“Lebanon cannot be left prey to the course of events or those who pursue their own unscrupulous interests,” Pope Francis said on the day of prayer and reflection for peace in Lebanon.
Middle East
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
‘The Holy See fears the collapse of the country’: Pope Francis to host a day of prayer for Lebanon
“The Holy See fears the collapse of the country,” Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with states, stated frankly.
Posted inEditorials, Politics & Society
Don’t let the plight of Palestinians fall out of the headlines (again)
The United States has dithered on establishing any policy to help bring an end to a conflict now in its eighth decade.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Jerusalem’s archbishop: Thank God for the cease-fire. But the everyday violence in the Holy Land continues.
“Violence is also in the language, in the political decisions, in the conditions of life under which the Gaza population has been living many years.”
Posted inJesuitical, Politics & Society
Podcast: Catholics need to pay attention to what’s happening in Israel-Palestine
What’s going on in the Holy Land—and what’s at the root of the problem? Why should Catholics care?
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.