the Maronite Catholic community buried Father Pierre El Raii, the parish priest of St. George Church in Qlayaa

What is the cost of war for Israel and the Middle East?

According to the most recent estimates, the conflict with Hamas in Gaza alone has cost the equivalent of one-fifth of Israel’s economy. And today, billions of dollars are being burned every week in attacks on Tehran. The paradox is that hundreds of billions are being spent on war, while little more than crumbs remain for reconstruction and development.

Resignation of the Chaldean Catholic Patriarch and Arrest of a U.S. Bishop Shake One of Christianity’s Oldest Communities

In a public letter explaining his decision, the 76-year-old cardinal insisted the move was entirely voluntary. He said he had already considered stepping down two years earlier after turning 75—the age at which bishops traditionally present their resignation—but was encouraged by Pope Francis at the time to remain in office.