Syria
The Latest
Franciscan priest abducted in Syria set free by captors
The organization of Franciscan missionaries serving in the Holy Land announced that Father Dhiya Aziz, who had been kidnapped early... Read more
Ukraine crisis the focal point in Pope's discussion with Putin
In the second meeting between Pope Francis and Russian president Vladimir Putin, held on Wednesday at the Vatican, the discussion... Read more
How the Holy See is using diplomacy to aid Christians in the Middle East
In the face of increased persecution of Christians in the Middle East, the Holy See's diplomatic arm is developing a... Read more
Amid war in Syria, Catholic patriarch says Easter offers path of hope
Citing St. Paul’s conversion on the Road to Damascus, an Eastern Catholic patriarch’s Easter message repeated a call for peace... Read more
Turkish border closed as Christian hostages in Syria spike to 250
The number of ISIS hostages in Syria has increased to at least 250 after continued attacks on Christian villages, and... Read more
Patriarch urges prayer after at least 90 Christians kidnapped in Syria
With reports circulating saying that ISIS forces have kidnapped at least 90 Christians from villages in northeast Syria, Patriarch Ignatius... Read more
After pilot's heinous execution, Jordan's Christians pray for religious harmony
Christians in Jordan have responded to the Islamic State's gruesome execution of a captured Jordanian pilot with sorrow, calling for... Read more
Can Christians survive the 'dirty games' of Middle East politics?
Christians have lived in the Middle East since the time of the apostles, but political machinations by world powers and... Read more
In Jordan, Church works to assist refugees, protect youth from extremism
For years the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been a haven for refugees from Iraq. However, a critical limit is... Read more
Pope pleads with Middle East churches to address crisis together
Pope Francis addressed the increasing challenges caused by violence in the Middle East with members of the Syriac Catholic Church,... Read more
Catholics in Australia to observe day of solidarity with Middle East brethren
The Australian bishops have declared that Dec. 7 will be a day of solidarity throughout the country with Christians in... Read more
Young Syrian refugee tells Pope, 'pray for us and pray for peace'
Currently a living as a refugee at a Salesian school in Istanbul, 14-year-old Sarah will give Pope Francis a picture... Read more
Knights donate $2 million for Middle East refugee housing
The Knights of Columbus is putting more than $2 million toward new homes for Iraqi and Syrian refugees fleeing violence,... Read more
Amid Syrian refugee relief, Christians and Muslims find fellowship
A Syrian Muslim refugee aided by the Catholic relief agency Caritas Jordan now volunteers to help other refugees, saying the... Read more
Refugees, displaced take center stage at Middle East consistory
At Monday's consistory on the Middle East, patriarchs gathered to discuss the threats facing local Christians, and focused on the... Read more
A Middle East without Christians - cardinals consider sad prospect
Monday's consistory of cardinals focused on the plight of Christians in the Middle East, especially in light of the rise... Read more
Franciscan priest, Christian villagers abducted by Syrian militants
Militants linked to al-Nusra Front kidnapped a Catholic parish priest and as many as 20 people from a Christian village... Read more
Pope's concern for Christians in Middle East emerges at family synod
In an unexpected move, Pope Francis added to the schedule of the upcoming consistory for the causes of saints a... Read more
Apostolic nuncios to Middle East will discuss aid, response to terrorists
Pope Francis and Vatican officials are due to meet this week with the nuncios to seven Middle Eastern nations to... Read more
Pope: I cried over reports of crucified Christians
In his daily homily on May 2, Pope Francis said that he wept over recent news of Christians allegedly being... Read more
