What’s going on in the Holy Land—and what’s at the root of the problem? Why should Catholics care?
Middle East
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
As Israeli-Palestinian violence escalates, Christian leaders voice concern
Christian leaders in the Holy Land expressed deep concern over growing Israeli-Palestinian violence, as the two sides clashed in Jerusalem and Israel launched airstrikes into Gaza, responding to rocket attacks.
Posted inFaith, News
In Gaza, tiny Catholic community tries to stay in touch during airstrikes
Since early May 11, Israeli bombs have been falling around the Rosary Sisters school in Gaza, which sustained light to moderate damage inside and outside the compound — including to the front door and solar panels used for electricity.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis prays for 130 refugees drowned in Mediterranean
“Brothers and sisters, let us all ask ourselves about this umpteenth tragedy. It is a shameful moment.”
Posted inPolitics & Society, Short Take
Biden’s recognition of the Armenian genocide makes it clear: Turkey will be held accountable for human rights violations
Formally recognizing the genocide of Armenians is not just a matter of history, write Alex Galitsky and Steven Howard. It is a necessary first step in confronting Turkey over its present-day human rights abuses.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq was a historic breakthrough. But will it lead to greater peace in the Middle East?
An interview with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, on Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq and what’s next for Vatican diplomacy in the Middle East.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Read: Pope Francis on finding hope in the people of Iraq
In his first general audience since returning from Iraq, Pope Francis said: “ I saw around me the joy of welcoming Christ’s messenger; I saw the hope of being open to a horizon of peace and fraternity.”
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis: Honor the 48 Iraqi martyrs by remaining faithful and working for a better Iraq
Pope Francis visited a Baghdad cathedral that is now a shrine to 48 Christian martyrs who died Oct. 31, 2010, when militants belonging to a group linked to al-Qaida laid siege to the church.
Posted inFaith, Short Take
Pope Francis’ visit to Iraq answers the prayers of the Christians who refuse to flee — and face extinction
Refugees from the attacks on Christians in Iraq cannot help but feel bitter and forgotten, writes Luma Simms. Pope Francis’ upcoming visit is an opportunity to begin healing and seek religious harmony.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
Nobody at the Vatican wants Pope Francis to go to Iraq right now. Why is he so set on going?
What is driving Pope Francis to enter a war zone, during a global pandemic?