A senior bishop in Jordan told Avvenire that religious extremism fuels the war in the Middle East. He cited radical movements in Iran, Israel, and the US as dangerous factors. The bishop emphasized that faith can also build peace through dialogue. He mourned the death of a Lebanese priest and praised Pope Leo XIV’s diplomatic efforts. The bishop warned that the conflict affects global stability and risks displacing millions. He urged international support for Christians and called for a political solution to the Palestinian issue to ensure regional harmony.
On February 26, the European Commission rejected the 'My Voice my Choice' citizens' initiative, which sought dedicated EU funds for cross-border abortion travel. Although the European Parliament had previously approved a resolution supporting such subsidies under reproductive rights, the Commission declined to create a specific budget line. Instead, it allowed existing European Social Fund resources to be used by member states with permissive laws to host women from restrictive countries. The decision reflects ongoing political tension in Europe regarding abortion, balancing pro-life pressures against pro-choice advocacy. Marina Casini, president of the Italian Pro-Life Movement, commented on the outcome, emphasizing the need to protect unborn life and address maternal fragilities without funding abortion tourism.
The Good Shepherd Sisters in Angola are supporting vulnerable families in the Uíge and Cuanza Norte provinces through integrated development projects. Sr. Rita Luís Lourenço, director of the Mission Angola Development Office, explains that the initiative addresses poverty by combining agricultural support, literacy training, and assistance in obtaining identity documents. A program backed by the Italian Episcopal Conference aims to help 1,000 families improve food security and economic autonomy. The sisters provide seeds, tools, and mobile clinics to overcome infrastructure deficits and social exclusion, aiming to empower communities to become protagonists of their own development. According to the outlet, this holistic approach helps people move from invisibility to inclusion.
Bishop Martin Lasarte of Lwena, Angola, describes his diocese as young and deeply missionary despite its vast size and history of civil war. Leading the largest diocese in sub-Saharan Africa since September 2023, he emphasizes spiritual hunger alongside physical needs. The Church manages schools, health centers, and reintegration programs for ex-combatants. Lasarte stresses the importance of catechesis, community formation, and environmental stewardship. He expresses gratitude to Italian supporters and anticipates a potential papal visit to Luanda to strengthen local faith and national unity.
Priests in Lebanon, working with Caritas, are providing medicine and listening support to hundreds of thousands of displaced people amid escalating conflict. Father Charbel Khoury in Byblos and Father Michel Abboud in Beirut report that the humanitarian crisis is worsening due to Israeli airstrikes and a collapsing economy. Schools and gyms have become shelters, while resources are dwindling. The Church aims to assist the vulnerable, but officials state that broader collaboration is needed as supplies run low. The situation remains tense as families flee ongoing violence.
Francesca Lazzari of Avsi reports that relentless bombings in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut are causing a severe humanitarian crisis. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, approximately 400 people have died and over 1,000 are injured since the escalation began on March 2. While official records show more than 517,000 displaced persons, Lazzari estimates the real number may exceed one million. Caritas Lebanon has declared a state of emergency, providing food and medical aid. Caritas Italy has pledged 50,000 euros to support these urgent relief efforts amid fears of systemic collapse.
A senior church leader reported that Catholic communities across several Gulf nations suspended in-person activities following regional missile attacks. Churches were temporarily closed due to security threats, with services shifting to online formats or personal prayer only. The bishop emphasized that prayer is the community's strongest defense and echoed Vatican calls for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation. He noted that while local authorities implemented emergency measures, the Church remains united with the global faithful, relying on spiritual communion amid rising geopolitical tensions in the area.
Translated from ItalianoAlso reported by 1 other outlet
Fathers Benoît and Andreas from the Taizé community returned from a 15-day trip to Ukraine, visiting cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv. They met with leaders from Orthodox, Greek-Catholic, Latin, and Protestant churches. The monks reported that harsh winter attacks on energy infrastructure caused severe power outages, yet communities showed remarkable resilience. Support centers, aided by Caritas and Taizé funds, provided warmth and charging stations. The visitors noted that young people and vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and disabled, remain determined and hopeful despite the ongoing war and trauma. This visit followed a previous trip by Prior Matthew, highlighting the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.
In Jerusalem, Israel, Catholic communities have relocated their worship services to underground missile shelters due to ongoing security threats. Father Francesco Ravaioli and Pastor Benedetto Di Bitonto lead approximately one hundred faithful, including migrants from Russia and Ukraine and local converts, in the San Giacomo vicariate. Celebrations now take place in the basement of the Saints Simeon and Anna church, which serves as a safe haven. The friar notes that while daily life continues, the community faces challenges such as caring for vulnerable family members during alarms. They also engage in interreligious dialogue and pray for peace amidst regional conflicts. According to Ravaioli, the group seeks to maintain their Christian identity while navigating these difficult circumstances.
Lebanon faces a massive displacement crisis with over 500,000 people forced from their homes. The surge from 30,000 to half a million in one day overwhelms a nation still recovering from financial default. While some find shelter in government centers or with relatives, many remain homeless. In Beirut, families sleep on sidewalks or in cars as rental prices triple due to speculation. International NGOs like WeWorld provide food and hygiene kits, though local volunteers are also displaced. Recent strikes, including a missile hitting a charity building in Sidon, have killed civilians. Meanwhile, some residents in southern provinces refuse evacuation orders to protect their lives and tobacco crops.
Monsignor César Essayan, the Latin Vicar Apostolic of Beirut, told Agenzia SIR that Lebanon is experiencing severe tension and a surge in displaced persons. He reported that the number of refugees has risen to approximately 70,000, far exceeding earlier United Nations estimates of 30,000. Essayan described incidents at a school in Beirut where doors were broken and nuns were forced out, requiring military intervention. He noted that the situation is unexpected and has caused significant psychological trauma for children. The bishop emphasized that the ongoing conflict exacerbates an already critical economic crisis, urging an end to the violence to protect future generations.
Translated from ItalianoAlso reported by 1 other outlet
The pilgrimage of the World Youth Day 2027 symbols has started in South Korea. The cross and the icon of Mary traveled through 15 dioceses, beginning in Seoul. Pope Leo XIV announced the event will take place from August 3 to 8, 2027. The theme is based on a Gospel verse about courage. The local organizing committee, led by Archbishop Peter Soon-taick Chung, plans tree planting campaigns. This marks the first World Youth Day in South Korea and the second in Asia. The symbols will arrive in Seoul in June 2027 for the main celebration.
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The Custody of the Holy Land, led by Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, issued a plea for peace following intense missile exchanges in Israel and Lebanon. The group described the region as a scene of death and destruction, urging world leaders to seek diplomatic solutions rather than military force. In Italy, the Episcopal Conference organized a day of fasting and prayer for March 13. Meanwhile, Christian schools in Jerusalem are preparing a children's Way of the Cross. The Custody also highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting that aid is blocked and civilians suffer, emphasizing that the Holy Land must remain a model of peaceful coexistence.
A parish priest in Gaza reports severe hardship following recent regional escalations involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. He describes widespread destruction in northern Gaza, with cities reduced to ruins. Prices have surged due to speculation, and basic necessities like water and matches are scarce. While the parish supports two schools serving thousands of students, residents feel exhausted and see no horizon for peace. He highlights the spiritual support received from Pope Leo XIV, who sent a message of encouragement and blessing to the community during this difficult period.
In Matera, Italy, the social cooperative 'Oltre l’Arte' is creating jobs for young people with disabilities. Founded in 2008 under the Archdiocese of Matera-Irsina, the group manages cultural heritage sites like the Sassi district and Craco. President Rosangela Maino states the initiative provides dignified work for those facing employment barriers. The cooperative employs 85 staff year-round, increasing to 110 in summer. Maino emphasizes that the project generates hope and future opportunities in Southern Italy by integrating individuals with fragilities into the workforce through tourism and local craftsmanship.
Don Luigi Portarulo, leader of an Italian-American Catholic pilgrimage group, reported that his team was stranded in Jerusalem after a conflict erupted between Iran, the US, and Israel. The travelers, who had been visiting sites like Nazareth and Bethlehem since late February, sought shelter in a Jerusalem hotel bunker for 48 hours amid continuous missile sirens. According to the priest, they eventually escaped by bus to Jordan and flew to Rome. The group says the experience highlighted the fragility of peace and the sustaining power of faith during the crisis.
Father Bashar Fawadleh, the Latin parish priest of Taybeh in the West Bank, warns that Israeli administrative changes threaten the Christian presence in the region. The Israeli government recently approved measures transferring civil powers in Area C to Israeli institutions, making it difficult for Palestinians to prove land ownership. Fawadleh describes this as a demographic hemorrhage that wounds the Church. He argues that settlement expansion, movement restrictions, and economic hardship are forcing many families to emigrate. The priest calls for concrete diplomatic and economic support to help communities remain in their historic homeland.
In Italy, the organization Con i bambini has launched the initiative Organizziamo la Speranza to combat educational poverty among minors in 15 peripheral cities. With a budget of 50 million euros, the project involves municipalities, regions, and 367 organizations to support children and adolescents in areas such as Bari, Naples, and Rome. Marco Rossi Doria, president of Con i bambini, stated that the program aims to create structural change by integrating public institutions and the third sector. Marta Pavan, the general coordinator, noted that implementation begins in September 2026 after a governance setup period. The initiative focuses on strengthening educational opportunities and social cohesion in the country's most fragile neighborhoods.
César Essayan, the Latin Rite Vicar Apostolic of Beirut, told Avvenire that Lebanon has crossed a threshold into irreversible crisis as Israeli forces re-enter the south and missiles strike the capital. He described the region as engulfed in flames, with civilians suffering from displacement and destruction. Essayan criticized Hezbollah for dragging Lebanon into war after its attacks on Israel, calling the conflict driven by power games and economic interests rather than religion. He praised Pope Leo XIV as a peace artisan who worked to prevent a ground invasion, noting the Holy See's refusal to join a US-Israel-backed peace board.
Translated from Italiano
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