A Statement on the War in the Middle East

We awoke on Saturday in great shock at the vicious attacks on innocent men, women, and children in Israel by Hamas. We as the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of New Orleans are united in prayer with all people of goodwill everywhere for all those who lost their lives, and for the consolation of their families.We also pray for the swift return of all those who are being held hostage, for their swift return unharmed.
 
We pray also for the many innocent Palestinian men, woman, and children who stand to suffer in this atmosphere of violence. May there soon be a just and lasting peace in the land holy to three religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 
 
In the words of Pope Francis, “let the attacks and weapons cease, please, because it must be understood that terrorism and war bring no solutions, but only the death and suffering of many innocent lives. War is a defeat; every war is a defeat. Let us pray for peace in Israel and Palestine."