Middle East - Africa News
'You are a sign of hope,' Pope tells Ethiopian seminarians
Pope Benedict met with seminarians from Ethiopia on Jan. 31, encouraging them to continue in their path toward “sanctity.” Read more
Report: Terrorists plot murder of Catholic Pakistani government minister
Terrorist groups in Pakistan are planning to assassinate Shahbaz Bhatti, Pakistan’s federal minister for religious minorities, because of his opposition... Read more
South Africa's Catholics praying for ill Nelson Mandela
Former South African president Nelson Mandela is in the prayers of the country's Catholic Church following his hospitalization for a... Read more
High stakes and hopes for Egypt's Christians in historic protests
As clashes between anti-government protesters and Egyptian police intensified on Jan. 28, some Coptic Orthodox Christians disregarded their church's call... Read more
Vote counts predict new 'Republic of South Sudan' in July 2011
Preliminary results of a recent referendum indicate that Sudan's southern region is on track to become Africa's newest country. It... Read more
Iraqi bishop calls for international aid in response to massacre of Christians
Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni of Baghdad, Iraq is calling for the international community to continue offering assistance to Christians in... Read more
After Ivory Coast talks fail, military action among disquieting options
The failure of mediation in an electoral dispute in Ivory Coast could result in military action. Read more
Trappist monk who survived Algeria massacre prays for conversion of assassins
Brother Jean Pierre Schumacher is one of two monks who escaped death in the massacre of Thibirine, Algeria in 1996.... Read more
St. Anthony of Egypt's monastic legacy remembered Jan. 17
On his Jan. 17 feast day, both Eastern and Western Catholics will celebrate the life and legacy of St. Anthony... Read more
Prayer and patience bearing fruit in Sudan independence vote
Residents of Southern Sudan, which is expected to become Africa's newest country, are expressing gratitude for the peace that has... Read more
Palestinians returning to Gaza, but area still 'crying' for peace, bishops say
A special delegation of bishops from Western nations has pledged action for the most pressing need in the Holy Land:... Read more
Darfur bishop: Humanitarian troubles, persecution could follow Sudan independence vote
With independence very likely in south Sudan, one Sudanese bishop is looking to the future. He warns of the possibility... Read more
Pakistani archbishop says assassination shows dangerous rise in extremism
Assassinated Pakistani Gov. Salman Taseer was a “staunch defender” of the rights of minorities and stood up to extremist groups, the... Read more
Sudan in transition: An interview with Dan Griffin of Catholic Relief Services
CNA recently spoke with Dan Griffin, Catholic Relief Services' Sudan adviser, about the Church's role in helping Sudanese citizens prepare... Read more
Pakistani governor’s murder causes shock, pessimism about end to blasphemy law
The assassination of a Pakistani governor who opposed the country’s blasphemy law will make it “virtually impossible” for anyone to... Read more
Church's role is critical in run-up to Sudan independence vote
Sudan's Catholic bishops say their country “will never be the same again,” once a January 2011 referendum that could split... Read more
In Christmas messages, Holy Land's Catholic leaders call for peace on earth
In their annual Christmas messages, two Catholic leaders in the cradle of Christianity urged prayer and action to bring about... Read more
Priest says Muslim extremists want to rid Middle East of Christians
An Egyptian priest has explained that radical Muslims are trying to rid the Middle East entirely of Christians, who once... Read more
Persecution leading Iraqi Christians to draw harsh conclusions
With Christmas fast approaching, Iraqi Christians are coming to the hard realization that there may be a day when there... Read more
Ancient Christian monastery site in Persian Gulf opened to public
The remains of an ancient Nestorian Christian monastery and church on Sri Bani Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates... Read more
