In an interview with Vatican News in Amman, Mgr Giovanni Pietro Dal Toso, Apostolic Nuncio to Jordan, reflects on the rich history of Jordanian Christians, which continues to enrich the Christian community in the Middle East. Deborah Castellano Lubov “The Middle East would not be the Middle East without Christians. We must remember the great…
Vatican news Commenting on the latest developments in Syria, the Apostolic Nuncio affirms that, despite certain apprehensions, the recent change of regime constitutes a “break of hope” for the country and urges Syrian Christians and the international community to contribute to its reconstruction. By Antonella Palermo and Lisa Zengarini As Syria begins the new year…
Vatican news The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, enters the Gaza Strip and presides at mass with the father’s parish community. Gabriel Romanelli. The Patriarch: “We are proud of you because you have remained what you are: Christians with Jesus.” On Tuesday, he will travel to Bethlehem for the celebration of Christmas mass…
Vatican news Michel Constantin, regional director of CNEWA-Pontifical Mission for Lebanon, Syria and Egypt, is in contact with his partners in Syria regarding the situation on the ground and takes stock of the situation of the Christian community. By Laura Ieraci, CNEWA Humanitarian aid and pastoral support continue to reach Christian communities in Syria, despite…
The apostolic nuncio to Syria, Cardinal Mario Zenari, shares “the fear, anxiety and uncertainty” of the Christian community of Aleppo, recently captured by jihadist rebels. By Salvatore Cernuzio “Hope is dead” in Syria, and people only want to “flee”, after 14 years of conflict, extreme poverty, international sanctions, earthquake and a new wave of violence,…
Vatican news In response to the Pope’s appeal, Catholics around the world are celebrating a day of prayer, fasting and almsgiving for peace in the Middle East. By Joseph Tulloch Today, Monday 7th October marks exactly one year since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas. Catholics around the world marked the anniversary…
Vatican news The national meeting of the Ecumenical Fellowship of Bishops, convened by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), was attended by around 40 eminent leaders from various Christian denominations at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences in Bengaluru. By LiCAS News The national meeting of the Ecumenical Fellowship of Bishops, which aims…
Vatican news In the Erbil suburb of Ankawa, Catholic, Orthodox and Assyrian Christians are jointly preparing for celebrations of the Feast of the Cross on September 14, as communities rebuild their lives together after the violence in Iraq. By Federico Piana A historic moment in Erbil, northern Iraq. In Ankawa, a suburb of the capital…
Vatican news The Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad issues a message on the 10th anniversary of the Islamic State’s takeover of Iraq, calling on Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders to unite their voices against the extremism and hatred fueling the ongoing wars in the Middle East. By Lisa Zengarini As Iraq marks the 10th anniversary of…
Vatican news The Jerusalem-based Rossing Interfaith Center releases its annual report on “Attacks Against Christians in Israel and East Jerusalem,” revealing a worrying increase in attacks and instances of intolerance against churches and their members by Jewish extremists. By Lisa Zengarini Christians in the Holy Land are facing increasing attacks and acts of intolerance from…