Vice President J.D. Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance arrived in Israel on Tuesday, entering one of the most delicate stages of the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The visit, part diplomacy and part faith witness, centered on stabilizing the first phase of the U.S.-backed peace deal, but what captured the attention of many Christians was the Vice President’s heartfelt appeal for prayer.
Standing before reporters near a newly opened center for civilian and military cooperation, Vance described the fragile peace effort as “going better than I expected,” while urging “a little bit of patience” as mediators continue negotiating the safe return of hostages.
“Some of these hostages are buried under thousands of pounds of rubble. Some of the hostages, nobody even knows where they are,” Vance said. “It’s just a reason to counsel in favor of a little bit of patience.”
Vance, accompanied by top U.S. envoys including Steve Witkoff, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reaffirm America’s commitment to maintaining the ceasefire. Hamas representatives, meanwhile, gathered in Cairo with Egyptian mediators to discuss the next stage of the truce and the possible handover of more hostages.
Yet amid the political and military logistics, Vance’s tone shifted from statesman to believer. Speaking from Israel, he referenced the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Christians believe Christ was crucified, buried, and rose again, and invoked one of the most profound titles of Christ: the Prince of Peace.
“I ask all people of faith, in particular my fellow Christians, to pray that the Prince of Peace can continue to work a miracle in this region of the world,” Vance said. “I think that we have made incredible strides over the past week. We’re going to have to make a lot more, but I think your prayers, with God’s providence and the very good team behind me, I think we’re gonna get it done.”
Faith in the Midst of Fragile Diplomacy
The Vice President’s appeal came as both sides accused the other of minor breaches in the truce. His words — drawing attention to faith rather than force — underscored the unique intersection of politics and prayer in a conflict where every step forward seems uncertain.
In the Catholic tradition, the call to pray for peace has always held special significance. Pope St. John Paul II and Pope Francis both invoked prayer as the true beginning of any peace process. Scripture reminds believers that “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
By appealing directly to “my fellow Christians,” Vance extended an invitation beyond political lines. His message carried the weight of both urgency and faith: peace, he implied, cannot be sustained by policy alone. It needs prayer, perseverance, and divine providence.
A Moment to Respond in Prayer
For Catholics worldwide, this moment offers a chance to act. Each prayer, each lighted candle, becomes part of the living plea for peace that has echoed since the days of Christ’s own ministry in Galilee and Jerusalem.
The Vice President’s words remind us that prayer is not passive; it is participation in the work of peace itself. Just as Christ calmed storms and reconciled enemies, His followers today are called to lift up those still suffering under the shadow of war.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus taught, “for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Now, as world leaders negotiate, Catholics can join the effort in their own way, by praying for the safety of all hostages, the healing of the wounded, the wisdom of those in power, and a lasting peace born of mercy and understanding.
Light a Candle for Peace
We invite all people of faith to take up Vice President Vance’s call and pray to the Prince of Peace.
Join others across the world by lighting a free prayer candle at www.prayercandles.org today.
Offer your candle for:
- The safe return of all hostages
- The protection of innocent civilians in Gaza and Israel
- The strength and courage of peace negotiators
- The conversion of hearts toward reconciliation
In Jerusalem, where Christ conquered death and brought life, hope still flickers.
As Vice President Vance said, “with God’s providence and the very good team behind me, I think we’re gonna get it done.”
May our prayers help make that miracle possible.
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