The pastor at a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza organized a hurried baptism celebration for nine children after two unbaptized children were killed in an I.D.F. missile strike on the compound on Oct. 20.

The pope called for aid to be allowed into Gaza to help the tens of thousands of wounded Palestinians.

Since the most recent conflict started, Hezbollah has launched rockets into Israel, provoking counterattacks targeting Hezbollah positions that have been established in the hills around these usually quiet Christian agricultural villages along the border.

The rule of international law, and even more, a basic commitment to human dignity, both demand something more than the meeting of terror with terror.

Today, Pope Francis prayed “for all those who suffer” and said he hoped that “paths of peace” may be found for the conflict in the Middle East.

Throughout past two decades, America's editors have repeatedly called on political leaders to envision a future in which Israelis and Palestinians can flourish side by side.