Gaza and emphasized the critical need to protect places of worship, the faithful, and all people in both Palestine and Israel 2 3.
The USCCB's call for peace and dialogue echoes the Pope's appeal, with Archbishop Broglio invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for peace in Gaza 2 3. The incident highlights ongoing Catholic efforts to advocate for humanitarian aid and protection for civilians in the region 2.
How does the Church advocate for peace and justice?
The Catholic Church advocates for peace and justice through its social teaching, emphasizing that peace is not merely the absence of war but "the tranquility of order," a fruit of justice and charity . This advocacy is rooted in the divine origin of humanity and society, calling individuals and nations to live in justice and solidarity .
The Church's approach to promoting peace and justice involves several key aspects:
Peace is understood as more than just the absence of conflict or a balance of power . It is an "enterprise of justice" and the "effect of charity" . Saint Augustine's definition of peace as "the tranquility of order" is frequently cited, meaning a state where the truth about humanity is fully respected and realized . This order is structured into human society by its divine Founder and is actualized as people strive for greater justice . Peace must be ceaselessly built up, as its concrete demands change over time, and it requires constant vigilance against sin and the mastering of passions .
The four pillars upon which peace must rest are truth, justice, love, and freedom, as taught by Blessed John XXIII in his encyclical Pacem in Terris .
Justice is a fundamental value that must govern relationships in all aspects of life—economic, social, political, cultural, and religious . The Church teaches that peace is threatened when human dignity is not respected, when individuals are not given what is due to them, and when civil life is not directed toward the common good . Therefore, the defense and promotion of human rights are essential for building a peaceful society and fostering the integral development of individuals, peoples, and nations .
The Church's social teaching emphasizes the inherent dignity of every human person, created in the image of God and redeemed by Christ . This dignity cannot be subordinated to any other interest or exploited for other ends . The Church advocates for the rights of all, especially the needy, the poor, and the marginalized, making a "preferential option for the poor" . This involves addressing the causes of destitution and poverty and working for a radical change in mentality and structures that are inimical to human well-being .
While justice lays the groundwork for peace, peace is also the fruit of love, which goes beyond what justice alone can provide . True and lasting peace is more a matter of love than of justice, as justice primarily removes obstacles to peace, while peace itself results from love .
The Church also stresses the importance of forgiveness as indispensable for true peace . Christians are called to reject vengeance and be prepared to forgive and love their enemies, recognizing that there can be no justice without forgiveness .
The Church advocates for peace and justice through various means:
In essence, the Church's advocacy for peace and justice is a continuous mission, rooted in faith and aimed at transforming human history to conform to the divine order of truth, justice, freedom, and love .