Prayers today, on this second anniversary of their captivity, for the release of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, as well as relief for their families, all entering a third year of terrifying darkness. Prayers for an urgent end to this war and a just peace.

Good to meet up again with Cardinal Fabio Baggio, Director General of Borgo Laudato Si, and to see the progress made with this Pope Francis legacy since I was last here in January.

Prayers ascend for Bishop Sarah today, as well as grateful thanks for her “yes” to the call of Church. Serving on the Crown Nomination commission was an experience of the Holy Spirit, for which I am thankful to God. www.dioceseofnorwich.org/announcement...

The Laudato Si conference moves to the Papal gardens for an evening of reflection and music.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּֽנוּ לְהַדְלִיק נֵר שֶׁל יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים

Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to light the Yom Kippur candles.

Candles dimmed tonight in sorrow. Prayers for Jewish friends hurting.

Stunning walk around Lake Albano amidst drifts of cyclamen. Now breakfast with a view.

After a demanding few weeks, an early morning walk around Lake Albano, the volcanic crater below the Papal summer palace at Castel Gandolfo, is just the tonic.

This was a powerful speech by Pope Leo which built on Pope Francis’ teaching legacy.
He criticised those who “have chosen to deride the increasingly evident signs of climate change, to ridicule those who speak of global warming”.
It was a privilege to be in the room. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

A great privilege to be at Castel Gandolfo for the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ ecological encyclical Laudato Si. What an impact it has had for how we care for our common home. But more to do! This afternoon we were addressed by Pope Leo and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Very concerned to hear of the large fire at St John's Church, Harleston. Prayers that no one is injured and for the emergency services tackling the blaze.

On Sunday we welcomes Fr Bruce Batstone as vicar of St Mark’s Lakenham and pilgrim priest at the Julian Shrine.

A joy to gather with @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social clergy for our conference in @norwichcathedral.bsky.social - a great conference dinner with Zeb Soames as our after dinner speaker.

On this International Day of Peace, please join me and ecumencial colleagues in praying this prayer written by Archbishop Hosam of Jerusalem.
www.youtube.com/shorts/ZWBTn...

Bishops in the House of Lords have continued to discuss the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill today.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, warned that this legislation would unleash a ‘fundamental’ change for the worse in society, putting vulnerable people at risk.

Today I sat through some excellent speeches in the House of Lords. The clear message was that the ‘Assisted Dying’ Bill needs much more scrutiny. The expertise in the House is immense. Deep concerns were raised by doctors, nurses, lawyers, and those of us experienced in pastoral care of the dying.

In advance of COP30 in the Amazon, the Anglican Communion has launched a call for environmental action and advocacy to restore the ‘lungs of the earth’ - especially forests, oceans and ice-caps. www.anglicancommunion.org/mission/at-t...

Wishing the government and people of Papua New Guinea a happy 50th Independence Day anniversary! Quite an experience visiting your country to mark the long companion link with @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social

Please circulate this widely. The community at Holy Trinity shaped me more as a priest than anywhere and have continued daily in my prayers. They deserve someone to care for them and encourage them. Might it be you, or someone you know?

Visits to the Mothers’ Union in the most remote villages has been a part of this visit. Tried my hand at log canoe with stabiliser - the fisherman thankfully did not let go! How they go far out to sea is incredible.

Up at 0430 to leave Dogura by 2 hr boat journey, 2 1/2 hours in truck along rutted roads up to a rain forest, over the ridge & down to Alatou for Air Niugini flight from Gurney Airport (appropriate Norfolk name), then sunset drinks with the British High Commissioner at her residence, Moresby House.