Middle East

Explaining the Vatican’s silence on the ‘Abraham Accords’
- Sep 22, 2020
The Vatican typically abhors being dragged into partisan domestic debates, doing everything in its power to avoid them, and it’s a special idée fixe of Pope Francis.

By John L. Allen Jr.
Abraham a sign of unity, source of understanding among peoples
- Sep 20, 2020
In a region marked by conflict, disunity, and tension – where people could be killed for their religious beliefs – the Abraham Accords are a sign of hope.

By Father Jeffrey F. Kirby
Abraham Accords called ‘truly historic milestone’ in Middle East peace
- Sep 17, 2020
A Catholic congressman who is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee called the Middle East peace accord signed Sept. 15 at the White House a “momentous pact” he hopes “is the beginning of several future peace accords to strengthen peace within the region.”

By Catholic News Service

Lebanon priest says corruption is ultimate cause of Beirut blast
- Aug 6, 2020
A Lebanese priest has pinned blame for a massive explosion in Lebanon on government corruption, saying the cumulative impact of the coronavirus, the country’s dire financial situation, and yesterday’s blast is enough to make the country collapse unless immediate action is taken.

By Elise Ann Allen
Pope prays for Lebanon after massive explosion in Beirut
- Aug 5, 2020
One day after a massive explosion ravaged the port of Beirut, covering the surrounding area in clouds of smoke, Pope Francis offered prayers for the victims and their families, and asked the international community to help Lebanon overcome its internal crisis.

By Elise Ann Allen
Murad, Amal Clooney accuse leaders and UN of failing Yazidis
- Aug 4, 2020
Six years after Islamic State fighters launched an attack on Iraq’s Yazidi minority, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nadia Murad and human rights lawyer Amal Clooney accused government leaders and the United Nations on Monday of failing to bring the extremists responsible for the genocide to justice.

By Edith Lederer