Middle East - Africa News

Political violence continues in Zimbabwe as election nears

May 21, 2008

Grave human rights abuses triggered by a disputed presidential election continue to afflict Zimbabwe.  Politically-motivated violence has affected thousands of... Read more

Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho

Catholic bishop rejects execution of Iraqi archbishop’s murderer

May 20, 2008

Auxiliary Bishop Shlemo Warduni of Baghdad has rejected the death sentence the Iraqi government has handed down against Al Qaeda... Read more

Ahmed Ali Ahmed

Iraqi government sentences al Qaeda leader to death for Archbishop Rahho’s murder

May 19, 2008

The Iraqi government said on Sunday that a leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq has been sentenced to death for the... Read more

An archive photo of Cardinal Gantin with Cardinal Basil Hume

Cardinal Bernardin Gantin passes away at 86

May 14, 2008

Cardinal Bernardin Gantin, a native a Benin and one of the most beloved collaborators of Pope John Paul II, died... Read more

CNA

Church leaders in Kenya seek to pacify violent tribal sect

May 10, 2008

Church leaders in central Kenya have asked the government to enter talks with a banned ultra-traditionalist tribal sect that has... Read more

Ali Al-Faqir

Former Jordanian minister insists Islam will conquer Rome

May 10, 2008

A former Jordanian minister has seized upon commentary about the decline of Western power, saying on Arabic-language television that Islam... Read more

Israeli Bible contest criticized for Messianic Jewish student contestant

May 7, 2008

A Messianic Jewish student’s bid to win Israel’s annual youth Bible quiz has triggered a controversy because of her belief... Read more

CNA

Zimbabwe could be 'too traumatized' for runoff election, Catholic group warns

May 6, 2008

A Catholic peace and justice commission in Zimbabwe has said that it will be impossible to hold a meaningful run-off... Read more

Robert Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai

Zimbabwe presidential election to continue in runoff

May 2, 2008

After long delays, the electoral body of Zimbabwe said on Friday that opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai won more votes than... Read more

CNA

Cardinal Dias to commemorate the new Christian Millennium in Ethiopia

Apr 28, 2008

On Saturday it was announced that Pope Benedict appointed Cardinal Ivan Dias, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of... Read more

CNA

Apostolic Nuncio in Burundi suffers attack

Apr 28, 2008

The Fides news agency reported last week on a new attack against the Apostolic Nunciature in Burundi that took place... Read more

Bishop Shlemon Warduni

Work must be done to keep Christians from leaving Iraq, says bishop

Apr 24, 2008

Speaking to the SIR news agency, Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni of Baghdad said this week, “I am pleased to hear... Read more

Zimbabweans protesting in London

Zimbabwe tensions could end in genocide, Christian leaders warn

Apr 22, 2008

A coalition of Catholic and Protestant church leaders has appealed to the world to end the state-sponsored terror and humanitarian... Read more

CNA

Bishop of troubled Kenyan diocese named archbishop

Apr 22, 2008

The bishop of the conflict-ridden Diocese of Nakuru in Kenya was informed of his promotion to Archbishop of Nyeri in... Read more

CNA

Holy Land is safe to visit, says Cardinal Ruini

Apr 21, 2008

Speaking from the Holy Land where he is on pilgrimage, the papal vicar for the Diocese of Rome, Cardinal Camilo... Read more

CNA

South African cardinal seeks halt to weapons shipments to Zimbabwe

Apr 19, 2008

The Catholic Church in Southern Africa on Friday urged South Africa President Thabo Mbeki to halt shipment of military equipment... Read more

Yunis Al-Astal

Muslim cleric proclaims Rome will soon be conquered by Islam

Apr 14, 2008

A high profile Muslim cleric and Hamas member of the Palestinian parliament gave a sermon last Friday in which he... Read more

Robert Mugabe/ Morgan Tsvangirai

Archbishop calls for international mediation to end Zimbabawe election crisis

Apr 12, 2008

The Catholic Church in Southern Africa has called for international mediation to end a political stalemate in Zimbabwe, accusing President... Read more

CNA

Benedict XVI prays for murdered Syrian Orthodox priest

Apr 7, 2008

Saturday saw more violence against Christians in Iraq, as an Assyrian Orthodox priest was gunned down outside of his house.... Read more

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)

Abstinence and fidelity programs effective in preventing spread of AIDS, congressman says

Apr 2, 2008

Representative Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican, reported “compelling” evidence of the success of HIV/AIDS prevention programs that emphasize abstinence... Read more