The Patriarchate of #Jerusalem released a statement, available here: en.jerusalem-patriarchate.info/announcement...

"I assure the parish community of my spiritual closeness. I commend the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and pray for their families and the injured. I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire. Only dialogue and reconciliation can ensure enduring peace!"

In declaring 2025 a year of Jubilee, Francis called on the faithful to be “pilgrims of hope.” May his example of closeness and care for those who suffer and for our common home continue to inspire us on our mission journey.

and his fidelity to love and mercy as evident in his unwavering welcome to migrants and refugees, and respect for the inherent dignity of every human person.

We remain inspired by his courage in taking risks, as when he kissed the feet of South Sudan leaders, urging them to work for peace; his visionary development of Catholic teaching to address modern challenges, as when he condemned the mere possession of nuclear weapons

his vision of the church as a “field hospital after battle,” where those who are wounded and hurting can find comfort and support, not just in the traditional sense of healing, but also in addressing social injustices and inequalities.

Maryknoll missioners living and serving on the margins of society around the world have been inspired by the Holy Father’s call for pastoral workers to be “shepherds with the ‘smell of the sheep,’” grounded in the realities of the communities with which we work;

His steadfast commitment to peace, social justice and the integrity of creation will not be forgotten and will continue to guide us.