An Iraqi archbishop who helped save hundreds of ancient manuscripts from being destroyed by Islamic State militants was among the nominees for the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize.
Middle East
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Cardinal likens fading Christian presence in Middle East to a sinking ship
“We ask you, Lord, through the intercession of our Mother Virgin Mary, the star of the sea in the storm, to lead our homelands, our churches and our people to the port of safety,” Cardinal Rai pleaded.
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Hope is dying in Syria, cardinal says
“Unfortunately, what is dying in the hearts of many people, is hope,” Cardinal Mario Zenari told the Vatican newspaper.
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Knights of Holy Sepulchre give $3.5 million in emergency aid to Holy Land
About 30,000 Catholic men and women around the world are knights or dames of the Holy Sepulchre, pledging to support the church of Jerusalem with their prayers, regular pilgrimages and financial offerings.
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Beirut priest: ‘Everyone has a painful, heartbreaking story’
A month after the devastation of the Beirut port explosion, people are being comforted by their priests as they try to resume their lives.
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Cardinal urges world to help restore Lebanon, not let it ‘fall into despair’
The Catholic Church in Lebanon plays a leading role in shaping public opinion in that troubled country because it is free and speaks the truth, Cardinal Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, told an internet audience Sept. 10.
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‘We need a miracle,’ Lebanese nun says a month after Beirut blasts
The aftermath of the Aug. 4 bombing in Beirut have had devastating effects on the people and the economy of Lebanon.
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Visiting Lebanon, Cardinal Parolin emphasizes ‘You are not alone’
A month after a double blast struck Beirut, Pope Francis’ closest collaborator assured the Lebanese: “The whole world supports you.”
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At Beirut parish, signs of hope, demands for accountability after blast
Although the lives of those attending that Mass were spared, so far 12 parishioners have died from the blast. Father Mouannes has no idea how many have been injured.
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‘God has saved us’: Priest describes celebrating Mass during Beirut’s deadly explosion
The video shows Father Rabih Thoumy swinging a chain censer sending smoke into the air when abruptly there is a rumble and then a loud bang as the shockwave from Beirut’s devastating explosion slams into the church.