The Vatican has renewed its call for international restrictions on autonomous weapons systems, often referred to as “killer robots”, as their use in conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza increases. Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, the Vatican’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in Geneva, pushed for the move, highlighting the moral implications of allowing Read more
Mum and dad KiwiSaver investors may be helping finance the Israeli war in Gaza but they might not know it. The claim is made by Barry Coates, chief executive of Mindful Money. Coates told Stuff’s Esther Taunton that most people do not want to invest in weapons, but KiwiSaver providers do not tell them where Read more
Caritas Aotearoa NZ and the NZ Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) have expressed their disgust following an air strike on the Holy Family School in Gaza and have called again for the hostilities to end. The two Catholic organisations are united in their condemnation of the armed conflict. “End the hostilities!” say Caritas Aotearoa NZ’s Mena Read more
The Vatican has strongly criticised the application of the “just war” theory to justify modern conflicts, particularly in Gaza. The Justice and Peace Commission of the Holy Land recently issued a document condemning the misuse of this concept which is deeply rooted in Catholic doctrine. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin echoed these concerns, Read more
The only Latin-rite Catholic priest in Gaza has finally returned to his Holy Family parish after an unexpectedly long absence. Father Gabriel Romanelli took advantage of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s visit to the area last week to return to Gaza from Israel. “I am in the parish and will stay here.” One day turns into over Read more
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, made a poignant visit to Gaza on May 16, where he urged an end to the violence with the strong declaration, “Enough killing!” His visit aimed to deliver a message of hope and peace to the residents who have been enduring severe hardship. The cardinal also showed Read more
Amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict, a parishioner at the region’s sole Catholic parish has illuminated the daily challenges faced by the community. In a letter published in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, Suhail Abo Dawood emphasised the significance of practices like daily Mass and the Rosary amidst the backdrop of war and food scarcity. “We Read more
The pope issued a plea for an end to the wars raging in Ukraine and Gaza during a rare interview with CBS News on Wednesday. “Please. Countries at war, all of them, stop the war. Look to negotiate. Look for peace,” Pope Francis told “CBS Evening News” anchor Norah O’Donnell during the hourlong interview. “A Read more
Father Massimo Fusarelli, leader of the worldwide Franciscan order, has appealed to his fellow Franciscans to stay put in the Holy Land despite rising tensions and threats to physical safety due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Speaking in an April 18 interview with the Franciscan-run Custodia magazine, Fusarelli Read more
Pope Francis led thousands of people in a moment of silence Wednesday to pray for the aid workers killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza and a young Ukrainian soldier named Oleksandre who was killed in ‘’this madness of war.” Francis appealed anew for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages taken Read more