Hamas fires a large number of rockets toward Israel Oct. 7 in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.
Hamas fires a large number of rockets toward Israel Oct. 7 in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. (photo: Anas-Mohammed / Shutterstock)

War-Torn Israel and Blessed Carlo Acutis (Oct. 14)

After the Islamist terrorist group Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, Israel is at war. The U.S. government has condemned Hamas’ attack. Pope Francis and other Catholic leaders throughout the world have condemned terrorism and violence and are calling for prayer and fasting for peace. Long-time Register contributor, Michele Chabin joins us on Register Radio with perspectives from the ground in Israel. Then we turn to the Eucharist, our source of hope, and an Italian teenager who was completely devoted to making our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament known to a world in need. We talk with Register contributor Sabrina Ferrisi about Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Pope Francis meets with families of the hostages taken by Hamas on Nov. 22.

Pope Francis Meets With Families of Israeli Hostages Being Held in Gaza

Twelve Israeli family members spoke with the Holy Father at the Vatican. He also met with Palestinians who have relatives in Gaza. Pope Francis’ meetings with the Israeli and Palestinian delegations occurred as news emerged that a four-day cease-fire agreement had been reached in which Hamas agreed to free at least 50 of the roughly 240 hostages taken in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.