The return of Christians in Iraq, “a national priority”

The Iraqi government is offering incentives for Christians to return to the country. The prime minister’s words will be discussed at the upcoming meeting of Iraqi Catholic bishops in August. Iraq’s Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has declared the return of Christian families a national priority and pledged to include returnees in a government program that …

Beatification of Patriarch Hoyek a sign of hope for Lebanon

Today (July 25), in Lebanon, the Maronite Church will celebrate the beatification of Patriarch Elias Hoyek (1843-1931), the father of “Greater Lebanon” and founder of the Maronite Sisters of the Holy Family, with whom Pontifical Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has several projects. Today, thousands of faithful are expected in Dimane, the …

Iraq: pope calls on young jihad survivors to be “light of the world”

Initially scheduled for March, the festival was postponed due to the conflicts which have affected the Middle East. The pope has encouraged more than 700 young people who lived through Iraq’s jihadist occupation to be the light of the world. In a video shown on Wednesday, July 8, at the Ankawa Youth Meeting (AYM), Pope …

From forgiveness to uncertainty: the story of a priest in Southern Lebanon

Publication Note: The following article was prepared in June. Dates and references reflect the time of writing. Fr. Youssef Semaan watches on as the conflict in Lebanon empties his village and threatens decades of coexistence between Christians and Muslims. The war in Southern Lebanon is damaging more than just infrastructure, as it causes profound changes …