U.S. & World News

Warning against a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and ongoing conflicts elsewhere, Pope Francis has called for a day of fasting, penance and prayer for peace in the world Oct. 27.

Two experts in Muslim-Christian relations told OSV News that preserving dialogue amid the Israel-Hamas war comes down to recognizing what is really at issue — and what is really at stake.

President Joe Biden arrived in Israel on Oct. 18 to demonstrate the United States' support for its ally amid the conflict, and suggested "the other team" was responsible for a blast at a hospital in Gaza that killed hundreds, according to a claim from the Hamas-controlled health ministry.

Water must be safeguarded and managed in a "wise, careful and sustainable way, so that everyone can enjoy it," Pope Francis said.

Thousands of children from Italy and many others representing other parts of the world will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican Nov. 6 to express their hopes, dreams and questions.

Pope Francis phoned Holy Family parish — the only Catholic parish in Gaza — the evening of Oct. 15, Vatican News reported. Sister Saleh said Father Asaad passed her the phone because he doesn't speak Italian as well as she does.

In an Oct. 13 statement, the patriarchs and heads of the churches of Jerusalem urged "the people of our congregations and all those of goodwill around the world to observe a Day of Prayer and Fasting" on Oct. 17.

Electing Cardinal Karol Wojtyla to the papacy Oct. 16, 1978, sent shock waves across the world.