war

The joyous preparations that typically mark the approach of the feast of the Nativity have taken on a different hue in the city of Bethlehem.

The world has become very small and dangerous for the 600 Palestinian Gaza Christians sheltering at the Holy Family Parish church compound in Gaza City almost since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war Oct. 7.

To be able to see into the depths of God’s Revelation, we need to have in us the mind of Christ Jesus, so often we consider a scene, in a shallow fashion, taking it at face value.

The Cardinal visited Ukraine May 9-10 on behalf of the Nordic bishops’ conference, which comprises Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland. The purpose of the visit, Cardinal Arborelius said, was “to convey our solidarity and prayers to the faithful of Ukraine.”

As part of his series of talks about “zeal” for evangelization, Pope Francis spoke about the witness of “the host of martyrs — men and women of every age, language and nation — who have given their life for Christ.”

In the spotlight: Ukraine war anniversary, Ash Wednesday, remembering a murdered bishop

The call to make sacrifices for others out of love remains urgent as so many people continue to suffer from war, violence, exclusion and poverty, Pope Francis said.

A year after Russia started its all-out attack on Ukraine, Archbishop Shevchuk said he felt “joy and gratitude” that Ukraine is still there, that the Ukrainian church has found myriad ways to support the people, and that Catholics around the globe have shown their solidarity, including concretely by sending aid.