In Iraq, Reeta, 17, was used to being first in her class. For the last two years, in Turkey, she has not attended school.

Catholic leaders in Lebanon urged the international community to stop wars and bring peace to the Middle East.

"The international community must respond to the outrages systematically committed by Daesh with a rock-solid resolve to prevent similar future abominations from recurring."

“I call on the Lord that he may convert the hearts of the terrorist and free the world of hate and that crazy homicide that abuses the name of God to disseminate death.”

The aid will go to "faith-based and private organizations" to help those who are persecuted in the region, according to Vice President Mike Pence.

"If ever there was a time to collectively support the largest remaining Christian population in the Middle East, it is now."