Middle East

As anti-government protests in Iran continue despite an internet blackout and the use of lethal force against demonstrators, Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern over the escalating situation.

Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Jerusalem are among the 37 international aid organizations that Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs has banned from operating in Gaza by March 1.

In a sign of closeness as Christmas approaches, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, accompanied by the Latin Patriarchal Vicar Bishop William Shomali and a small delegation, arrived in Gaza Dec. 19 for a pastoral visit to the Holy Family Parish.

Bethlehem rejoiced with the festive celebration of lighting of a 20-metre Christmas tree at the edge of Manger Square Dec. 6 for the first time since December 2022 and the start of Israel-Hamas war 10 months later.

President Donald Trump's ceasefire agreement in Gaza was tested Oct. 28 as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to conduct strikes in Gaza as his government alleged Hamas violated a White House-backed ceasefire agreement.

At first, Grace Rofa, 20, a Catholic Palestinian from Jerusalem, and Reign Arpon, 19, a Filipino member of the Hebrew-speaking Catholic community in Tel Aviv, were unsure what the Oct. 18 "Be Happy Youth Festival" would be like.

Explore the newest peace deal in the Middle East, the Pope's first exhortation Dilexi Te, and the Blue Jays' spiritual battle.

Patriarchs and heads of the churches in Jerusalem said in a joint Oct. 14 statement they "rejoice at the recent enactment of the ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of those held captive," which they hailed as "auspicious moment," noting "the work of peacebuilding has only just begun."

Historic momentum is felt across the Middle East as tens of thousands of Palestinians started to make their way back to their homes in northern Gaza Strip.

President Donald Trump said during a meeting in Egypt on Oct. 13 that "phase two has started" of a peace deal between Israel and Hamas in response to a question from a reporter about when the next stage of negotiations would begin.