In this Lenten season, Pope Leo XIV has urged the faithful to pray for peace and to “fast from words and acts of hatred and conflict,” inviting all to rediscover the peace offered by Christ. Responding to this call, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference joins the Pope and global leaders in voicing deep concern over the escalating violence in the Middle East and the growing human toll it is inflicting.

We invite you to read the full statement from the President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, below.

Read the full statement here