Showing posts with label PEACE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PEACE. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Monday, July 27, 2026
Pope Leo's Three Urgent Appeals in One Angelus
Pope Leo's Three Urgent Appeals in One Angelus
ROME REPORTS in English
Jul 27, 2026
Nearing the end of his summer vacation, Pope Leo XIV continues to draw thousands of pilgrims to pray the Angelus.
This Sunday, the Pope cautioned that a culture of consumerism fuels endless desires that are never satisfied, making it harder to recognize what truly matters.
Friday, July 10, 2026
Rubio speaks with Vatican secretary of state about escalation of Russia-Ukraine war, peacemaking efforts
The conversation comes days after Russia launched one of its largest combined missile and drone attacks since the start of the war.
The Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends a plenary session at the Summit on peace in Ukraine, at the luxury Burgenstock resort, near Lucerne, on June 16, 2024. The two-day gathering brings together Ukrainian President and more than 50 other heads of state and government, to try to work out a way towards a peace process for Ukraine -- albeit without Russia. (Photo by ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
July 9, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a conversation July 9 with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia and efforts to achieve peace.
“The two leaders discussed efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war,” U.S. Secretary of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a July 9 statement.
No additional details were provided.
The war in Ukraine saw a dramatic surge of violence earlier this month when Russia launched a missile and drone attack overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 80 in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials, as Zeale News reported. This attack marked one of Russia’s largest combined missile and drone attacks since the war began, according to the report. More than 52,000 people sheltered overnight in Kyiv’s metro system the night of July 1 following a warning from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek shelter ahead of impending Russian strikes.
Reuters reported July 9 that Russian military experts have also been discussing escalation of the conflict, including potentially striking European targets “such as NATO bases in Baltic countries.”
“Such a step would risk drawing Russia into direct confrontation with the U.S.-led alliance, testing the NATO commitment that an attack on one member nation constitutes an attack on all,” Reuters added.
However, Ukraine has recently carried out strikes on oil refineries, storage depots and ports in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, causing Russian civilians to bear stark fuel shortages, according to Reuters. A source that regularly meets with President Vladimir Putin told Reuters that “Ukraine's recent successes, however, have made Putin more angry and more determined to give a tough response,” the outlet reported.
Two sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on the condition of anonymity that Putin was more likely to escalate the war in the upcoming months rather than negotiate peace. President Donald Trump has had separate phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy within the past week. Trump also met with Zelenskyy in person July 8 in Turkey during the NATO summit.
Rubio met Cardinal Parolin at the Vatican in May 2025 and communicated with him earlier this year about international situations. In January, the two had a conversation about promoting peace and religious freedom around the globe and efforts to improve humanitarian situations particularly in Venezuela. Pigott said at the time that during that conversation, the two leaders also “reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.”
July 9, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a conversation July 9 with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia and efforts to achieve peace.
“The two leaders discussed efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war,” U.S. Secretary of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a July 9 statement.
No additional details were provided.
The war in Ukraine saw a dramatic surge of violence earlier this month when Russia launched a missile and drone attack overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 80 in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials, as Zeale News reported. This attack marked one of Russia’s largest combined missile and drone attacks since the war began, according to the report. More than 52,000 people sheltered overnight in Kyiv’s metro system the night of July 1 following a warning from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek shelter ahead of impending Russian strikes.
Reuters reported July 9 that Russian military experts have also been discussing escalation of the conflict, including potentially striking European targets “such as NATO bases in Baltic countries.”
“Such a step would risk drawing Russia into direct confrontation with the U.S.-led alliance, testing the NATO commitment that an attack on one member nation constitutes an attack on all,” Reuters added.
However, Ukraine has recently carried out strikes on oil refineries, storage depots and ports in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, causing Russian civilians to bear stark fuel shortages, according to Reuters. A source that regularly meets with President Vladimir Putin told Reuters that “Ukraine's recent successes, however, have made Putin more angry and more determined to give a tough response,” the outlet reported.
Two sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on the condition of anonymity that Putin was more likely to escalate the war in the upcoming months rather than negotiate peace. President Donald Trump has had separate phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy within the past week. Trump also met with Zelenskyy in person July 8 in Turkey during the NATO summit.
Rubio met Cardinal Parolin at the Vatican in May 2025 and communicated with him earlier this year about international situations. In January, the two had a conversation about promoting peace and religious freedom around the globe and efforts to improve humanitarian situations particularly in Venezuela. Pigott said at the time that during that conversation, the two leaders also “reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.”
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Sunday, June 14, 2026
Monday, May 25, 2026
Saturday, April 11, 2026
Sunday, April 05, 2026
Pope Leo’s Easter message to the world: ‘Let those who have weapons lay them down!’
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — As wars intensify across the globe, Pope Leo XIV used his first Easter address to deliver a stark warning against growing indifference to violence, urging both world leaders and ordinary people to reject fear and choose peace through dialogue.
Pope Leo XIV addresses the faithful after delivering the Urbi et Orbi blessing - Latin for "to the city of Rome and to the world" - from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of Easter Mass he presided over in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, April 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
Claire Giangravé
April 5, 2026
VATICAN CITY (RNS) – During his first Easter address on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV made an impassioned global appeal to end wars and embrace dialogue, following a series of celebrations leading up to Easter in which the pope emphasized the theme of peace.
“Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!” Leo said in his Urbi et Orbi address, Latin for “to the city and to the world,” as 50,000 gathered in the square beneath him, according to Vatican News.
Recent popes have made the traditional Easter address an occasion to call out injustices and conflict in the world. Leo’s Holy Week celebrations, including a prayer vigil on Saturday to “make heard the cry for peace that springs from our hearts,” kept that focus — with added urgency as conflict escalates in the Middle East.
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Multitudes pray for unity around the world
From quiet utterances to radio broadcasts, from video messages to joyous celebrations, multitudes of people in churches and communities across the globe are participating in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Opening prayer service of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 at Iglesia Unida Ekyumenikal on January 19, 2026. Photo: United Methodist Church in the Philippines
22 January 2026
22 January 2026
In the Philippines, a message brought by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines described a unity that transcends denominational boundaries, liturgical preferences, and organizational structures. “Our unity is our strongest witness,” reads the message. “And so we pray: Lord, make us one, that the world, and the Filipino people, may believe.”
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Ecumenical Affairs joined the National Council of Churches in the Philippines for celebrations that includes a series of services and fellowship events.
In the US, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA released a newsletter and daily videos. Releasing a new prayer daily via YouTube, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA invited all to participate in prayers offered by members of 37 communions. “May these prayers inspire us to walk faithfully in the call to be one body, united in love and purpose,” the council stated.
The Dominican Sisters of Peace—located across the US in about 22 states—used daily resources to draw people closer. “May we embrace our shared calling to live in Christ’s love and reflect His unity in a divided world,” they prayed.
In the UK and Ireland, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland organized celebrations, and distributed unique resources, including “Go and Do action points” from Christian Aid that were matched with daily reflections about the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.
“The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 extends an invitation to draw upon this shared Christian heritage and to reflect on our fellowship in Christ, which unites Christians worldwide,” stated Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
The Primates of All Ireland, in a message, called Christians to deeper unity and active peace-making. They emphasised that the church, though diverse in culture and tradition, is called to live as one body in Christ, united by humility, patience, love, and the bond of peace. They called for “us to live lives worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love.”
A BBC Radio 4 service brought the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to thousands of listeners. Musical worship included the singing of Psalm 133 and other hymns and anthems.
Gathering led by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines was one in the series of worship and fellowship during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 19 to 26 January 2026. Photo:
Tondo Evangelical Church of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines
In Egypt, the Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Egyptian Council of Churches, organized the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Egypt 2026, under the auspices of the churches in Egypt.
The churches in Egypt observed the special week “not a passing occasion, but a continuous spiritual commitment and a living witness” through which the Christian churches in Egypt “affirm the continuation of their shared journey of hope, service, and witness before the world.”
In Germany, the Council of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK) hosted a joint service with the Evangelical Alliance in Nuremberg on 18 January, and on 25 January, churches will celebrate a central service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Diocesan Church of St Sahak-St Mesrop in Cologne.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged people to intensify prayer for the full unity of Christians. Pope Leo added that this call to communion will accompany reflection throughout the week, which will conclude on 25 January, when the pope will preside at the celebration of Vespers in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Pope Leo also invited the faithful to pray for Christian unity and for peace, especially in our time marked by a lack of respect for human dignity and heightened international tensions.
"Let us pray for peace at a moment in history that seems marked by a growing loss of respect for the value of human dignity and in which war has come back into fashion,” he said. “May the humanity of Jesus, who reveals the Father, help us to find paths of justice and reconciliation.”
In the Holy Land, the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem featured an initiative, “Faces of Unity,” that invited people to meet artistic and religious figures from sister churches.
"Stay tuned as we take you through the streets of Jerusalem to discover Armenian, Coptic, Lutheran, and many other expressions of the rich Christian art,” invited the museum.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Ecumenical Affairs joined the National Council of Churches in the Philippines for celebrations that includes a series of services and fellowship events.
In the US, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA released a newsletter and daily videos. Releasing a new prayer daily via YouTube, the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA invited all to participate in prayers offered by members of 37 communions. “May these prayers inspire us to walk faithfully in the call to be one body, united in love and purpose,” the council stated.
The Dominican Sisters of Peace—located across the US in about 22 states—used daily resources to draw people closer. “May we embrace our shared calling to live in Christ’s love and reflect His unity in a divided world,” they prayed.
In the UK and Ireland, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland organized celebrations, and distributed unique resources, including “Go and Do action points” from Christian Aid that were matched with daily reflections about the relief of poverty and advocacy of justice.
“The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 extends an invitation to draw upon this shared Christian heritage and to reflect on our fellowship in Christ, which unites Christians worldwide,” stated Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
The Primates of All Ireland, in a message, called Christians to deeper unity and active peace-making. They emphasised that the church, though diverse in culture and tradition, is called to live as one body in Christ, united by humility, patience, love, and the bond of peace. They called for “us to live lives worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love.”
A BBC Radio 4 service brought the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to thousands of listeners. Musical worship included the singing of Psalm 133 and other hymns and anthems.
Gathering led by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) and Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the Philippines was one in the series of worship and fellowship during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from 19 to 26 January 2026. Photo:
Tondo Evangelical Church of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines
In Egypt, the Middle East Council of Churches, in cooperation with the Egyptian Council of Churches, organized the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – Egypt 2026, under the auspices of the churches in Egypt.
The churches in Egypt observed the special week “not a passing occasion, but a continuous spiritual commitment and a living witness” through which the Christian churches in Egypt “affirm the continuation of their shared journey of hope, service, and witness before the world.”
In Germany, the Council of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK) hosted a joint service with the Evangelical Alliance in Nuremberg on 18 January, and on 25 January, churches will celebrate a central service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the Diocesan Church of St Sahak-St Mesrop in Cologne.
At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged people to intensify prayer for the full unity of Christians. Pope Leo added that this call to communion will accompany reflection throughout the week, which will conclude on 25 January, when the pope will preside at the celebration of Vespers in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
Pope Leo also invited the faithful to pray for Christian unity and for peace, especially in our time marked by a lack of respect for human dignity and heightened international tensions.
"Let us pray for peace at a moment in history that seems marked by a growing loss of respect for the value of human dignity and in which war has come back into fashion,” he said. “May the humanity of Jesus, who reveals the Father, help us to find paths of justice and reconciliation.”
In the Holy Land, the Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem featured an initiative, “Faces of Unity,” that invited people to meet artistic and religious figures from sister churches.
"Stay tuned as we take you through the streets of Jerusalem to discover Armenian, Coptic, Lutheran, and many other expressions of the rich Christian art,” invited the museum.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Worship Resources in a Time of War
March 2, 2026
As the United States has begun military combat operations in Iran, we are called to pray and ask for God’s mercy.
Several resources are available to assist you.
Below are three prayers from the resource Prayer Book for the Armed Services. (In addition to the print resource, PBAS is available digitally through Sundays and Seasons.)
Time of war
Eternal God, whose steadfast love never ends, we ask that you look upon the nations now engaged in war and hasten the day of peace. Look in mercy on those exposed to peril, conflict, sickness and death; and show compassion to the dying. In your good providence, remove all causes and occasions of war. Incline the hearts of all people to follow the path to peace and concord, that war may cease and the day of reconciliation may come quickly, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Those Who Suffer from War
Merciful God, you grieve amid the pain, fear and suffering of your children. Look with compassion on all who endure the miseries of war. Be mindful, too, of those who day and night face peril in defense of our nation. Guide them in their duties as they seek justice for those subjected to tyranny and liberty for those who are oppressed. Eternal Protector of the helpless, hear the cry of the distressed and grant speedy deliverance in a new day of peace and concord. Amen.
Those in the country’s service in a time of war
Almighty God, let your protection be upon all those who are in the service of our nation. Guard them from all danger and harm; sustain and comfort those at home, especially in hours of anxiety, loneliness, and sorrow. Prepare the dying for death and the living for your service. Uphold those who bear arms on land and sea and in the air; and grant unto us and all nations a speedy, just and lasting peace, the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Saturday, March 07, 2026
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Buddhist monks conclude 2,300-mile 'Walk for Peace' at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC
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Buddhist monks conclude 2,300-mile 'Walk for Peace' at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC
Friday, February 13, 2026
Monday, February 02, 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026
US names Rubio, Tony Blair, Kushner to Gaza board under Trump's plan
By Kanishka Singh
January 16, 202611:40 PM EST
Palestinians move past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the war, in Gaza City, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas
WASHINGTON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The White House on Friday announced some members of a so-called "Board of Peace" that is to supervise the temporary governance of Gaza, which has been under a fragile ceasefire since October.
The names include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Trump is the chair of the board, according to a plan his White House unveiled in October.
Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas signed off on Trump's plan, which says a Palestinian technocratic body will be overseen by the international board, which will supervise Gaza's governance for a transitional period.
Many rights experts and advocates have said that Trump overseeing a board to supervise a foreign territory's governance resembled a colonial structure, while Blair's involvement was criticized last year due to his role in the Iraq war and the history of British imperialism in the Middle East.
The White House did not detail the responsibilities of each member of the "founding Executive board." The names do not include any Palestinians. The White House said more members will be announced over the coming weeks.
Palestinians move past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the war, in Gaza City, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas
Summary
- Trump names himself 'Board of Peace' chair under October plan
- White House to announce more board members in coming weeks
- Gaza has had a fragile ceasefire since October
WASHINGTON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The White House on Friday announced some members of a so-called "Board of Peace" that is to supervise the temporary governance of Gaza, which has been under a fragile ceasefire since October.
The names include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Trump is the chair of the board, according to a plan his White House unveiled in October.
Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas signed off on Trump's plan, which says a Palestinian technocratic body will be overseen by the international board, which will supervise Gaza's governance for a transitional period.
Many rights experts and advocates have said that Trump overseeing a board to supervise a foreign territory's governance resembled a colonial structure, while Blair's involvement was criticized last year due to his role in the Iraq war and the history of British imperialism in the Middle East.
The White House did not detail the responsibilities of each member of the "founding Executive board." The names do not include any Palestinians. The White House said more members will be announced over the coming weeks.
Monday, January 05, 2026
Friday, December 12, 2025
Trump news at a glance: president ‘sick of meetings’ as Ukraine-Russia peace deal talks drag on
Explainer
Trump news at a glance: president ‘sick of meetings’ as Ukraine-Russia peace deal talks drag on
Trump’s press secretary suggested Trump was growing weary of process as Ukraine’s president under immense pressure to sign US deal – key US politics stories from 11 December 2025
Guardian staff
Thu 11 Dec 2025 21.08 EST
When it comes to Ukraine peace talks, Donald Trump is “sick of meetings just for the sake of meetings”, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday.
Leavitt added that the White House may send a representative to meet with European and Ukrainian officials this weekend if it feels like a meeting is “worthy” of the US’s time, adding that Trump is “extremely frustrated with both sides of this war”.
“He wants this war to come to an end, and the administration has spent more than 30 hours [on] this just in the past couple of weeks, meeting with the Russians and Ukrainians and the Europeans,” Leavitt said.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been under immense pressure from Trump to sign up to the US peace plan. In recent days Trump has attacked Zelenskyy, claiming he “has not even read” the draft peace plan, suggesting he lacks legitimacy and Ukraine should hold an election.
Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian negotiating team had sent their revised plan to Washington on Wednesday, and that questions over territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were two of the remaining sticking points.
Leavitt said Trump was “aware” of Ukraine’s updated peace proposal, but offered no further comment.
When it comes to Ukraine peace talks, Donald Trump is “sick of meetings just for the sake of meetings”, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Thursday.
Leavitt added that the White House may send a representative to meet with European and Ukrainian officials this weekend if it feels like a meeting is “worthy” of the US’s time, adding that Trump is “extremely frustrated with both sides of this war”.
“He wants this war to come to an end, and the administration has spent more than 30 hours [on] this just in the past couple of weeks, meeting with the Russians and Ukrainians and the Europeans,” Leavitt said.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been under immense pressure from Trump to sign up to the US peace plan. In recent days Trump has attacked Zelenskyy, claiming he “has not even read” the draft peace plan, suggesting he lacks legitimacy and Ukraine should hold an election.
Zelenskyy said the Ukrainian negotiating team had sent their revised plan to Washington on Wednesday, and that questions over territory and control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were two of the remaining sticking points.
Leavitt said Trump was “aware” of Ukraine’s updated peace proposal, but offered no further comment.
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