Middle East

Is it time for the Vatican to rethink its line on a ‘Two-State Solution’?
- Nov 27, 2019
The Vatican is holding fast at a time when many voices on both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian divide are declaring the idea of two-state solution off the table, saying it’s time to move on.

By John L. Allen Jr.
Brownback: Christianity’s future in Middle East has reached defining moment
- Sep 13, 2019
In a room full of religious leaders, politicians and other supporters of protecting Christians threatened in the Middle East, Sam Brownback, ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, urged more prayer and action to continue supporting persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

By Josephine von Dohlen
Iraq could be Francis’s shot at ‘most important papal trip of all time’
- Jul 23, 2019
If the pontiff does end up going to Iraq in 2020, it may be Francis’s best shot at the title of “most important papal trip of all time.”

By John L. Allen Jr.

Restoring churches seen as key to have Christians return to Middle East
- Jul 19, 2019
Speakers at a July 18 conference in Washington argued that restoring churches in violence-plagued sections of the Middle East will help foster the return of Christians who fled the strife, as well as introduce greater stability to the region.

By Mark Pattison
Pope Francis urges diplomacy in new Gulf crisis and strength in repairing Italian city
- Jun 16, 2019
Pope Francis says Angelus in Italian city still recovering from earthquakes.

By Inés San Martín
Before Middle East trip, Pompeo briefs religion reporters
- Mar 19, 2019
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told religion reporters in a conference call late March 18 prior to his five-day visit to the Middle East that his visit was focusing on security, the economy, threats from Islamic radical terrorists and the need to promote religious tolerance.

By Carol Zimmermann