At least 8 dead when a church is destroyed by bombings in Lebanon

A Church of the Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Tyre, in Lebanon, was hit by a missile from Israeli bombings in the south of the country, killing at least 8 people, as reported the British branch of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Local sources told ACN that the church – located in the town of Derdghaya – housed people displaced by the conflict. The parish house and a three-story building were also completely destroyed.

Through his account on the social network and guaranteed through dialogue and peace.”

“War and hate only bring death and destruction for everyone. #Peace”, added the Holy Father.

“We will not give in to hate”

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, sent a letter to Pope Francis in which he conveyed the “most sincere gratitude” of the Catholic leaders and all the faithful of the Holy Land for their closeness and compassion.

Published in L’Osservatore Romano This Friday, October 11, the patriarch also recognized that the Holy Father has been “the only world leader” to recognize “the human suffering of everyone” in the region.

Regarding the world day of prayer for peace called by the Pope on October 7, Cardinal Pizzaballa explained that the Church responds with “weapons of love” to the distrust that seems to spread more and more among all those involved in the conflict.

“In this context of deeply rooted hatred, there is a need for empathy, for gestures and words of love that, although they do not change the course of events, provide comfort and consolation,” said the patriarch, as reported by Vatican News.

Furthermore, the cardinal was emphatic in stating that one should not give in to the logic of evil and hatred. “We will not surrender to the events that seem to separate us, but we will always try to be builders thirsty for peace and justice,” he remarked.

For the patriarch, the testimony of many men and women in the Holy Land who, despite being affected even on a personal level by violence, have had the courage to forgive, is of great relevance. This “small remainder,” he continued, can be a starting point for rebuilding relationships and trust that have been broken.

“From this difficult moment, we must learn to make our relationships even stronger and sincere in the future, to build authentic and serious contexts of peace and respect,” he indicated.