Middle East - Africa News
Families of Israeli captives in Gaza Strip appeal to Pope Francis
When Pope Francis once again launched the appeal for peace in the Holy Land, he probably had in his eyes... Read more
Excavation site of Pool of Siloam where Jesus cured a blind man to open to public
According to the Old Testament, the Pool of Siloam was built during the reign of King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:20). Read more
Catholic bishops in Africa recall ‘great self-sacrifice’ of Pope Benedict XVI
Writing on behalf of Catholic bishops in Africa, Congolese Cardinal Ambongo said Benedict XVI invited Africa to “trust in itself... Read more
Catholic bishop, priest released after two months in Eritrea prison
Security agents had arrested Bishop Tsalim and two priests Oct. 15 at Asmara International Airport upon the bishop’s arrival from... Read more
Christians in Pakistan celebrate Christmas amid heightened security
For the last few weeks, law enforcement agencies put into place comprehensive security arrangements for church services held on Christmas. Read more
This Catholic family in Bethlehem has carved Nativity scenes for popes and presidents
The Zakharia Brothers woodworking factory makes handcarved Nativity scenes out of olive wood. Read more
This Santa rides a camel around Jerusalem every year. Here’s why
Every year on the feast of St. Nicholas, Issa Anis Kassisieh dons a red suit, black boots, and a thick... Read more
Nigeria bishop: Pre-Christmas massacre part of ‘a deliberate plan to unleash evil’ against Christians
Witnesses say armed Fulani herdsmen attacked several Christian villages on Dec. 18, leaving as many as 46 people dead and... Read more
Nigerian musician files lawsuit with Supreme Court challenging blasphemy conviction
ADF International says the appeal has the potential to overturn Northern Nigeria’s blasphemy laws. Read more
Hungary stands out for its aid to beleaguered Christians in Iraq. Here’s why
Hungarian President Katalin Novák visited Iraq last week, stopping at a majority-Christian town that has been rebuilt in recent years... Read more
Bishop: ‘Nigeria is waiting’ for justice in Pentecost Sunday church massacre
Six months have passed since 39 Catholic worshipers were slain and dozens injured in a June 5 attack on a... Read more
Reuters exposes massive rape and forced abortion campaigns in Nigeria
A Reuters investigative report found that a massive forced abortion program has been carried out by the Nigerian military on... Read more
Despite incessant attacks, Nigerian Catholics keep their faith
Attacks by groups of Islamist militia variously called “herdsmen,” “bandits,” or “unknown gunmen” increasingly victimize farming towns in Nigeria. Read more
Iraqi government must support Christians, Chaldean Catholic patriarch says
Chaldean Catholic Patriarch Cardinal Louis Sako warned that if the government doesn’t change its policies it could spell the end... Read more
What it is like to be a Catholic priest in Qatar
When Father Charbel Mhanna needs to acquire altar wine for Mass, he must use a special card issued by the... Read more
The Worldwide Women’s Rosary is coming to the United Arab Emirates
Women from all over the world will join together Dec. 8 for the public recitation of a rosary to Our... Read more
Why Catholics and Orthodox might once again celebrate Easter on the same date
The spiritual leader of the world’s Eastern Orthodox Christians has come out in support of finding a common date to... Read more
Bell rings out from Catholic cathedral in Mosul for the first time since ISIS occupation
A church bell that was kept hidden by a Muslim family during the Islamic State’s occupation of Mosul rang out... Read more
Hate crimes against Christians on the rise in Europe, report says
The Observatory for the Intolerance and Discrimination Against Christians in Europe documented more than 500 anti-Christian hate crimes in 2021. Read more
Analysis: A divided island faces uncertain future after death of Cyprus Orthodox archbishop
Archbishop Chrysostomos II died on Monday at age 81. Who will be able to collect the legacy of the head... Read more
