ISIS

The Latest

A young refugee rests after having fled from ISIS and arrived in Ankawa in the northern part of Erbil, Iraq.

Iraqis will be seen like early Christian martyrs, priest predicts

Sep 12, 2014

An Argentinian priest caring for the Catholic community in Baghdad says the faith of persecuted Iraqi Christians is moving and... Read more

Sen. Cruz's tense Middle East remarks prompt calls for Christian unity

Sep 11, 2014

Amid controversial remarks by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), Christian leaders at a historic ecumenical conference voiced the need for unity... Read more

Refugees who have fled from ISIS and arrived in Ankawa, in the northern part of Erbil, Iraq.

Knights' collection for persecuted Iraqis passes $2 million

Sep 11, 2014

A Knights of Columbus relief fund for persecuted Iraqi refugees has now surpassed $2 million, and the order has released... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Italian publication says it does not see ISIS violence as 'war of religion'

Sep 8, 2014

Jesuit-run Italian newspaper La Civiltà Cattolica has clarified that it does not view ISIS violence as a 'war of religion,'... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

Analyst: Vatican regards Islamic State as waging a 'war of religion'

Sep 4, 2014

According to prominent Vatican analyst Sandro Magister, the Holy See views the aggression of the Islamic State as a religious... Read more

Pope Francis greets pilgrims in St. Peter's Square before the Wed. general audience on April 16, 2014.

Pope Francis to Iraqi priest: I'll never leave or forget you

Sep 1, 2014

By Elise Harris

After sending a letter to Pope Francis on the plight Iraqi refugees fleeing ISIS violence, Fr. Behnam Benoka received a... Read more

Christian refugees take refuge in Erbil, Iraq on August 9, 2014.

Iraqi refugees working to help each other survive

Aug 29, 2014

By Hillary Mast

Christians and other religious minorities who have fled areas in Iraq that have fallen under Islamic State control are now... Read more

The United Nations flag flies outside UN Headquarters, September 20, 2011.

UN intervention against ISIS would fit Pope's call, scholar suggests

Aug 28, 2014

By Matt Hadro

The Pope’s support of international action against attacks by the Islamic State should be met with United Nations intervention, one... Read more

Map of Nigeria.

Scholars: Boko Haram caliphate claim may be inspired by ISIS

Aug 28, 2014

The Islamist extremist group Boko Haram’s claim to have established a caliphate – or a state ruled under Islamic law... Read more

 Wael Farouq, professor of Arabic language at the American University of Cairo, Egypt at the Rimini Meeting Aug 27, 2014.

Muslim scholar decries violence: 'I am a Nazarene, too'

Aug 28, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Referring to the label “Nazarene” marked on houses of Christians in Iraq by the militant Islamic State, a Muslim scholar... Read more

    Laptop keyboard.

Catholics denounce use of hashtags for 'paramilitary warfare'

Aug 27, 2014

By Elise Harris

Reacting to an internet campaign launched by ISIS threatening the life of U.S. journalist Steven Sotloff, Catholic leaders stressed that... Read more

Refugees who have fled from ISIS and arrived in Ankawa, in the northern part of Erbil, Iraq.

Papal envoy: we must see humanity of each Iraqi refugee

Aug 27, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The international community must view suffering Iraqi refugees not as a collective group, but as individual persons, each with his... Read more

A family at the Khazair checkpoint after fleeing from Mosul, Iraq on June 11, 2014.

Chilean lawmakers ask president to denounce Iraqi violence

Aug 26, 2014

The Chilean Congress has unanimously approved a measure calling on President Michelle Bachelet to condemn “the brutal persecution” of Christians... Read more

Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. addresses journalists during a May 15, 2014 press conference.

Vatican spokesman: ISIS threat to Pope Francis unfounded

Aug 26, 2014

By Elise Harris

In response to rumors that the Islamic State may be targeting Pope Francis, Fr. Federico Lombardi S.J. said there is... Read more

Refugees who have fled from ISIS and arrived in Ankawa, in the northern part of Erbil, Iraq.

Iraqi refugees in desperate need of aid, relief worker says

Aug 26, 2014

By Andrea Gagliarducci

As summer comes to a close and colder temperatures approach, Iraqi refugees will increasingly rely upon the international community to... Read more

Auxiliary Bishop Saad Syroub Hanna of Baghdad.

Baghdad bishop: Take a 'real' challenge by praying

Aug 25, 2014

A bishop in Baghdad is challenging the faithful across the world to join in 30 minutes of prayer before the... Read more

Patriarch Bartholomew.

Orthodox patriarch denounces ISIS violence, stresses dialogue

Aug 25, 2014

The Ecumenical Patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church has spoken out against the persecution of religious minorities in Iraq, calling... Read more

James Foley. Photo courtesy of Marquette University.

Marquette professor recalls James Foley as 'bright light'

Aug 22, 2014

By Kevin J. Jones

Executed journalist James Foley was fearless in his quest to advance justice in the world, and his courage inspired many... Read more

Pope Francis praying.

Pope calls family of US journalist James Foley

Aug 21, 2014

Pope Francis has called the family of U.S. journalist James Foley, who was beheaded by ISIS militants earlier this week,... Read more

Rosary, Prayer, Faith.

Prayer a stronghold in life, death of Catholic journalist James Foley

Aug 20, 2014

By Adelaide Mena

Prayer not only served as a source of strength for Catholic journalist James Foley – who was allegedly killed by... Read more