US bishops oppose re-routing of Israel-Palestine separation wall

May 8, 2013 - 05:25 pm .- The U.S. bishops have criticized an Israeli plan to re-route a separation wall through the Cremisan Valley in the West Bank, claiming such a move would harm both Christian families and religious orders.

Caritas official: Bombing of new Tanzanian parish surpasses other attacks

May 6, 2013 - 08:50 am .- A top official with the charity Caritas Tanzania says a Sunday attack on a new Catholic parish was the first of its kind for the East African country.

Pastor's move to solitary confinement in Iran sparks worry

May 4, 2013 - 01:19 pm .- A U.S. citizen being held in an Iranian prison for his Christian activities has reportedly been moved to solitary confinement, prompting concerns over his health and safety.

Kidnapped Syrian bishop in need of medicine

May 1, 2013 - 12:36 pm .- No news has emerged of the two kidnapped Orthodox bishops in Syria, more than a week since their disappearance, and reports have now surfaced that one is in grave need of medications for his health conditions.

Pope responds to bishops' kidnapping with 'intense prayer'

Apr 23, 2013 - 05:31 am .- Pope Francis is responding to the kidnapping of two Orthodox bishops in Syria with “intense prayer” for their health and release.

Egyptian police accused of siding with cathedral attackers

Apr 20, 2013 - 06:03 am .- A media representative for Egypt's Catholic bishops echoed concerns that police sided with Islamic extremists who attacked a funeral service en masse at St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo.

Pope Francis assures Iran, Pakistan quake victims of prayers

Apr 17, 2013 - 06:21 am .- Pope Francis is praying for the victims of the earthquake that killed 35 and injured 100 in Iran and Pakistan.

Bishop warns of Church plundering in Central African Republic

Apr 15, 2013 - 04:26 pm .- In the midst of a conflict between the government of the Central African Republic and the rebel Séléka coalition, the Church is suffering from fighting and theft by rebel forces, a local bishop said.

Egypt's Christians call for peace after attack on Orthodox cathedral

Apr 9, 2013 - 02:03 am .- Christian leaders in Egypt appealed for calm after a mob attacked St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo on Sunday during the funeral of four Coptic Christians killed in sectarian clashes.

Pope calls for end to Central African Republic violence

Mar 27, 2013 - 11:36 am .- Pope Francis appealed for an “immediate halt to violence and looting” in the Central African Republic after a coup toppled the country’s government over the weekend.

Good Friday stations pray for Christian unity in Middle East

Mar 26, 2013 - 04:03 pm .- A Syrian Christian who fled the fighting in his country believes that the Good Friday Stations of the Cross at the Coliseum will help raise promote Christian unity and awareness of the growing turmoil in the Middle East.

After two years of Syrian violence, religious sisters continue aid

Mar 15, 2013 - 06:02 pm .- While the world marks the second anniversary of demonstrations that began what is now the Syrian civil war, the Sisters of Charity of Besançon continue to help the poor of the country's capital.

Patriarch urges protection for Iraq's fleeing Christians

Feb 26, 2013 - 12:03 am .- Patriarch Louis Raphael I Sako, head of the Chaldean Catholic Church, says greater security is needed for Christians in Iraq who are leaving their homeland for fear of local disorder.

Jailed Iranian pastor reports 'threatening' abuse

Feb 22, 2013 - 05:07 pm .- Christian Pastor Saeed Abedini, a U.S. citizen sentenced to eight years in an Iranian prison, has spoken out about his plight, which includes physical violence, psychological abuse and death threats.  

Tanzanian bishops stress peace as murdered priest laid to rest

Feb 22, 2013 - 04:08 pm .- The bishops of Tanzania called on the local people to work and pray for peace after the recent murder of Father Evarist Mushi on the island of Zanzibar.

No suspects yet in Tanzanian killing of Catholic priest

Feb 20, 2013 - 12:07 pm .- According to Paolo Taffuri, the coordinator of Radio Maria Africa, officials in Tanzania have not yet found those responsible for the recent death of a local priest.  

Vatican officials arrive in Jordan as refugee crisis continues

Feb 19, 2013 - 09:39 am .- Cardinal Robert Sarah, president of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, is visiting Jordan to take stock of the serious refugee situation created by the Syrian conflict and to assess how Catholic charities are responding.

Syrian bishop hopes new patriarch's experience will save lives

Feb 4, 2013 - 08:50 am .- A Syrian bishop is happy with the election of Archbishop Louis R. Sako as Patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church as he believes his experience at building dialogue in Iraq could save the lives of many Christians.

Church of the Nativity gets large Vatican donation

Jan 31, 2013 - 07:51 am .- The Vatican has promised to donate $135,490 U.S. dollars (100,000 Euros) to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem during a recent visit by Church officials to the Holy Land.

Catholic Relief Services helps refugees in Mali conflict

Jan 25, 2013 - 12:09 am .- Catholic Relief Services is working to assist tens of thousands of refugees in Mali as the clash between government and rebel forces continues.