Syrian Civil War

The Latest

March 15, 2015: A day of fasting, prayer for war-torn Syria

Mar 12, 2015

As the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the Syrian civil war approaches, the head of the Melkite Greek Catholic... Read more

A young Syrian refugee at school in Ramtha, Jordan.

An exodus with little hope – report finds crisis of unaccompanied minors fleeing Syria

Mar 10, 2015

By Matt Hadro

The countries neighboring Syria are swamped with millions of refugees from its civil war which creates special risks for young... Read more

Refugees waiting for distribution of food aid by a local Church in Syria.

Meet the Christians in Syria who want to stay, despite the war

Feb 17, 2015

By Oliver Maksan

“Fortunately, the battles are over for now. There was fierce fighting in Al Nabek all through Advent. No one was... 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

Ruins in Homs, Syria, as seen in April, 2014.

Jesuit laments car bomb attack in Syria, scorns media silence

Jan 28, 2015

By Oliver Maksan

“Most of them were students at the university, young people who had not left the city. So what sort of... Read more

Syrian refugee and Caritas Jordan volunteer Amer Fahd Al Naser, his wife Noor, and their sons, at their apartment in Jordan, October 2014.

Catholic refugee relief opens hearts in Syria

Dec 26, 2014

By Kevin J. Jones

Catholic participation in refugee and humanitarian relief in the Syrian civil war is strengthening a foundation for future peace despite... Read more

The hands of a Syrian woman now living as a refugee in Jordan, Oct. 27, 2014.

Syrian refugees pursue education for their children, in hope for the future

Nov 30, 2014

By Kevin J. Jones

Refugees of the Syrian civil war say their new life has many burdens, but they hope that education for their... Read more

Syrian refugee Sarah, 14, displays a painting she made for Pope Francis.

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

Aleppo in a time of peace -- a view from the Citadel, Oct. 1, 2009.

#savealeppo – International movement urges a ceasefire in the Syrian city

Nov 19, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

As the battle over Syria's largest city has raged for more than two years, the Community of Sant'Egidio on Tuesday... Read more

A young Syrian refugee at school in Ramtha, Jordan.

As winter looms, Syrian refugees now fear 'dire' shortfalls in aid

Nov 16, 2014

By Kevin J. Jones

Refugees who have fled violence in Syria and Iraq may face further significant problems in meeting their basic needs if... Read more

Sister Maria of Nazareth, who moved to Aleppo, Syria, two months ago to minister to local Christians.

Despite persecution, Year of Consecrated Life celebrated in Syria

Nov 5, 2014

Despite persecution and threats faced by the Catholic faithful in Syria, religious communities in the war-torn country have continued their... Read more

Syrian Christians, building cemeteries instead of schools

Oct 27, 2014

As the civil war in Syria continues its fourth year, Christians who remain in the country’s capital are finding it... 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

Sister Maria of Nazareth, who moved to Aleppo, Syria, two months ago to minister to local Christians.

'Our Church is in danger': Catholics in Aleppo, Homs

Oct 9, 2014

By Oliver Maksan

Sister Maria of Nazareth has committed herself to an extraordinary mission. The Argentine nun from the Institute of the Incarnate... Read more

Fr. Hanna Jallouf, O.F.M., who was released Oct. 9 a few days after having been abucted in Qunaya, Syria. Photo courtesy of Custodia Terrae Sanctae.

Kidnapped Franciscan priest in Syria released by militants

Oct 9, 2014

The Custody of the Holy Land announced Thursday that the Franciscan priest who was abducted in Syria by rebels over... Read more

Fr. Hanna Jallouf, O.F.M., who was abducted Oct. 5 along with some 20 villagers from Qunaya, Syria. Photo courtesy of Custodia Terrae Sanctae.

Franciscan priest, Christian villagers abducted by Syrian militants

Oct 7, 2014

Militants linked to al-Nusra Front kidnapped a Catholic parish priest and as many as 20 people from a Christian village... Read more

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

Pope Francis urges United Nations to intervene in Iraq

Aug 13, 2014

Pope Francis called the United Nations to act to end the humanitarian tragedy now underway in Iraq in a letter... Read more

Archbishop Jean Sleiman of Baghdad.

Christians, Shias face uncertain future in face of Iraqi violence

Jun 17, 2014

By Adelaide Mena

In the midst of advances by Sunni insurgents, Iraq’s remaining Christian community  and the country’s majority- Shia population face threats... Read more

Sister Maria Nazareth.

Argentine nun heads to Syria after Pope's call to peripheries

Apr 30, 2014

A religious sister from Argentina, who has been serving for four years in the Gaza Strip, is preparing to go... Read more

Syrian refugees in Lebanon's Bekaa valley stand in line to receive aid.

UN registers Lebanon's millionth Syrian refugee

Apr 4, 2014

The number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon registered with the United Nations has now passed 1 million, as the organization’s... Read more