“Our thoughts turn readily to the Holy Land, sacred to all three monotheistic religions,” he said. “We recognize and defend the right of Israel to exist and to enjoy a place among the nations. At the same time, we know that the Palestinians, who represent the majority of Christians in the Holy Land — while still being a minority, have a right to a land that is their own.”

The archbishop also spoke about the war in Ukraine, where he said the Ukrainian people continue to suffer under the “unjust aggression” of Russia.

“Peace seems so far away,” he said, “but we continue to pray and to keep our national leaders aware of the plight of the innocent in Ukraine.”

Broglio mentioned the wars and persecutions in Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, Haiti, and Nicaragua, saying that they too require the special prayers of the Church.

“Unfortunately, it would be easy to continue to list the areas of conflict in our world,” he lamented, adding that “some wonder if any solution is possible.”

Broglio noted, however, that “it is good” that the bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace “works tirelessly, at least, to keep the bishops abreast of the developments in these situations and to encourage within the limits of what is possible, avenues of dialogue and assistance.”