Pope cancels delegation to Syria, focuses on aid work

Nov 7, 2012 - 12:57 pm .- A delegation of bishops from the recent synod on the New Evangelization will not go to Syria as violence continues to ravage the country, Pope Benedict XVI announced Nov. 7.

Caritas increases aid as refugees flood out of Syria

Sep 9, 2012 - 04:40 pm .- Caritas Internationalis is ramping up its efforts to help the growing number of Syrian families who have fled the conflict in their homeland.

Exiled Jesuit priest still hopeful for Syria's future

Sep 6, 2012 - 01:12 pm .- The Italian Jesuit who was exiled from Syria after criticizing President Bashar al-Assad says he is still hopeful for the country’s future despite its descent into war.

Thousands of Christians trapped in Syrian village

Aug 25, 2012 - 04:38 pm .- Syrian rebel forces have trapped over 12,000 Greek Catholics in a village near the Lebanese border, causing shortages of food, medicine and other urgent supplies.

Pope to proceed with Lebanon trip despite Syria violence

Aug 23, 2012 - 02:17 am .- As fighting in neighboring Syria rages on, Pope Benedict XVI has confirmed that he will proceed with his trip to Lebanon as planned.

Maronite patriarch warns Syrian conflict could spread to Lebanon

Aug 19, 2012 - 05:04 pm .- Patriarch Bechara Boutros Rai of Antioch, the head of the Maronite Catholic Church, has warned that the armed conflict in Syria is affecting neighboring Lebanon and could trigger a major conflict in the country.

Islamists attack Christians, Iraqi refugees in Damascus

Jul 23, 2012 - 04:50 pm .- The Syrian rebels’ attack on Damascus has allowed radical Islamist groups to attack Iraqi refugees, Christians allegedly loyal to the Syrian government and other civilians.

Franciscans in Syria call for dialogue not weapons

Jul 14, 2012 - 05:28 pm .- The Franciscans in Syria are calling upon foreign powers to stop sending arms to the country after reports that over 200 civilians have been massacred in the village of Tremseh, potentially the bloodiest single incident of the Syrian conflict so far.

Interim leader of Egyptian Catholic Copts is hopeful after election

Jul 13, 2012 - 02:16 am .- Coptic Catholic Bishop Kyrillos William has said he is optimistic about the future of Egypt following the country’s presidential election.

Christians are loyal to Egypt, Melkite patriarch tells president

Jul 3, 2012 - 12:02 am .- Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch Gregorios III emphasized Egyptian Christians' national loyalty, as well as their need for guaranteed human rights, in a letter to Egypt's new president Mohammed Morsi.

Catholic leaders react to Egyptian presidential election

Jun 26, 2012 - 12:34 am .- The victory speech of newly elected Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi has encouraged Coptic Catholic Bishop Joannes Zakaria of Luxor, who expressed optimism about the future despite others’ concerns.

Egyptian bishop hopes next president will protect Christians

May 30, 2012 - 12:20 am .- The Egyptian elections are causing serious doubts among the country's Christians about whether the next president will protect their rights, with the Muslim Brotherhood's commitment being especially unclear, a senior Catholic bishop in Egypt has said.

Catholic Middle East expert believes Arab Spring is 'no more'

May 8, 2012 - 05:33 pm .- One of the Catholic Church’s leading experts on the Middle East says the Arab Spring is “no more.”