U.S. Bishop Leaders Urge a Specific Fundraiser for Catholic Charities in Gaza

In a statement dated August 12 and released on August 20, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called for a special collection to address the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.

The situation in Gaza and across the Middle East requires immediate assistance, according to Archbishop Broglio's statement. The hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip has deepened, with more than one in three people going days without eating, as reported by UN organizations.

Archbishop Broglio lamented the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims in Gaza. He expressed pastoral concern for the ongoing crisis and sorrow over the current situation.

The funds raised from the special collection will be used to bolster the Catholic Church's response to the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. The collection will be managed by both the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

CRS and CNEWA have well-established partnerships in the Gaza region, allowing for quick and efficient aid delivery. The funds will provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for those affected in Gaza and surrounding areas in the Middle East.

Pope Leo XIV has also called for a ceasefire and for aid to enter the Gaza Strip. Archbishop Broglio urged the Catholic community in the United States to assist in the crisis by taking up the special collection and sending funds to CNEWA and CRS as soon as possible.

The victims in Gaza are struggling to survive, protect their children, and live with dignity in dire conditions. The special collection is intended to bolster the Catholic Church's response to the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.

Archbishop Broglio, who heads the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services in addition to his role as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, emphasized the urgent need for action. He urged the Catholic community to respond generously to the call for a special collection.