A month after a double blast struck Beirut, Pope Francis’ closest collaborator assured the Lebanese: “The whole world supports you.”
Middle East
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
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.
Posted inFaith, News
‘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.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis calls on world community to aid Lebanon, urges nuclear arms abolition
Pope Francis: “Last Tuesday’s catastrophe calls everyone, beginning with the Lebanese people, to work together for the common good of this beloved country.”
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Caritas Lebanon director: Beirut is devastated but we will rebuild our city
Many Beirut buildings simply crumbled; others are compromised beyond repair. Those that can be saved no longer have windows or doors, residents continue to occupy them to protect what possessions they have left.
Posted inFaith, News
Lebanon’s Catholic leaders are asking for help. Here’s where you can donate.
Explosions in Beirut left more than 130 people dead and more than 300,000 homeless.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis calls for prayer and aid for Lebanon after deadly explosion
“Let us pray for the victims, for their families; and let us pray for Lebanon so that it might face this extremely tragic and painful moment and, with the help of the international community, overcome the grave crisis they are experiencing.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Catholic aid groups: Massive explosion in Beirut compounds Lebanon’s dire situation
At least 50 people were killed and 2,700 injured. Catholic and other humanitarian agencies warn it could push the country into an even bigger catastrophe.
Posted inFaith, News
Seven years later, still no trace of Jesuit priest kidnapped in Syria
“My appeal is not to forget about Syria,” said Immacolata Dall’Oglio, sister of the Rev. Paolo Dall’Oglio, who went missing in Syria on July 29, 2013.
Posted inFaith, News
Christians mark a ‘day of mourning’ as Hagia Sophia opens for Muslim prayers
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined hundreds of worshipers Friday for the first Muslim prayers in 86 years inside Hagia Sophia.