Eight-year-old Yamen Abu Hilal lies on a hospital bed in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, surrounded by a woman who sits beside him. The image of this young boy, struggling with his health, is a heartbreaking reminder of the dire situation in Gaza.
Yamen’s condition has sharply worsened due to the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system. The system has been unable to provide necessary diagnostic tools, medication, and equipment, as no medical supplies have entered the Strip since the ceasefire. This is a devastating reality for the people of Gaza, who are already struggling with the effects of ongoing conflict and a crippling blockade.
The photo, taken on Nov. 24, 2025, serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action to address the healthcare crisis in Gaza. It highlights the plight of children like Yamen, who are innocent victims caught in the crossfire of political and military conflicts.
Church leaders in Jerusalem have recently called on the Israeli government to allow children in Gaza with leukemia to receive treatment in Israel. In a statement released on Dec. 17, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem appealed to the authorities on humanitarian grounds. They urged for swift treatment for these children, as the disease is not treatable in Gaza.
The statement also emphasized that there will be no financial burden on the government, as all costs will be borne by the hospital. This call for action by church leaders is a testament to the unity and compassion of the Christian community in advocating for the most vulnerable in society.
In a world that is often divided by conflict and differences, it is heartening to see thousands of people coming together for a common cause. In India, more than 25,000 Christians and people from other faith backgrounds gathered in Mumbai for the country’s largest Christmas music festival. The event, which took place on Dec. 14, had the theme of “Peace and Hope to All in a World in Turmoil.”
Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop emeritus of Bombay, emphasized the message of peace and unity in his address to the crowd. He said, “Jesus is not just the Prince of Peace; he is peace himself.” The event, which has been ongoing for 60 years, has become a symbol of unity and joy, bringing people from all walks of life together.
Meanwhile, an award-winning investigative report has shed light on the damage sustained by churches in Sudan’s ongoing conflict. The report, produced in partnership between Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism and the Mountain Media network, documents the harm to 23 churches and one monastery. The violations range from shelling and arson to looting and misuse of religious properties.
This report serves as a wake-up call to the international community to pay attention to the ongoing crisis in Sudan. It also highlights the need for stronger measures to protect religious sites and communities in conflict zones.
In Australia, the Archdiocese of Melbourne has launched preparations for an archdiocesan synod in 2026. This synodal process will focus on three key themes: young discipleship, missionary leadership, and formation and participation. These themes have emerged through listening, discernment, and consultation in recent years, including the plenary council process.
The synod is an opportunity for the Catholic community to come together and reflect on how they can better serve and minister to the needs of the people. This is a crucial step in ensuring that the Church remains relevant and responsive to the changing needs of society.
In South America, Catholics in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia joined together in an online missionary rosary. The prayer initiative, launched on the feast of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of missions, saw hundreds of participants of all ages praying together. Brother Giancarlo Chirinos Barrera, national secretary of the Peruvian Pontifical Society for the Propagation of the Faith, highlighted the importance of being missionaries, accompanied by the Virgin Mary.
In Iraq, the recent vandalism of a Christian cemetery in the Kurdistan Region has renewed concerns about recurring attacks on Christian sites. The incident, which saw crosses and grave markers damaged, has prompted calls for stronger measures to curb hate speech. Community representatives have warned that repeated incidents can signal deeper societal problems and fuel fear among minority communities.
On a more positive note, Pakistan hosted its first government-sponsored Christmas rally in the country’s Punjab province. The rally, which took place on Dec. 15, saw thousands of participants singing Christmas car
