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 (USCCB).

He asked people to join the Holy Father in prayer for genuine peace in the Holy Land, offering the following statement.

“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 7 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.”