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Middle East Religious Freedom

Cardinal Sako seeks Vatican support to regain authority in Iraq

Iraq’s Chaldean Catholic Cardinal Louis Sako said he would like more Vatican support as he tries to regain formal recognition as the Chaldean patriarch in the country. Source: NCR Online.

Middle East Peace

Peace in Holy Land would benefit entire international community: Vatican

A top Vatican official says the Holy See welcomes any initiative for peace in the Holy Land because it “is firmly convinced that peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and in the region more generally, would benefit the entire international community”. Source: Vatican News.

Eastern Rite Middle East

Maronite event to help pay school fees of struggling families in Lebanon

Maronite Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay has called for solidarity and action for Lebanon’s education system, asking Australians to support struggling schools in the country. Source: Maronite Eparchy.

Middle East Religious Freedom

Israeli president condemns violence against Christians

Israeli president Isaac Herzog has condemned attacks by Jewish extremists against Christian places of worship in the country. Source: CNA.

Middle East

Calls for justice on third anniversary of Beirut port explosion

There is still no accountability or justice for the August 4, 2020, port explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, with the investigation obstructed by legal and political wrangling. Source: OSV News.

Charity Middle East

Couple who fled Iraq thrilled to know church bells are ringing again

A young Iraqi couple living in Victoria has recalled their home city of Qaraqosh, where the bells of the largest Christian church in the Middle East toll again. Source: Aid to the Church in Need.

In The Dioceses Middle East Prayer

Chaldean Catholics to fast and pray for safety of ousted patriarch

Chaldean Catholics in Australia will fast and pray this Friday for the protection of their Church’s leader, Patriarch Cardinal Louis Sako, who has been forced from office by the Iraqi Government. Source: The Catholic Leader.

Middle East

Cardinal leaves Baghdad after decree recognising Church’s authority revoked

Iraq’s Chaldean Catholic Cardinal Louis Sako has left his residence in Baghdad, relocating to a monastery in the northern Kurdistan region after the president of Iraq revoked a decree that formally recognised him as Chaldean patriarch. Source: NCR Online.

Middle East

Iraq’s Christians launch TV channel to help save dying language

Iraq’s shrunken and conflict-scarred Christian community is launching a new television channel as part of efforts to save their dying language, spoken for more than 2000 years. Source: UCA News.