Pope Francis endorsed a recent U.N. resolution on peace in Syria and expressed “deep appreciation” to the international community for reaching an agreement.
Syria
Welcome the Strangers
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, As we begin the Advent season, we prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has used the term “Flesh of Christ” in several ways to describe the poor, and, in particular, the refugees in our world who today are more numerous than ever.
Syrian Bishops Support Russian Intervention
Two Syrian archbishops expressed approval for Russian airstrikes against rebel groups in their country. Melkite Catholic Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo said that the bombing of rebel positions by Russian jets was “a source of hope” for Syria.
Marine Park Mass Prays For End to World Terror
On the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Marine Park residents prayed for the fallen of 9/11 and for Christians suffering persecution in the world.
Patriarch Says World Has Lost Conscience
Lebanon’s Maronite Catholic patriarch, visiting war-torn Syria, condemned “the death of the world’s conscience” in its response to the violence in the Middle East.
Pain of Civil War Influences Syrian Artist
The sad realities of Syria’s civil war permeate the paintings of Essa Neima, whose recent exhibit began with a dream he had after his friend, a Dutch Jesuit, was killed.
Syrian Prelate: Christians Are Being Forced to Flee
By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) – Ties to the land stretching back two millennia keep Syria’s Christian population from fleeing en masse, said Melkite Catholic Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo, Syria. He said people come to him for counsel on whether they should stay or leave in the middle of a protracted civil war among […]
Pleas for Help as ISIS Steps Up Attacks
Christian leaders again called for help for Assyrian Christians in northern Syria, who have been targeted by Islamic State militants.
More Christians Abducted as the West Watches
Dozens of Assyrian Christians were abducted by Islamic State forces during a new offensive against a string of villages in northeastern Syria, aid and civil rights organizations reported.
Report Says Christians Face a Worsening Persecution
Open Doors, an interdenominational charity, said 2014 had “the highest level of global persecution of Christians in the modern era,” but added that current conditions suggested “the worst is yet to come.”