Middle East - Africa News
Maronite Church in Lebanon celebrates beatification of 17th-century scholar and patriarch
An estimated 7,000 people gathered on Aug. 2 in Bkerké, Lebanon, to celebrate the beatification of Patriarch Estephan Douaihy. Read more
Pope Francis establishes new diocese in Angola, appoints its first bishop
Pope Francis has established a new diocese in Angloa — the Diocese of Ganda — and appointed Bishop Estêvão Binga... Read more
Between earth and sky: ‘Lady of the East’ statue rises in Syria
A new landmark honoring the Virgin Mary will be inaugurated in a grand celebration Aug. 1–4 in the town of... Read more
‘I was deceived’: Bishop in Nigeria revokes ordination of deacons due to fraud
Bishop Martin Dada Olorunmolu was presented with documents showing the men were qualified for holy orders, but the papers were... Read more
‘Survival mentality’ is impeding authentic formation in Africa’s seminaries, priest says
Seminarians in Africa are not allowed “to be themselves” and must find ways “to get by,” a Catholic priest from... Read more
Second round of aid delivered to Gaza by Latin Patriarchate and Order of Malta
The Latin Patriarchate and Sovereign Order of Malta signed the Memorandum of Understanding agreement in May, which aims to supply... Read more
Chaldean bishops reject blessing of same-sex unions
The bishops of the Chaldean Synod on July 16 issued a statement declaring their position on the blessing of same-sex... Read more
The enduring faith of St. Charbel: Thousands celebrate in Lebanon
Celebrating St. Charbel’s feast day has been a beacon of hope for generations. Read more
Christian watchdog calls on U.S. to recognize persecution of Christians in Nigeria
“The outcry of Nigerian Christians is falling on deaf ears. It is time for the United States to answer their... Read more
Thousands expected at annual pilgrimage to Our Lady of Muxima Shrine in Angola
Thousands of pilgrims are expected to participate in the 2024 pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Muxima Aug.... Read more
Under patronage of St. Joseph, parish priest restarts schooling for students in Gaza
The program had to be suspended for two weeks in July due to Israeli military action in Gaza City but... Read more
Crusader treasure unveiled: Medieval altar found in Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulcher
The groundbreaking discovery sheds new light on Crusader history, medieval Christian art, and the enduring significance of one of Christianity’s... Read more
Faith amid bombs: Priests minister to Christians in border towns of Lebanon and Israel
Christian communities on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border have been put to the test since Hamas’ attack on Israel... Read more
Catholics in Africa want Nigeria withdrawn from ‘pro-LGBT, pro-abortion’ Samoa agreement
In a July 9 petition CitizenGo Africa say there have been widespread debates in Nigeria compelling the government to withdraw... Read more
Bishop Zaidan condemns ‘any targeting of civilians’ at Holy Family School in Gaza
“I join the Latin Patriarchate in condemning any targeting of civilians in the [Holy] Family School in Gaza,” Bishop A.... Read more
Different paths to same vocation: Twin brothers ordained priests in Aleppo, Syria
It marked the first priestly ordination in 17 years at St. Francis Church in Aleppo, a city that suffered massive... Read more
Latin Patriarchate condemns reported raid by Israeli forces on Gaza Catholic school
The patriarchate said in a Sunday press release that it was “monitoring, with grave concern, the news of the raids,... Read more
Bishops in East Africa commit to creating ‘safe, nurturing church environment’ for minors
In a statement following their July 1–4 meeting on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, the bishops said they are “deeply... Read more
St. Monica Widows: a Catholic apostolate to reduce polygamy in Kenya
Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba of Kisumu in Kenya discussed the project with EWTN News correspondent Colm Flynn on “EWTN News... Read more
Christians face ‘devastating’ persecution under Pakistani blasphemy laws, expert says
A court in Punjab recently sentenced Ehsan Shan to death for sharing “hateful content” against Muslims on social media. Read more
