Refugees

The Latest

Pope Francis embraces a pilgrim during the General Audience at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, Jan. 13, 2016.

Pope Francis sends vestments, financial aid to Iraqi Christians

Mar 31, 2016

By Elise Harris

As a sign of affection and closeness, Pope Francis has decided to send vestments used in the liturgy and a... Read more

Syrian Refugees.

Five years into the Syrian Civil War, a look at those who've fled

Mar 15, 2016

March 15 marks five years since civil war broke out in Syria. The conflict has had devastating consequences for the... Read more

Migrants in Greece. The arrival in Europe of more than 1 million migrants and refugees in 2015 sparked a wave of nationalism.

Europe's 'new nationalism' is problematic, Austrian cardinal warns

Jan 19, 2016

By Elise Harris

The Archbishop of Vienna has warned that as Europe’s migrant crisis reaches a fever pitch, the continent risks falling into... Read more

Child labor, sexual abuse, death - the plight of Syrian refugees in Lebanon

Jan 14, 2016

By Matt Hadro

The life of a refugee is rarely easy. But it is particularly difficult for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, most of... Read more

Migrants in Europe.

Compassion vs. security: What to do with Syrian refugees?

Dec 21, 2015

By Matt Hadro

As the U.S. plans to increase its intake of Syrian refugees to 10,000 next year, Americans – including Catholics –... Read more

Pope Francis.

Pope praises Ugandans for helping refugees rebuild their lives

Nov 27, 2015

Pope Francis praised the Ugandan people for showing “outstanding concern” for refugees in a time when our world is witnessing... Read more

Migrants in Europe.

Compassion vs. security: What to do with Syrian refugees?

Nov 24, 2015

By Matt Hadro

As the U.S. plans to increase its intake of Syrian refugees to 10,000 next year, Americans – including Catholics –... Read more

Syrian refugees on the Slovenian Austrian border.

Canada can do better, bishops say in wake of refugee crisis

Nov 13, 2015

Allow yourself to be troubled by the plight of migrants and refugees around the world – this was the message... Read more

Refugee children at a Refugee Camp in Iraq.

Knights of Columbus sending one month of food to Erbil refugees

Sep 8, 2015

This month, the Knights of Columbus will provide food to some 13,500 families in Erbil who have been displaced by... Read more

Pope Francis visits the Brazilian community of Varginha July 25, 2013.

Pope: all European churches to welcome refugees during Year of Mercy

Sep 6, 2015

By Ann Schneible

Pope Francis Sunday issued a strong appeal to the entire European Church – including the Vatican – to take in... Read more

A young child at the Sharia Refugee Camp in Dohuk Iraq.

To welcome refugees is a witness of the resurrection, Pope says

Aug 6, 2015

By Elise Harris

On the first anniversary of the arrival of Iraqi refugees in Jordan, Pope Francis sent a letter thanking the country... Read more

Sister Diana Momeka, OP appeared before the House of Foreign Affairs Committee in Washington D.C. on May 13, 2015.

Iraqi Christians have lost everything – except their faith, nun tells Congress

May 13, 2015

By Matt Hadro

Having lost their homes, their heritage and their sense of dignity, Iraqi Christians victimized by the Islamic State feel abandoned... Read more

Refugee children at the Sharia Al Haman Hope Refugee Camp in Duhok, Iraq 2 on March 28, 2015.

Facing uncertain future, Iraqi refugees sacrifice for education

May 5, 2015

Less than a mile away from the local coffee shops, fancy restaurants, and the U.S. Consulate in Erbil, the capital... Read more

Refugee children at a refugee camp in Duhok, Iraq on March 28, 2015.

Fighting ISIS with a school – Iraqi bishop says education is needed for change

Apr 21, 2015

Bishop Bashar Matti Warda is the bishop of Erbil, Iraq, one of the dioceses most attacked by ISIS, and where... Read more

Ankawa in Erbil Province.

Ankawa bomb attack strikes unease in refugees with nowhere else to go

Apr 18, 2015

By Elise Harris

A car bomb explosion in front of the American consulate in what is considered the safest city in Iraq has... Read more

Shelan Jibrael (far right) stands with a group of refugees in Erbil, Iraq.

One Christian woman's quest to care for the forgotten Yazidis in Iraq

Apr 6, 2015

Shelan Jibrael’s office is located in the Iraqi city of Erbil, where tens of thousands of Iraqi Christians displaced by... Read more

A young Syrian child raises her arms in a gesture of surrender.

The 'surrender' of a Syrian girl gives face to the plight of refugee children

Apr 4, 2015

By Elise Harris

A photo that went viral last week depicting a young Syrian child “surrendering” in front of a camera she thought... Read more

 A young child at the Sharia Refugee Camp in Dohuk, Iraq.

Pope's delegation offers comfort, communion to Iraqi refugees

Mar 28, 2015

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Hoping to awaken the world conscience on Iraq, a Pontifical delegation traveled to Erbil and Dohuk to foster local communion... Read more

Reem Alhaswani at a Caritas Internationalis / Voices of Faith press conference.

Economic progress for Syria's women proves a silver lining amid war

Mar 11, 2015

By Ann Schneible

The destruction of Syria’s ongoing war has unearthed an unexpected jewel in the refugee camps of Lebanon: the chance for... Read more

Thousands of Syrians streamed across a bridge over the Tigris River, entering Iraq on Thursday, August 15, 2013.

Turkish border closed as Christian hostages in Syria spike to 250

Feb 26, 2015

By Elise Harris

The number of ISIS hostages in Syria has increased to at least 250 after continued attacks on Christian villages, and... Read more