CERNA calls for ‘courageous humility’ to stop war in the Middle East

By Lisa Zengarini

Members of the Regional Episcopal Conference of North Africa (CERNA) have united their voices to express their deep concern and once again plead for peace amid the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land. This call comes as the regional body, bringing together the bishops of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Western Sahara, concluded its annual assembly and its usual ad limina visit to Rome on November 24.

The war in the Middle East and its impact on the small Catholic communities of North Africa were among the many topics discussed by the bishops who, at the close of the meeting, issued a message calling on their Churches to dedicate the next time from Advent to prayer. for peace in the region in solidarity with all the victims of the conflict.

Concern for the innocent victims of the war in the Holy Land

In their letter, the bishops denounce the devastating consequences of a prolonged conflict, which has resulted in countless casualties, displacement of people and massive destruction, with the suffering population deprived of basic needs such as food and medical care.

Condemnation of the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory

The bishops also strongly deplored the ongoing illegal colonization or annexation of Palestinian territories in the West Bank, which have not been spared violence.

“In no case,” they affirm, “can the Bible be used to legitimize the colonization and annexation of a territory which belongs to a people who only aspire to live in justice and peace.”

Recent estimates from the Israeli anti-occupation movement Peace Now show that there are at least half a million illegal Israeli settlers spread across 146 settlements and 224 outposts in the West Bank. Additionally, since Hamas’ murderous rampage against Israel on October 7, 2023, Israeli settler attacks on Palestinian properties and lands have increased significantly.

People and their governments are not the same thing

At the same time, the letter emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between governments and peoples, noting that the Israeli government does not represent all Israelis, nor does Hamas represent all Palestinians.

The courage to negotiate peace

Affirming their unwavering commitment to peace against all wars, all violence and all acts of terrorism, the bishops of North Africa first launched an appeal to the leaders of the countries involved in the conflict. They assured in their prayers that heads of state and government “may embrace the courage of humility, listen sincerely to the sufferings of others, respect everyone and reject all hatred”, and reject “all provocation, desire for destruction and any spirit of revenge or domination”.

They also urged other countries to commit to promoting peace negotiations, instead of providing weapons to the warring parties. »

The letter concludes by inviting the faithful to devote the Advent season to praying for peace and engaging in acts of reconciliation and solidarity with victims of conflict.

Visit to CERNA in Rome

During their stay in Rome, the bishops discussed several other topics, including the results of the recent Synod on synodality, and elected and elected the Archbishop of Tunis, Nicolas Lhernould, as the new president while the cardinal-elect Jean-Paul Vesco OP, archbishop of Algiers, has been appointed vice-president.

In addition to meeting with Pope Francis and the heads of the dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Vatican bishops met with representatives of the Muslim community in Rome.