Catholic Church in Iraq

The Latest

The delegation of Australian bishops visiting refugees in Iraq, Lebanon later this month.

Catholics in Australia to observe day of solidarity with Middle East brethren

Dec 3, 2014

The Australian bishops have declared that Dec. 7 will be a day of solidarity throughout the country with Christians in... Read more

Refugee child in Ankaway, Erbil at the opening of his tent_Catholic News Agency.

Knights donate $2 million for Middle East refugee housing

Nov 20, 2014

By Matt Hadro

The Knights of Columbus is putting more than $2 million toward new homes for Iraqi and Syrian refugees fleeing violence,... Read more

A refugee mother with her child, who is having stomach problems and other issues because of the heat.

Displaced Christians in Kurdistan – 'Their tears have run dry'

Oct 30, 2014

Christians who were forced from their homes in northern Iraq by the Islamic State this summer are a people whose... Read more

A family at the Khazair checkpoint after fleeing from Mosul, Iraq on June 11, 2014.

'Don’t abandon us' – Church in Mosul 'no longer exists'

Oct 23, 2014

By Carl Bunderson

Reflecting on his recent trip to the Holy Land and to Iraqi Kurdistan, Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City said... Read more

A young boy refugee in Erbil, Iraq.

Crowdfunding campaign aims to raise $1 million for Iraqi Christians

Oct 22, 2014

A Catholic lay organization has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise awareness and money to help persecuted Christians and other... Read more

Syrian refugees who have settled in Qaa, a village in Lebanon's Bekaa province.

Refugees, displaced take center stage at Middle East consistory

Oct 22, 2014

By Elise Harris

At Monday's consistory on the Middle East, patriarchs gathered to discuss the threats facing local Christians, and focused on the... Read more

Cardinals pray together at a Feb. 22, 2014 consistory.

A Middle East without Christians - cardinals consider sad prospect

Oct 20, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Monday's consistory of cardinals focused on the plight of Christians in the Middle East, especially in light of the rise... Read more

 A family of Christian refugees in Iraq who are taking shelter at the Syriac Catholic Mrtshmony Shrine in Erbil.

Hard winter looms for Iraq's 'betrayed' Christian refugees

Oct 18, 2014

Despite efforts by northern Iraq’s Catholic bishops to ensure that Christians and other refugees can survive the winter, housing shortages... Read more

 Fr. Ghazwan Yousif Baho speaks with CNA in Rome on Oct. 4, 2014.

Six miles from ISIS: A shockingly brave priest returns to Iraq

Oct 9, 2014

By Elise Harris

Father Ghazwan Yousif Baho had the option to stay in Italy when he recently accompanied an elderly Iraqi couple to... Read more

Children in the Church of St. Josef in Ankawa, Erbil in Iraq.

Iraq has done 'absolutely nothing' for displaced Christians

Oct 8, 2014

An Iraqi bishop whose community is hosting more than 70,000 Christians who fled violence in Mosul and its surroundings has... Read more

Christians displaced by the Islamic State who have sought refuge in Ankawa, Erbil, Iraq.

Pope's concern for Christians in Middle East emerges at family synod

Oct 7, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

In an unexpected move, Pope Francis added to the schedule of the upcoming consistory for the causes of saints a... Read more

These children who have taken refuge from the Islamic State at St. Josef parish in Erbil, are among the 1.2 million internally displaced Iraqis.

Apostolic nuncios to Middle East will discuss aid, response to terrorists

Oct 1, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Pope Francis and Vatican officials are due to meet this week with the nuncios to seven Middle Eastern nations to... Read more

Screenshot courtesy of Catholic Link.

'You are not alone': Social media campaign supports persecuted Christians

Sep 23, 2014

Thousands of believers have come together to offer support for persecuted Christians in the Middle East, inspired by the words... Read more

A young refugee rests after having fled from ISIS and arrived in Ankawa in the northern part of Erbil, Iraq.

Iraqis will be seen like early Christian martyrs, priest predicts

Sep 12, 2014

An Argentinian priest caring for the Catholic community in Baghdad says the faith of persecuted Iraqi Christians is moving and... Read more

Sen. Cruz's tense Middle East remarks prompt calls for Christian unity

Sep 11, 2014

Amid controversial remarks by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), Christian leaders at a historic ecumenical conference voiced the need for unity... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

Analyst: Vatican regards Islamic State as waging a 'war of religion'

Sep 4, 2014

According to prominent Vatican analyst Sandro Magister, the Holy See views the aggression of the Islamic State as a religious... Read more

The Interfaith Women's group in Lahore held a candlelight prayer service for victims of violence in Iraq and Gaza.

Interfaith women's group begs UN to act in Middle East

Sep 1, 2014

An inter-religious women’s group in Pakistan has appealed to the United Nations to offer support and protection for those suffering... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wed. general audience on April 16, 2014.

Pope Francis to Iraqi priest: I'll never leave or forget you

Sep 1, 2014

By Elise Harris

After sending a letter to Pope Francis on the plight Iraqi refugees fleeing ISIS violence, Fr. Behnam Benoka received a... Read more

Christian refugees take refuge in Erbil, Iraq on August 9, 2014.

Iraqi refugees working to help each other survive

Aug 29, 2014

By Hillary Mast

Christians and other religious minorities who have fled areas in Iraq that have fallen under Islamic State control are now... Read more

The United Nations flag flies outside UN Headquarters, September 20, 2011.

UN intervention against ISIS would fit Pope's call, scholar suggests

Aug 28, 2014

By Matt Hadro

The Pope’s support of international action against attacks by the Islamic State should be met with United Nations intervention, one... Read more