The Qadisha Valley, Lebanon, by Emma Carolan.
In light of escalating conflict in the Middle East, Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) repeats the plea of Pope Leo XIV, and of all women and men of good will, for an immediate ceasefire and a renewed commitment to dialogue.
“As religious women and men, we grieve the continuing violence and suffering across the Middle East and hold in prayer all who are living with fear, loss and displacement,” said Philippa Murphy, fdnsc, Acting CRA President. “Echoing the call of Pope Leo XIV, we affirm that peace is not built through threats or force, but through dialogue, humility and love.”
“We urge restraint and compassion, and we appeal to leaders to choose dialogue over division, and love over hatred. May our prayerful solidarity be a sign of hope to all who long for justice, healing and reconciliation,” she added.
As war devastates multiple countries across the region, CRA’s stands with those caught in the spiral of violence.
“We ask God to remain close to all who are suffering,” said CRA National Executive Director, Anne Walker. “We hold the people of Iran in our hearts as a nation that has endured decades of human rights abuses under Iranian authorities and now facing the devastation of war.”
“Our thoughts are also with the people of Lebanon, where mass displacement is occurring. We mourn Maronite priest, Fr Pierre El-Rahi, who was killed amidst shelling in Southern Lebanon as he sought to assist his parishioners. We honour all those who continue to risk their lives to provide humanitarian aid to those in desperate need,” Anne added.
“We reiterate Pope Leo’s hope and prayer that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good, and we urge members of our Catholic community, and all people of goodwill, to be fervent peacemakers,” Anne concluded.
CRA calls for dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation between leaders, so that the sacred dignity of every human life is upheld.
Download the Media statement here.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Anne Walker | M: 0409 936 711 | E: nationalexec@catholicreligious.org.au