Peace, respect for human life and dignity is the foundation for peace, says USCCB president

WASHINGTON – “Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all share the same message of peace and respect for human life and dignity. This is the foundation for peace,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and asked for people to join the Holy Father in prayer for genuine peace in the Holy Land.
 
Archbishop Broglio’s full statement follows:
 
“Recently, in a meeting with the President of Israel, Pope Leo XIV expressed hope that negotiations regarding the war in Gaza will resume, that hostages will be released, and a permanent ceasefire take place to avoid further suffering and death. I ask for people across our country to join the Holy Father in prayer for genuine peace in the Holy Land. All people of goodwill must actively pursue a peace that will ensure the massacre of October 7th and the subsequent destruction and suffering that followed in Gaza will never occur again. It must also include ending the expansion of settlements and ideas of forced deportation. The Palestinian People have a right to autonomy. Islam, Judaism, and Christianity all share the same message of peace and respect for human life and dignity. This is the foundation for peace. The parties involved, the Israeli Government, the people of Gaza, and the international community must work to that end. And it begins with an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the restoration of life-saving aid.”