STATEMENT FROM THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF SAINT ELIZABETH

REGARDING THE ESCALATING VIOLENCE IN IRAN, ISREAL, AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

As Pope Leo XIV has said frequently: “War is never holy; only peace is holy, because it is the singular will of God.”

As women committed to the Gospel of peace and the dignity of every human person, the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth express deep concern over the recent, escalating violence in Iran, Israel and neighboring countries.

Catholic just‑war teaching requires that military force be used only as a last resort, with clear just cause, legitimate authority, and strict protection of civilians—conditions that appear gravely in question in the recent action by the leadership of our country.

We affirm the power of dialogue, negotiation and diplomacy over military force. We stand in solidarity with all who suffer the consequences of this violence. Our nation’s principles have been violated. We urge the President and Congress to pursue de‑escalation, transparent accountability, and renewed diplomatic efforts, immediately.

Pope Leo XIV in his March 1st remarks said, “Stability and peace are not built with reciprocal threats nor with weapons that sow destruction, pain and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, responsible dialogue”.

Faithfulness to our mission calls us to raise our voice for restraint, justice, and the hard, hopeful work of peace. We pray that peace may prevail.

Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth

March 2, 2026

Acts of the Joint Assembly 2023

HOMELESSNESS

Together in Charity, meeting our graced future, we commit to continuing our legacy of Charity by creating a joint task force to continue sharing best practices and to explore other collaborative strategies to advocate for and minister to persons without an address.

Click here to commit to our Homelessness efforts.

CHARISM

Together in Charity, meeting our graced future, we commit to continuing our legacy of Charity by forming a group of Sisters and Associates from each Congregation to create and/or share ongoing formation programs and resources for social media and various communication modes to foster a deeper understanding of the charism of Charity for members, partners in mission and the wider public in order to foster our mission.

COLLABORATIVE VENTURE IN JUSTICE AND PEACE

In the spirit of this collaborative Assembly 2023, wherein we are discerning mutual matters of great importance for the Sisters of Charity of New York and the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, we recommend that a committee comprised of representatives from both Congregations be convened to explore the feasibility of establishing and funding a collaborative structure that will support our works for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation. This committee would be tasked with developing its mission, purpose, and scope in an effort to establish a long-term legacy for our shared charism and its joint expression moving into the future.

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"In nothing be anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"- Philippians 4:6-7

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