Jerusalem Priest on Iran Strikes, Acutis and Frassati Canonizations, Kidnapped Ukrainian Kids

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Gina Christian of OSV News catches you up on the Catholic news of the day for June 13, 2025. In this episode: Jesuit Father John Paul, rector of the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem, shares how he focuses on supporting Palestinians and Israelis amid Israel's strike on Iran, and the Israel-Hamas war. The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will canonize Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati together Sept. 7. Calls from bipartisan lawmakers and faith leaders across denominations are growing for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children deported to Russia, as the Trump administration withholds approved funding from a key research effort by Yale University to track the kids -- research has informed Vatican-mediated efforts to bring home the children, whose numbers range anywhere from 20,000 to more than a million. The world's tallest sculpture of a soon-to-be canonized Blessed José Gregorio Hernández was unveiled May 24 by 16-year-old Venezuelan artist Josué Benjamín Figueroa -- weeks ahead of the Vatican's announcement today that the beloved doctor and layman will be canonized, along with several others, on Oct. 19 which is World Mission Sunday. Catholic radio host Glen Lewerenz says he has a ministry of listening and of holy and lively conversation. Tune in and visit us online at osvnews.com.

Read the stories in this episode:

Jesuit Priest in Jerusalem
https://www.osvnews.com/priest-in-jerusalem-faith-fear-and-frustration-after-strikes-on-iran/

Acutis and Frassati Canonizations
https://www.osvnews.com/pope-sets-sept-7-for-joint-canonization-of-blesseds-acutis-and-frassati/

Ukrainian Kids Abducted by Russia
https://www.osvnews.com/lawmakers-faith-leaders-call-for-restored-funding-to-track-ukraines-deported-children/

Blessed José Gregorio Hernández Statue
https://www.osvnews.com/teenager-makes-worlds-tallest-sculpture-of-iconic-venezuelan-doctor-who-will-be-canonized/

Catholic Radio Host Glen Lewerenz
https://www.osvnews.com/holy-curiosity-is-driving-force-behind-radio-personalitys-ministry-of-listening/