Syria
Religious rights watchdog pushes to add Pakistan, Syria to list of worst offenders
By Lauren Markoe — May 22, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Pakistan and Syria have earned their places on the list of the world's worst violators of religious freedom, says a leading religious liberty watchdog.
Christian leaders say Middle East Christians must not be forgotten
By Adelle M. Banks — May 7, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) “If history has any lesson to teach us about silence, it’s not a good one,” Cardinal Donald Wuerl said.
REPORT: State Department should double list of worst religious freedom offenders
By Brian Pellot — April 30, 2014
(RNS) The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is calling for the secretary of state to add Syria and seven other countries to the list of worst religious freedom offenders.
In his Easter message, Pope Francis prays for Ukraine, Syria
By Josephine McKenna — April 20, 2014
(RNS) The Urbi et Orbi (Latin for “to the city and to the world”) message, delivered from the central balcony of the basilica where Pope Francis first appeared after his election a year ago, included a call to end “deadly force” on “defenseless” civilians in Syria, and urgent humanitarian aid for victims of the conflict.
John Kerry makes first Vatican visit, hints at Obama meeting with Pope Francis
By Eric J. Lyman — January 14, 2014
ROME (RNS) A short release from the Holy See indicated the two men discussed health care reform, which has sparked intense opposition from American bishops.
Pope Francis meets with Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu
By Eric J. Lyman — December 2, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Pope Francis is starting to raise the political profile of the Vatican to levels not seen since the height of John Paul II's papacy.
Pope Francis and Vladimir Putin hold ‘constructive’ talks
By Eric J. Lyman — November 25, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) despite what Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Federico Lombardi, termed a "constructive" and "cordial" meeting, there were no announced follow-up dialogues planned, and "no discussion whatsoever" of a papal visit to Russia.
Expectations are high for summit between Pope Francis and Vladimir Putin
By Eric J. Lyman — November 20, 2013
ROME (RNS) Because of the period of reform Francis has ushered in at the Vatican, and a list of priorities that range from Syria to a desire to strengthen ties between one of the world's largest countries and one of the smallest, the Nov. 25 closed-door encounter will take on a dramatically increased importance.
U.K. minister Sayeeda Warsi calls on West to protect Christian minorities
By Kevin Eckstrom — November 15, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) Baroness Sayeeda Warsi said protecting the religious freedom of minorities is a responsibility of all faiths. "It shouldn't just be for Christians to speak for Christians, and Jews to speak for Jews, and Muslims to speak for Muslims."
COMMENTARY: Orthodox bishops chafe at Christian persecution in the Middle East
By David Steinmetz — November 14, 2013
(RNS) With the civil war in Syria and the civil conflict in Egypt, instances of violent repression against minority Christians have increased. This rise was particularly worrying for Orthodox bishops, who lead the largest body of Christians in the Middle East.
MEDIA REVIEW: Al-Jazeera America lives up to its unbiased promise
By Rem Rieder — September 17, 2013
(RNS) A new study of cable news coverage of the Syria crisis released found that upstart Al-Jazeera America covered the fast-moving story of President Obama's threat to strike Syria much the way its cable rivals did.
Interview: Desmond Tutu on gay rights, the Middle East and Pope Francis
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — September 13, 2013
(RNS) "Naming a center after a person who is still alive can make it seem that an individual somehow on their own was able to accomplish what he accomplished. It was our people. "
ANALYSIS: Is ‘Just War’ doctrine another victim of the Syrian conflict?
By David Gibson — September 11, 2013
(RNS) The central problem is not that the just war doctrine is being dismissed or condemned, but that both sides in the debate over Syria are citing just war theory, but are reaching diametrically opposed conclusions.
Pope Francis’ peace appeal for Syria marks Vatican’s return to global stage
By Alessandro Speciale — September 5, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) For Pope Francis, just six months on the job, the Syria question will test his ability to summon the power of his global bully pulpit, and could play a major role in shaping the global image of a man who's been lauded for his down-to-earth pastoral appeal.
Christians in Middle East: U.S. attack on Syria would be detrimental
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — September 4, 2013
NEW YORK (RNS) “I couldn’t find a Christian leader at the conference who supported military intervention,” said Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance.
