7th May 2026

Pope Leo XIV delivered a message of peace and hope to 13 priests from southern Lebanon, by unexpectedly joining their video call from Rome yesterday. Pope Leo told the priests that he held them in his prayers  and expressed his desire for peace in southern Lebanon. Father Najib al-Amil, the parish priest of Rmeich, who attended the online meeting told reporters at Associated Press that the pope gave the priests God's blessing and that, "His words were reassuring, particularly as we live in constant worry over here."  Yesterday, Israel attacked Beirut for the first time since it agreed to a ceasefire in the war with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, hitting the city's southern Dahieh area. In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had personally approved the strike targeting a commander of Hezbollah elite Radwan Force. Israeli  the attacks on Lebanon have killed more than 120 people across the country in the past week. 2,700 people have been killed in Lebanon since 2 March. Widespread destruction continues across large parts of the country, affecting homes belonging to hundreds of thousands of people as well as basic infrastructure. According to the National Council of Scientific Research in Lebanon (CNRS), 428 housing units were destroyed and a further 50 damaged in just the first three days of the ceasefire. Many of the displaced civilians are prevented from returning to what remains of their homes by the IDF in areas it controls in the south. 

Loving God, we thanl you for the care of your church shown by Pope Leo.  We observe the contrast between his desire of pece and the actions of military forces.  We ask your loving care for all people in Lebanon. Be alongside all who grieve the deaths of those they love. Console all who mourn the destruction of homes and communities, places of memory and friendship. Place your healing hand upon all who are injured - may the fully recover and be well supported by their communities. Pour out your forgiveness that people willingly rain down such terror and fear upon one another.  Together with the Pope we pray for peace in this troubled region.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

The hospital ship Africa Mercy® arrived in Toamasina, Madagascar yesterday.  This is the sixth time that Mercy Ships has visited the island since 1996. “Returning to Madagascar for the third consecutive year is a powerful reflection of trust, partnership, and shared ambition,” said Nicholas Ahadjie, Country Director for Mercy Ships in Madagascar. “In a time of recovery following the cyclone [Gezani], we are grateful to stand alongside the government and people of Madagascar, supporting both surgical needs and long-term resilience in healthcare.”  Mercy Ships estimates to provide more than 1,400 surgeries, along with more than 1,400 dental encounters. Alongside these free life-changing interventions, the organization will invest in strengthening the country’s health systems by providing more than 22,500 hours of training and education for healthcare professionals across Madagascar. “Strengthening our surgical system remains a top priority for the Ministry of Public Health, and partnerships like the one with Mercy Ships are key to making this vision a reality,” said Dr. Managna Monira. “Together, we are working to ensure that high-quality surgical care is more accessible to the Malagasy people, while building a stronger, more resilient and sustainable health system.” 

Find out more about Mercy Ships here.

Loving God, you come amongst us and are always with us.

We give your praise and thanksgiving

for your creation of the world,

in all its intricacy, beauty, diversity, and magnificence.

We rejoice in your presence in our relationships with family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues;

 in the laughter and tears we share,

in the support we give to one another.

We bow to you in reverence for your presence

when justice prevails and mercy is shown.

We praise you for your power and your protection

for you are our rock and our fortress.

Thank you for your promise is that you will never leave us.

You are a mighty, loving, forgiving and gracious God.

We love and adore you.  Amen.