A cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary: the controversial act of an Israeli soldier in Lebanon

May 07, 2026 12:19

he image, which circulated widely online on Wednesday, May 6, immediately provoked outrage among many Lebanese Christians Photo: Social Networks

Analysis Opinion•Justice and Peace•Pope Leo XIV•Vatican Diplomacy

Trump Attacks the Pope for the Second Day, and Meloni Defends Him. The World Reacts While the Catholic Vice-President of the USA Supports Him

Far from toning down, the US President reiterated his criticism the following day, April 13, before the media, ruling out any apology.

Apr 14, 2026 07:11

Jorge Enrique Mújica

Justice and Peace

Russia and Ukraine Reach a Ceasefire Agreement for Easter

The choice of Easter is not incidental. In the Christian East, the feast is the liturgical center of the year, marking the Resurrection and carrying a strong theological emphasis on reconciliation and new life

Apr 10, 2026 17:53

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Justice and Peace

Ceasefire brings no peace to Lebanon as Israel continues its attacks

Despite President Joseph Aoun’s efforts to include his country in the Pakistan-brokered agreement, the Netanyahu government has intensified military action with 89 deaths in a single day. Hezbollah halted the attacks, declaring victory, but Trump said that Lebanon was not included in the deal. A convoy with Patriarch al-Rahi was prevented from reaching Debel, due to tensions between Israeli forces and the UNIFIL escort.

Apr 09, 2026 09:58

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Justice and Peace•Local Church•Persecuted Christians

A besieged Easter: Lebanon’s Christians between bombardment, blocked aid, and a fragile hope

In southern Lebanon, where Christian communities have chosen to remain despite evacuation orders and intensifying clashes between Hezbollah and Israel Defense Forces, Easter unfolded under the echo of artillery

Apr 08, 2026 19:05

ZENIT Staff

Justice and Peace•Local Church•Religious Freedom

Pulpits, politics and the limits of free speech: a US court ruling keeps a 70-year barrier in place while Washington prepares new guidance

The decision means that the Johnson Amendment remains fully in force. However, the dismissal “without prejudice” leaves open alternative legal pathways

Apr 08, 2026 10:34

Tim Daniels

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A cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Virgin Mary: the controversial act of an Israeli soldier in Lebanon

The fragile ceasefire in Lebanon is falling apart: civilians trapped, holy sites damaged, and the Church’s response with emergency aid

Lawsuit filed against U.S. bishops’ liturgical and financial measures at the Vatican: they’ve already secured their first victory

Holy Land: Catholic Church denounces Jewish settlers’ encroachment on church-owned properties. Israeli government seeks to mend relations

In the Spanish capital, the courts have authorized the designation of Jehovah’s Witnesses as a “destructive cult”

Israeli Army Replaces Crucifix Destroyed in Lebanon and Sentences Involved Soldiers to 30 Days in Prison

Easter Under Fire: A Fragile Truce Between Russia and Ukraine Collapses as Fighting Resumes

Trump Attacks the Pope for the Second Day, and Meloni Defends Him. The World Reacts While the Catholic Vice-President of the USA Supports Him

Russia and Ukraine Reach a Ceasefire Agreement for Easter

Ceasefire brings no peace to Lebanon as Israel continues its attacks

A besieged Easter: Lebanon’s Christians between bombardment, blocked aid, and a fragile hope

Pulpits, politics and the limits of free speech: a US court ruling keeps a 70-year barrier in place while Washington prepares new guidance