Middle East

Jerusalem's Holy Week embraced with silent prayer, intimate liturgies as war continues to escalate

Paulina Guzik · April 3, 2026

Holy Week in the Holy Land is unfolding in unprecedented silence, as war-related restrictions have left sacred sites largely without the faithful.

Israel to allow Church leaders to celebrate Holy Week, Easter at holy sites, Latin patriarchate says

Junno Arocho Esteves · March 30, 2026

An agreement has been reached with Israeli authorities to allow Holy Week and Easter celebrations to take place at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Israeli police prevent Latin patriarch, custos, from entering Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Palm Sunday

Junno Arocho Esteves · March 30, 2026

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, and Franciscan Father Francesco Ielpo, the custos of the Holy Land, were prevented from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Israeli police on Palm Sunday.

MP Garnett Genuis explaining "cautious" just war support for U.S.-Israeli intervention in Iran

Catholic Register Staff · March 25, 2026

The newsletter of Alberta Conservative MP Garnett Genuis explaining "cautious" just war support for U.S.-Israeli intervention in Iran.

Jerusalem patriarchate cancels Palm Sunday procession, postpones chrism Mass amid war

OSV News · March 24, 2026

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said wartime restrictions have forced the cancellation or postponement of key Holy Week observances, urging the faithful to remain united in prayer despite the inability to gather for traditional celebrations.

Prayer continues at Holy Sepulchre amid 'time of trial,' restricted access

Paulina Guzik · March 23, 2026

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre remains a place of continuous prayer despite restricted access to the faithful, according to a statement released March 21 by the Custody of the Holy Land.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem remains closed

Barb Fraze · March 20, 2026

Israeli authorities closed Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre as part of wider closures for security concerns.

Campaign aids Lebanon Christians in crossfire

Susan Korah · March 17, 2026

Despite living in perpetual fear of being caught in the crossfire, the Maronite Catholic population in southern Lebanon has defied evacuation orders, being deeply attached to their ancient homeland and rooted in and invincible faith.

Christians in Holy Land face further despair, suffering, Latin Patriarchate official says

Pope Leo briefed by phone on violence, worsening conditions throughout Holy Land

Junno Arocho Esteves · March 16, 2026

As retaliatory strikes from Iran, as well as from Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, continued, people in the Holy Land -- especially Christians -- face a dire present and an uncertain future.

Slain Lebanese priest hailed as a 'martyr,' commemorated by Pope Leo XIV

Dale Gavlak · March 11, 2026

Lebanese Maronite Catholic priest Father Pierre al-Rahi was commemorated by Pope Leo XIV ahead of the cleric's funeral.