News

During Pope Leo XIV's Prayer Vigil for Peace in the world, the Pope appeals to leaders of nations to stop and sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, "not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided!" He also insists that the Church will always advance in calling for peace "even when rejecting the logic of war may lead to misunderstanding and scorn," and will always instill "obedience to God rather than any human authority."

Pope Leo XIV continues his catechesis series on the Dogmatic Constitution 'Lumen gentium,' and reminds us that holiness 'is not a privilege for the few,' but for all the baptized, and 'is manifested in our daily life every time we receive it with joy and respond to Him.'

Amid the ongoing war, this year’s celebration of Easter was marked by hardship and uncertainty. Yet nothing can diminish the joy of the Resurrection. Even in difficult times, our faith remains strong and alive. Here is how the Easter feasts were celebrated throughout the Vicariate of St. James.

To all our friends around the world we wish Happy Easter from the place where Christ raised up from the death. May His resurrection be the foundation of your life.

Amid heightened security and daily restrictions, the St. James Vicariate's Catechism Team of Tel Aviv marked Palm Sunday in a deep underground bomb shelter near the central bus station, rather than the usual open-air celebration.

The annual Easter Camp for children has been cancelled due to the war. We Visited the Children in Shelters in Tel Aviv (March 26, 2026). Together with their parents we were able to organize a moment of prayer and of joy.

Speaking against the backdrop of continuing conflict, death, displacement, and division, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem expresses his belief that truth must continue to be told about the ongoing war in the Middle East and that “God is with those who die in war, not with those who abuse his name.”

24 March marks the National Day of Remembrance of Poles Who Saved Jews Under German Occupation, linked to the murder of the Ulma family and the Jews they sheltered. Denounced to the Germans, the family was killed on 24 March 1944 in Markowa.

On the night of Ash Wednesday, 18 February, Sr. Elizabeth passed away. Her funeral took place on Friday, 20 February, at Saint Louis French Hospital in Jerusalem, followed by her burial in Ein Karem.

On Wednesday, 18 March, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa visited the Vicariate of St. James for Hebrew-Speaking Catholics at the HaRav Kook House in Jerusalem. He joined the priests’ regular monthly meeting, offering guidance and support during this challenging period of war and uncertainty.

On Saturday, March 14th, about forty members of the Kehilla gathered at the Foyer Saint Josef in Jerusalem for their annual Lenten retreat.

Wednesday, 18 March – The Vigil Mass of St. Joseph was solemnly celebrated in the Jerusalem Monastery of the Sisters of St. Joseph, gathering the community for prayer, thanksgiving, and joyful fellowship.

In these difficult days, signs of love and prayer reach us from many parts of the world. One particularly touching gesture has come from Austria: secondary school pupils from Gröbming (Styria) have written prayers for us, inspired by the Psalms. Their words remind us that faith builds bridges across great distances.

We are proud to share that Fr. Piotr Żelazko, Vicar General of the Latin Patriarchate for Hebrew‑speaking Catholics in Israel, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Man of Reconciliation 2026” by the Polish Council of Christians and Jews. This honor recognizes individuals from outside Poland who have made a significant contribution to deepening dialogue and understanding between Christians and Jews.

At least 19 people were injured on Monday when an Iranian ballistic missile struck the southern city of Beer Sheva, amid several barrages launched throughout the day. Numerous apartments were destroyed or severely damaged. Among those directly affected is one of our own families.

This weekend (20-21 February 2026) marked our second Journey of Faith. With a group of 13 participants from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Tabgha, it was our 17+ youth who set out together this time - young adults searching for direction, meaning, and belonging. Our path led us to Haifa and Nazareth.

As we enter the sacred season of Lent, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa invites the Diocese of Jerusalem to embark once again on a profound journey of prayer, conversion, and renewed faith. In his newly released Lenten Letter for 2026, the Latin Patriarch calls the faithful to rediscover the heart of Christian life by walking more closely with Christ on the path that leads to Easter. We present the text of the letter.

From 11–12 February 2026, the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews (CRRJ) and the International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultations (IJCIC) held a joint gathering in Jerusalem marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate. The meeting included plenary sessions, round‑table discussions, visits to sites in the Old City, and a public evening of dialogue and music. Fr. Piotr Zelazko, the Vicar, took an active part throughout the sessions, together with Fr. Benny who also contributed musically during the Wednesday evening public event.

On the weekend of January 30-31, 2026, sixteen young participants of the St. James Vicariate, from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Beer Sheva, gathered in Jerusalem for the first weekend of the Journey of Faith of the Vicariate. This opening encounter marked the beginning of a shared journey that will lead the youth through the different communities of the Vicariate across Israel.

The 15th issue of Et Ratzon (lit. “A Pen of Favor”, wordplay: “A Moment of Grace”) was published by HaKolel, The Institute for Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. It contains an article by Hana Bendcowsky about the Vicariate of Saint James which was written as an interview with the Vicar.