The plight of persecuted Christian families in the Middle East was addressed during the Synod on the Family in Rome, October 5-25. Synod Fathers acknowledged the particular and urgent circumstances that so many Catholic families face each day. The Fathers expressed fraternal sorrow for families forced to flee their homes, and gratitude for those nations Read more
Christianity is in danger of ceasing to be a truly global faith as increasing numbers of its followers flee violence and persecution across swaths of the Middle East and Africa, according to a new report. “Christians are fast disappearing from entire regions – most notably a huge chunk of the Middle East but also whole Read more
Bishop Christian Blouin of Lae Diocese was attacked last month in Lae, Papua New Guinea. According to the Catholic Professionals Society of PNG (CPSPNG) president, Paul Harricknen, the bishop was attacked when he tried to stop some street preachers carrying pictures of the Pope and cardinals and abusing the Catholic Church. “When the street preachers Read more
Pope Francis has said the martyrdoms of modern Christians of many denominations will nourish “a new era of ecumenical commitment”. The Pope said this during a meeting with members of the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC III) in Rome. The Pope said ecumenism is not a “secondary element” in the life of the Church. Referring Read more
The Prince of Wales says Muslim leaders must warn their followers about the tragedy of the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and elsewhere. Prince Charles recorded a video message for the launch of a report by the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need. He said that faith leaders must ensure their Read more
A bishop in Malta has asked every parish in his diocese to host at least one refugee family from Iraq or Syria. Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo in Malta made the call during a homily on the feast of Our Lady of Victories. “I have in my heart all those who are victims of atrocity, Read more
The blood of martyrs has proven to be the seed of the Church in China, as vibrant communities thrive despite government interference and restrictions. “We should be glad and rejoice. “As the Shanghai Catholic youths said: ‘We are greatly honored to have been born and lived at this important time.’” — Cardinal Kung Pin-mei, Sermon Read more
Fear of Islamic radicalism cows the West into silence on Christian persecution. In perhaps the only sign of action from the West to the increased intensity of Christian persecution, France has opened itself up to refugees from Iraq, who are being driven out under pain of death by ISIS. This is a welcome reversion to Read more
My family name, “Maron,” is a vestige of and a testament to the human capacity to hate. My family tradition tells the story of my ancestors’ expulsion — along with hundreds of thousands of other Jews — from the Iberian Peninsula by royal Spanish decree in 1492 following an era of great success and coexistence Read more
It seems as though Sudan’s persecution of Meriam Ibrahim will not end. After finally being released two days ago from a death sentence for converting to Christianity, she and her family have been arrested by Sudanese security agents after trying to flee for US shores. But as well as hoping that she is finally liberated, her Read more