Middle East

Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, custos of the Holy Land, is urging pilgrims to return to a land nearly devoid of pilgrims over the last two years not only as an opportunity to be where Christ was, but also as a sign of solidarity with Christians in the area whose livelihoods depend on pilgrims.

For the first time in six centuries, restoration work will begin at the sacred grotto of Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, where tradition holds Jesus was born. The project represents unprecedented cooperation among Christian denominations.

Iran is home to the fastest-growing Christian movement in the world. Religious watchdogs, on-the-ground charitable organizations and even Reza Pahlavi, the exiled and dissident crown prince of Iran, have uttered this proclamation.

As anti-government protests in Iran continue despite an internet blackout and the use of lethal force against demonstrators, Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern over the escalating situation.

Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Jerusalem are among the 37 international aid organizations that Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs has banned from operating in Gaza by March 1.

In a sign of closeness as Christmas approaches, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Latin Patriarchal Vicar Bishop William Shomali and a small delegation, arrived in Gaza Dec. 19 for a pastoral visit to the Holy Family Parish.

Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 20-metre Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6 for the first time since December 2022 and the start of Israel-Hamas war 10 months later.

President Donald Trump's ceasefire agreement in Gaza was tested Oct. 28 as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to conduct strikes in Gaza as his government alleged Hamas violated a White House-backed ceasefire agreement.

At first, Grace Rofa, 20, a Catholic Palestinian from Jerusalem, and Reign Arpon, 19, a Filipino member of the Hebrew-speaking Catholic community in Tel Aviv, were unsure what the Oct. 18 "Be Happy Youth Festival" would be like.

Explore the newest peace deal in the Middle East, the Pope's first exhortation Dilexi Te, and the Blue Jays' spiritual battle.