On October 7, 2023, Hamas stormed the border with Israel. This week marks the first anniversary of the attack, which triggered a spiral of violence in the Middle East.

Remembering the victims and offering condolences to the families

Militant groups abducted more than 251 people, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. When the young man’s body was found in early September, the Pope offered words of condolence to his mother, Rachel.

Speaking of the Pope, Rachel shared, “He cares about all these innocent hostages and all the innocent civilians who are in a very dangerous place right now.”

Pope Francis’ call for peace and day of prayer

On the eve of the anniversary of this attack, members of the Synod of Bishops and faithful from around the world joined Pope Francis in praying the rosary for peace. From the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, the pontiff asked the Virgin, patroness of Rome, for protection for those suffering the consequences of war:

“Turn the hearts of those who fuel hatred, silence the noise of weapons that cause death, extinguish the violence that resides in man and inspire peace initiatives in the decisions of those who govern nations.”

Appeal to the international community and defense of peace

The Pope prayed for those “oppressed because of injustice” and emphasized the pain of those who mourn “the death of their children.” He also called for a day of prayer and fasting on Oct. 7 to pray for an end to conflicts around the world, as he has done for Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Ukraine and the Holy Land during his pontificate.

On this occasion, he sent a letter today to Christians in the Holy Land, calling on them to be witnesses to “a peace without weapons.” In it, the pontiff expressed solidarity with those who left their homes, schools and jobs to escape the bombs, and with mothers whose children are injured or have died. The Holy Father assured his closeness to those who have no voice in this conflict, noting that “there is much talk about plans and strategies, but little is said about the real situation of those who suffer.”

Also on Sunday, Oct. 7, after the Angelus prayer, the Pope appealed to the international community to intervene to stop the “spiral of revenge” fueling the war in the Middle East:

“Let us not forget,” he said, “that there are still many hostages in Gaza, for whom I call for their immediate release. Since that day, the Middle East has been engulfed in increasing suffering, with destructive military actions continuing to impact the Palestinian population.”

The Church continues to support all those caught in the crossfire, urging the international community to respond to Pope Francis’ call for peace and reconciliation, and to work tirelessly to end the cycle of violence and restore hope to those suffering.

Adapted from Jacob Stein