Middle East - Africa News
One year after papal visit, South Sudan still plagued by violence
More than a year after Pope Francis visited South Sudan, the country is still plagued with high levels of violent... Read more
Nearly 3 dozen Christians have died in Gaza Strip amid Israel-Hamas war, aid group says
Nearly three dozen Christians have lost their lives in the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war last... Read more
Attacks against Christians in Jerusalem ‘reprehensible,’ Jewish historian says
“Especially in Jerusalem, orthodox activists consider themselves exemplary Jews when they spit on or even beat Christians or Muslims,” Michael... Read more
Another Byzantine-era church in Turkey to revert to mosque
After serving as a museum for more than 79 years, the Turkish government is proceeding with plans to make the... Read more
Two missionary priests who were kidnapped in Nigeria released
Father Kenneth Kanwa and Father Jude Nwachukwu were taken from the rectory at St. Vincent de Paul Fier Parish in... Read more
Nigeria fast becoming a hostile killing field, Catholic bishops in Ibadan province say
Following a recent two-day meeting, Catholic Church leaders said in a statement that “all is not well and positive change... Read more
Survivor of human trafficking St. Josephine Bakhita discovered God’s infinite love
On the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, we honor the Sudanese-Italian saint Josephine Bakhita. Read more
Attack on priest in Jerusalem brings intolerance of Christians back into focus
Harassment of Christians in the Holy Land is not new. “Education is key,” says an expert on Jewish-Christian relations. Read more
In Holy Land visit, Catholic Relief Services head sees ‘hope and resiliency’ amid chaos
Sean Callahan said he was able to witness the countless displaced individuals and families that have struggled in Gaza since... Read more
Two priests kidnapped from parish rectory in Nigeria
A religious missionary order in Nigeria is appealing for the safe release of two of its members who were abducted... Read more
Living the religious life in the Holy Land: Two Americans share their stories
On World Day for Consecrated Life, Father Peter Vasko and Sister Naomi Zimmermann — both Franciscans — are grateful for... Read more
Victim of Istanbul attack was a Muslim who often went to Catholic Mass
The sole victim of Sunday’s attack on a Catholic church in Istanbul was a Muslim man who regularly attended Mass,... Read more
How difficult is it to be a Christian in Turkey? What you need to know
Terrorists stormed a Catholic church during Mass on Sunday in Istanbul, Turkey, killing one person by shooting him in the... Read more
Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on Catholic church in Istanbul
Two suspects described as members of the Islamic State group have been arrested following the shooting at Santa Maria Church... Read more
Abbey in the Holy Land brings Christian students from different denominations together
For 50 years, the Benedictine Dormition Abbey, which stands on Mount Zion, has hosted German-speaking students for an ecumenical theology... Read more
Nigerian Christians are being martyred — here’s how it’s affecting seminary formation
There is an emerging spirituality in Nigerian seminaries and monasteries that many may find difficult to grasp: the spirituality of... Read more
Pakistan ends mandatory Islamic studies for non-Muslim students
Pakistan is ending its mandatory study of Islam for non-Muslim children in first through 12th grade and implementing a new... Read more
‘Ecumenical catechism’ for public schools in Holy Land a sign of Christian unity
As the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity began, Father Rafiq Khoury shared the story of the Christian textbook being... Read more
Cardinal explains how African rejection of Fiducia Supplicans was handled
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo recently recounted how the rejection of the blessing of homosexual couples was handled in Africa and at... Read more
Ecumenical musical event in Beirut kicks off Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
In the heart of Lebanon’s capital, Christian leaders gathered with a 400-person ecumenical choir to lift their voices in prayer. Read more
