Catholic Church in Iraq

The Latest

Refugees who have fled from ISIS and arrived in Ankawa, in the northern part of Erbil, Iraq.

Enough talk about talking – Iraqi priest calls for action on ISIS

Feb 12, 2015

By Elise Harris

An Iraqi priest currently living in Rome said that those living the nightmare of ISIS are tired of hearing talk... Read more

An Iraqi Christian refugee at a church shelter in Jordan, Oct. 28, 2014.

Can Christians survive the 'dirty games' of Middle East politics?

Jan 30, 2015

By Kevin J. Jones

Christians have lived in the Middle East since the time of the apostles, but political machinations by world powers and... Read more

Christian refugees in Mar Elia parish centre in the Christian neighbourhood of Ankawa in Erbil, Iraq.

Among Christian refugees in Kurdistan, 'no one is angry at God'

Jan 11, 2015

By Oliver Maksan

“Thank you, thank you, thank you:” Suheila, an elderly Christian woman from Mosul was effusive in expressing her gratitude to... Read more

Christian refugees from Iraq and Syria in Jordan.

In Jordan, Church works to assist refugees, protect youth from extremism

Jan 8, 2015

For years the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been a haven for refugees from Iraq. However, a critical limit is... Read more

Maan George Hanna, an Iraqi Christian refugee at a church shelter in Jordan.

Iraqi Christians say there's no going home after rise of Islamic State

Jan 7, 2015

By Kevin J. Jones

Christians lived in Iraq for nearly two thousand years, but the violent rise of the Islamic State has convinced many... Read more

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