Islamic extremists Archives

Pope backs brotherly prayer, but his own backyard isn’t feeling terribly fraternal

May 15, 2020

ROME – Yesterday was a special day of universal prayer for healing from the coronavirus proposed by the “Higher Committee for Human Fraternity,” a body formed in the wake of Pope Francis’s 2019 trip to the United Arab Emirates, and the “Document on Human Fraternity” he signed there along with

By John L. Allen Jr.

African church leaders: Insurgents could increase attacks during pandemic

Apr 21, 2020

Catholic clergy in Africa’s northern Sahel region have warned that Islamist insurgents could intensify attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic while police and troops are diverted to civil order duties.

By Jonathan Luxmoore

France marks 3rd anniversary of priest’s murder by Islamic terrorists

Jul 28, 2019

On the third anniversary of the murder of French Father Jacques Hamel by extremists, France pays homage to his message of peace as Vatican inches closer to beatification.

By Claire Giangravè

Gunmen attack Catholic church in Burkina Faso; 6 killed

May 13, 2019

Authorities say gunmen have attacked a Catholic church in Burkina Faso, killing a priest and five worshippers.

By Associated Press

Philippines shows folly of ‘Casablanca defense’ on anti-Christian violence

Jan 28, 2019

The bombing of a Catholic cathedral in the Philippines on Sunday may elicit various emotions, but surprise shouldn’t be among them.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Freed Filipino priest says airstrikes routed IS extremists

Mar 23, 2018

A Filipino Catholic priest taken hostage last year by Islamic State group-linked militants recounted Friday how military airstrikes helped crush an extremist siege, but said a Muslim autonomy deal is crucial in preventing new bloodshed.

By Jim Gomez