As hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify for the fifth consecutive day, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has urged both the U.S. government and the broader international community to prioritize diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
In a statement, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chair of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, emphasized the urgency of preventing further escalation and nuclear proliferation in the region. "The further proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East, as well as this escalation of violence, imperils the fragile stability remaining in the region," he warned.
The conflict flared on June 13 when Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran, reportedly killing senior military personnel and nuclear scientists.
Iran responded with missile attacks on Israeli targets. The death toll has surpassed 220 in Iran and 21 in Israel as violence continues.
Bishop Zaidan invoked the words of Pope Leo XIV, saying, “It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace by initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that guarantee security and dignity for all.”
He also echoed the prayer of Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran, expressing hope for peace through dialogue and consensus.
The US bishops are calling on the Catholic faithful and all people of goodwill to pray fervently for peace and an end to the hostilities.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. On Tuesday, June 17, at least 51 Palestinians were reportedly killed in Khan Younis while waiting for aid trucks.
Eyewitnesses described Israeli tanks opening fire on crowds gathered for humanitarian assistance. The Israeli military has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
This latest tragedy adds to a growing list of civilian casualties in Gaza amid ongoing military operations, underscoring the urgent need for peaceful resolutions and humanitarian relief.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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