Middle East - Africa News
Pope Francis lands in South Sudan, fulfilling yearslong dream of visit to war-torn country
The pope has called his Feb. 3-5 visit to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, a “pilgrimage of peace.” Read more
Pope Francis: Congolese Catholics are ‘a lung’ for the universal Church
“Thank you, because you are a lung that helps the universal Church breathe!” Pope Francis said at his final meeting... Read more
Here’s what Pope Francis said about exploitative mining in the Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo exports 70% of the world's cobalt, a once-obscure element now in great demand because it’s... Read more
American tourist desecrates statue of Christ in Catholic church in Jerusalem
The attack occurred at the Church of the Flagellation located on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, the route that Christ... Read more
Pope Francis to priests in Congo: Bring people Jesus, who ‘heals the wounds of every heart’
Speaking in Our Lady of Congo Cathedral in Kinshasa on Feb. 2, the pope encouraged priests and religious to continue... Read more
The pope kissed his feet. Who is the cowboy-hat-wearing president of South Sudan?
At a Vatican retreat in 2019, Pope Francis kissed the feet of President Salva Kiir — and those of his... Read more
Pope Francis to Congolese youth: Prayer is your secret weapon for peace
Pope Francis interacted with an enthusiastic crowd of about 65,000 young people and adults, some of whom traveled days to... Read more
Pope Francis to Congolese charities: ‘It’s not philanthropy, but faith’
The pope praised the work being done to assist those in poverty and emphasized the importance of Christian charity as... Read more
Pope Francis ‘left without words’ after children’s shocking stories of violence in eastern Congo
The moving encounter with the pope provided a potent reminder of the horrors taking place in eastern Congo. Read more
1 million attend joyful Mass with Pope Francis in Democratic Republic of Congo
Catholics danced and sang songs, including a chant of “Maman Maria,” which means “Mama Mary” in French, as they awaited... Read more
‘Hands off Africa!’ Pope Francis says in Democratic Republic of Congo
Pope Francis urged the international community to give the central African country its autonomy while not turning a blind eye... Read more
Where is Mass attendance highest? One country is the clear leader
A compilation of new data by researchers at Georgetown University sheds light on the countries around the world that have... Read more
New Syrian Catholic archbishop tells how he survived captivity by Islamic State
The appointment of Father Jacques Mourad, a Syrian priest, as archbishop was confirmed by Pope Francis on Jan. 7. Read more
Priest describes ‘horrifying’ new attack on Catholics in Nigeria that leaves at least 11 dead
Alleged Fulani herdsmen on Jan. 19 attacked a village near Makurdi, the capital of Nigeria’s Benue State. Read more
Rwandan priest forgives his family’s killer: ‘We shared a drink and we were shedding tears’
Father Uwineza said he was “invaded by something higher than him. It’s something we can’t forgive on our own. ...... Read more
First-ever blind Catholic priest in Kenya is ordained
Archbishop Anthony Muheria of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri reflected on the Jan. 14 ordination to the priesthood of Father... Read more
Islamic State bombs church service in Congo
At least 10 people were killed and more than three dozen injured in the terrorist attack on a church in... Read more
Catholic priest burned to death in Nigeria
Another priest was shot in the Jan. 15 bandit attack but survived. Read more
Dozens still in captivity after Christmas Day attack in Nigeria, Catholic priest says
On Christmas Day 2022, militant Fulani herdsmen and other terrorists attacked Angwan Aku village, reportedly killing one person and abducting... Read more
Visit the Burkina Faso street named in honor of Pope Benedict XVI
The thoroughfare in Ouagadougou is known as Pope Benedict XVI Street. Read more
