Catholic University of Lublin Rector opposes attacks on Israel; dialogue needed

“We firmly oppose military attacks on Israel. The only solution for the Middle East is talks leading to lasting peace,” emphasizes Fr. Prof. Mirosław Kalinowski, Rector of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.

Prof. Kalinowski, a founder of the A. J. Heschel Center for Catholic-Jewish Relations, noted that the military actions carried out by Iran against Israel are extremely dangerous, given the already complicated situation in the region, including Gaza.

“Israel has the right to the security and protection of its territory and citizens. The international community should take all actions to de-escalate the tension because the situation is becoming extremely dangerous and has an impact on global geopolitics, especially in the context of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine,” the Rector of the Catholic University of Lublin said.

He also recalled that Pope Francis calls for peace and resolving interstate conflicts through dialogue. “John Paul II appealed so movingly: ‘Never again war!’ Let us pray this Sunday for peace in the world, especially in Israel, the entire Holy Land, and Ukraine,” the Catholic University of Lublin Rector added.

Media reported that U.S. President Joe Biden, after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that the U.S. had helped Israel shoot down almost all of the drones and missiles.