At the conclusion of the October international anniversary pilgrimage mass at the Sanctuary of Fátima, José Ornelas emphasized that on the last anniversary pilgrimage of the year, there are “encouraging news and signs of peace for Gaza.”
“Gaza is in our hearts,” stated José Ornelas, Bishop of the Diocese of Leiria-Fátima, with the pilgrims responding with applause.
The prelate urged for these signs to continue and persist, aiming for lasting, just, and dignified peace for all those in the long-besieged and devastated Holy Land.
“With the help and solidarity of all, and through our prayers, true peace can come,” said the President of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP), who also requested the “gift of peace” for Ukraine, Sudan, and “many other parts of the world.”
Previously, the CEP President thanked Claudio Dalla Zuanna, Archbishop of Beira, Mozambique, who led the pilgrimage, and remembered Cabo Delgado. This province in Africa has faced terrorist attacks for nearly a decade, prompting prayers for peace.
Last Thursday, the “final version of the first phase” of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war was signed by all involved parties.
Today, Hamas released the last 20 Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip.
