Bethlehem Lights the Way for Christmas Celebrations
After two bleak Christmas seasons, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is preparing to celebrate once again. The Palestinian city of Bethlehem, a symbol of hope for Christians worldwide, will light its Christmas tree in Manger Square on Saturday (December 6), announcing not only the start of the holiday season but also the resilience of a people determined to reclaim
Commissaries of the Holy Land: ambassadors of peace and witnesses of the Risen One in the world!
The intense days of the Commissaries continued until Tuesday afternoon, deepening the themes of support and proclamation of the Holy Land. It was also a moment to listen to these men and women who came from all over the world. Ilaria Ljuljdjuraj, Collaborator Northern Italy Commissariat "Over the years my affection for these places has grown, because coming here I
Pope urges Lebanese not to give up on peace or each other
Acknowledging the existence of “circumstances that are highly complex, conflictual and uncertain,” Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon preaching peace. Just a week before the pope arrived Nov. 30, Israel had made its latest strike on Lebanon, killing a Hezbollah commander and four militants in a suburb of Beirut. Arriving from Istanbul, a two-hour flight, Pope Leo was met at the Beirut airport
Pope to young people: There is still time to dream, plan, and do good
Meeting with young people in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV urges them not to give into despair, rather to cultivate friendships rooted in genuine love and to keep the enthusiasm that is needed "to change the course of history."
Pope: Lebanon stands as witness to interreligious dialogue
At an ecumenical and interreligious encounter in Beirut, Pope Leo XIV upholds the Catholic Church’s desire to foster dialogue inspired by divine love, so as to affirm the dignity of every human being.
Pope in Lebanon prays for peace at tomb of saint revered by Christians and Muslims
Pope Leo XIV prayed Monday at the tomb of a Lebanese saint revered among Christians and Muslims as he opened his first full day in Lebanon with a message of peace and religious coexistence in a region torn by conflict. As bells rang out, thousands of enthusiastic Lebanese braved a morning of steady rain to line Leo’s motorcade route heading into Annaya, around
Pope Francis’ popemobile transformed into mobile clinic for Gaza children
A vehicle used by the late Pope Francis during a visit to Bethlehem more than a decade ago has been transformed into a mobile health clinic that Christian leaders hope will soon be used to provide care to Palestinian children in Gaza. The initiative was blessed by Francis before he died in April and was entrusted to the Catholic organization
Gaza: the ongoing grave situation and persecution of settlers in occupied Palestine
Palestinian religious leaders and academics have issued their own stark assessment. In a recent joint statement, they argued that the UN resolution’s vision for a Peace Board, chaired by the U.S. president, represents a new form of external administration rather than a path to self-determination
Gaza shortages still blight daily life
Food is slowly returning to the shelves in Gaza but the situation is still difficult and supplies remain in shortage.
Custos’ entrance to Bethlehem for the first Sunday of Advent
On Saturday 29 November, as tradition dictates, the Custos of the Holy Land made his solemn entrance into Bethlehem for the beginning of Advent. The parish of Jerusalem welcomed the Custos, Fr. Francesco Ielpo, in the parish of Saint Saviour, with greetings and expressions of gratitude, before setting off in procession towards the Mar Elias convent. There the Custos greeted