Pope Francis asked God “to convert the hearts of those who spread terror, violence and death, and also the hearts of those who make, and traffic in, weapons.”
Middle East
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Syrian Catholic leaders criticize U.S. missile strikes, experts question larger strategy
“We need to have a national debate on these things; it’s not a decision for the president to make in the dead of night.”
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
US blasts Syria base with cruise missiles
The strikes hit the government-controlled Shayrat air base in central Syria, where U.S. officials say the Syrian military planes that dropped the chemicals had taken off.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Erdoğan referendum threatens democracy in Turkey
If the referendum is approved, Turkey’s parliamentary system would be scrapped in favor of an executive presidency.
Posted inFaith, News
Holy Week peace march in Iraq receives Chaldean patriarch support
For the patriarch, Holy Week culminating in the Easter celebration offers a fresh hope to breathe new life into prayer and reflection, reconciliation and dialogue.
Posted inFaith, News
Vatican welcomes three new Syrian refugee families
The Vatican welcomed the refugee families after an appeal made by Pope Francis on every parish, religious community, monastery and shrine in Europe to take in a family of refugees.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Pope Francis urges protection for civilians as U.S. reviews airstrike deaths in Mosul
Pope Francis joined a chorus of humanitarian relief and human rights critics who urged the United States to do more to avoid noncombatant deaths.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis: Protecting Iraqi civilians is non-negotiable
Francis greeted an interfaith group of Iraqis in St. Peter’s Square and issued a special appeal for peace in Iraq at the end of his general audience.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Master of wars: U.S. arms sales lead a world of conflict
The United States dominates an annual global weapons export market that has topped $100 billion.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis set to visit Egypt, paving the way for increased interfaith dialogue
The invitation came amid increasingly closer relations between the Vatican and al-Azhar University, which is considered the most authoritative theological-academic institution of Sunni Islam.