Archbishop Aquila: Archdiocese prays for Israel and all innocent lives taken in Holy Land war

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The Archdiocese of Denver prays for Israel, and all innocent people harmed in this ongoing war. Let us join the USCCB and the Latin Catholic patriarch of Jerusalem as they call for a day of prayer and fasting on Tuesday, October 17, for peace and reconciliation in the Holy Land.

Violence is not a religious act and cannot be claimed as Godly.  As Hamas hides behind their atrocities, innocent men, women, and children are dying. This profound evil affects every corner of their homeland, touching all its people, including the Christian community in both Israel and Palestine. And in the wake of these attacks, politics must be put aside. Pope Francis says, “The Middle East does not need war, but peace, a peace built on justice, dialogue, and the courage of fraternity.”

So, let us humbly pray that the love and peace of Jesus comfort all who are living with the atrocities of the pure evil occurring. May his perpetual light shine within the hearts of those who are afraid, those who are grieving, and all those who still suffer from the wrath of unthinkable darkness that has plagued their lands. May all take comfort in knowing that God stands beside them through this, while our prayers are lifted up for a speedy end to all afflicted in this war.

And to our friends with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), as you stood with our faithful during times of great injustice, our hearts, sorrow, and pain are with you now and always.