Hope for Lebanon and for the world
Our Editorial Director reflects on the message of hope offered by Lebanon, even amid its suffering, which Pope Leo XIV says is shown by young people who believe in peace, and by families who look beyond differences of belief and welcome those in need.
The story behind the young woman who wept while hugging Pope Leo in Beirut
As Pope Leo XIV was wrapping up his first apostolic trip to Turkey and Lebanon recently, the world was moved by the sight of a young Lebanese woman crying and hugging the pontiff as he was meeting with victims of the deadly 2020 Beirut port explosion. “My heart was beating so fast when I saw that God had put the Holy Father right in front
Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon: a bridge of peace in the heart of the Middle East
The first international trip of Pope Leo XIV, carried out between November 27 and December 2, 2025, brought the Pontiff to two countries fundamental to the history of Christianity and to the balance of the Middle East: Turkey and Lebanon. It was an itinerary filled with symbols, encounters, and gestures of fraternity, intended to reaffirm the Church’s role as a
Queen Rania joins children’s Christmas festivities at charitable society
Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah marked the holiday season on Wednesday, November 3, with a visit to St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Society in Amman, joining a group of children as they engaged in a variety of Christmas activities. Upon Her Majesty’s arrival, she was welcomed by St. Vincent de Paul’s Board of Directors President Souheil Kalis and its
Pope: Visit to Türkiye and Lebanon teaches that peace is possible
Pope Leo XIV recalls his recent Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, saying his encounter with religious leaders teaches that peace is possible if we build it together.
The Destruction of Assyrian Graves in Iraq: Causes, Motives, and Future Risks
Cemeteries are sacred spaces of peace and dignity -- places meant to preserve and honor a human being after death. Yet the recurring violations against and desecrations of Christian graves in various parts of Iraq -- from Mosul to Najaf and even Armota in the Kurdistan Region -- have reopened a deep wound regarding the status of Christians, their rights,
Bethlehem Lights the Way for Christmas Celebrations
After two bleak Christmas seasons, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is preparing to celebrate once again. The Palestinian city of Bethlehem, a symbol of hope for Christians worldwide, will light its Christmas tree in Manger Square on Saturday (December 6), announcing not only the start of the holiday season but also the resilience of a people determined to reclaim
Commissaries of the Holy Land: ambassadors of peace and witnesses of the Risen One in the world!
The intense days of the Commissaries continued until Tuesday afternoon, deepening the themes of support and proclamation of the Holy Land. It was also a moment to listen to these men and women who came from all over the world. Ilaria Ljuljdjuraj, Collaborator Northern Italy Commissariat "Over the years my affection for these places has grown, because coming here I
Pope urges Lebanese not to give up on peace or each other
Acknowledging the existence of “circumstances that are highly complex, conflictual and uncertain,” Pope Leo XIV arrived in Lebanon preaching peace. Just a week before the pope arrived Nov. 30, Israel had made its latest strike on Lebanon, killing a Hezbollah commander and four militants in a suburb of Beirut. Arriving from Istanbul, a two-hour flight, Pope Leo was met at the Beirut airport
Pope to young people: There is still time to dream, plan, and do good
Meeting with young people in Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV urges them not to give into despair, rather to cultivate friendships rooted in genuine love and to keep the enthusiasm that is needed "to change the course of history."