Christians in the Middle East
The Latest
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
Custos of Holy Land discusses the vocation of Christians in the region today
Speaking on Advent, Christmas, hope, and faith, Father Francesco Patton reflected on the meaning of the season for Christians who... Read more
‘These are very hard times’: Pastor of Gaza Catholic church gives update on Christians’ plight
“The pope called us daily, to check on us,” said Father Gabriel Romanelli in a recent interview where he discussed... Read more
Analysis: South Lebanon is a ‘volcano in motion,’ and Christian villages do not sleep
For more than two weeks, the Lebanese Christian villages along the border with the Holy Land have experienced a state... Read more
Catholic couple in Israel baptizes baby in haste: ‘The only hope is in the Church’
An Arab-Israeli doctor and his Italian wife chose to baptize their baby sooner than planned and are leaning on their... Read more
Archbishop of Canterbury arrives in Holy Land, joins church leaders in prayer for peace
Following an explosion at Al Ahli Anglican Hospital and an airstrike that hit St. Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church today, Christian... Read more
Iraqi archbishop calls for courageous dialogue among religions, end to violent persecution
Addressing the Group of Twenty’s first-ever forum on religion on Nov. 2, Archbishop Bashar Warda drove home the need for... Read more
Armenian patriarch to represent Catholics at Middle East Council of Churches
Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian has led the Armenian Catholic Church since September 2021. Read more
EWTN launches Arabic-language news agency based in Iraq
EWTN Global Catholic Network has launched an Arabic-language news service headquartered in Erbil, Iraq. Read more
Iran is squeezing Christians and other minorities out of the Middle East, researcher says
A researcher with the Philos Project told journalists today that Iran is using incremental strategies to squeeze non-Muslims out of... Read more
Holy Land Christians need more protection, Christian leaders in Jerusalem warn
Christian leaders in Jerusalem are seeking an “urgent dialogue” with local authorities to discuss further protections for Christians in the... Read more
Pope Francis meets Afghan Christian whose parents were killed by the Taliban
“It was beautiful,” one Afghan refugee told CNA after meeting the pope. Read more
Nonprofit seeks to provide computers to Iraqi Christian schools
While Christian schools in Iraq continue to suffer, a non-profit that promotes positive engagement in the Middle East is aiming... Read more
Bishops propose Arab World Youth Day for Middle East Catholics
Bishops from the Middle East have proposed a regional youth gathering similar to World Youth Day for young Catholics from... Read more
Middle East patriarchs discuss plight of Christian minorities with Pope Francis
Six Catholic patriarchs from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Iraq met with Pope Francis at the Vatican Friday to discuss the... Read more
Four aid workers missing in Iraq
Four men working in Iraq for the French humanitarian organization SOS Chrétiens d'Orient went missing last week in Baghdad. Read more
Pope Francis and Iraqi president discuss securing a future for Christians
Pope Francis met Saturday with Iraqi President Barham Salih, and discussed the need to secure the future of Iraq’s deep-rooted... Read more
Syrian Christians face new threat from Turkey, human rights group warns
Endangered Christian populations in the Middle East face renewed risks as the United States removes troops from Syria, a leading... Read more
Pompeo meets pope to discuss religious freedom, Middle East Christians
Pope Francis met with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to discuss the preservation of Christian communities in the Middle East... Read more
Iraqi church formerly defaced by ISIS rededicated on Assumption feast
An Iraqi church damaged and defaced by the Islamic State in 2014 was rededicated Thursday for the parish’s celebration of... Read more
