Lebanon, Gaza and the Holy Land: Christians Caught Between War, Humanitarian Collapse and a Struggle for Religious Freedom

Jun 01, 2026 17:02

ZENIT Staff

disruption of a Catholic Marian celebration in the West Bank Photo: InfoVaticana

Holy Land•Justice and Peace

Prison sentence for two Israeli soldiers who desecrated an image of the Virgin Mary in Lebanon

On Monday, May 11, the Israeli army announced disciplinary measures against the soldiers involved. According to military authorities, the soldier who staged the act received a sentence of 21 days in military prison, while the soldier who photographed the incident was sentenced to 14 days.

May 13, 2026 22:20

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Justice and Peace•Persecuted Christians•Virgin Mary

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

For many Christians in the region, the cumulative effect of these incidents is generating growing anxiety about their already precarious future in the Middle East

May 07, 2026 12:19

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Justice and Peace•Persecuted Christians

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

A particularly sensitive episode has drawn international attention: the damage inflicted on a Catholic convent complex in the border village of Yaroun. The site, previously home to a small religious community and a school, had already been abandoned due to ongoing hostilities

May 04, 2026 17:27

ZENIT Staff

Dicasteries•Justice and Peace•Local Church

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

Vatican Intervenes on Two Fronts: Liturgical Authority Challenged in the U.S. as Parish Rights Upheld in Abuse Settlement Dispute

May 02, 2026 12:02

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Justice and Peace•Persecuted Christians

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

The Patriarchate condemns «encroachments» in Tayasir, stressing that protecting Church properties is a «red line.» Following a formal report to Israeli civil and military authorities, action has been taken against those responsible. As violence escalates Pizzaballa appeals for support for the local population. Meanwhile, Israel appointed a special envoy for the Christian world to mend relations.

Apr 25, 2026 21:13

ZENIT Staff

Reflections by Leo XIV on certain elements that constitute the sacred liturgy, such as rite, sign, and symbol

The Pope’s General Audience, June 3, 2026, on certain elements that constitute the sacred liturgy, such as rites, signs, and symbols

Threats of Islamist attacks come to light during Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Spain

The propaganda poster, distributed through online channels associated with Islamist extremism, targets several of the Pope’s most prominent public appearances during his June visit

Lebanon, Gaza and the Holy Land: Christians Caught Between War, Humanitarian Collapse and a Struggle for Religious Freedom

Israel expropriates the tomb of the prophet Samuel, but for the Palestinians the target is al-Aqsa

Rightward Shift in Latin America Could Bolster Pro-Life at UN

Southern Lebanon: Stories of Occupation

The Israeli invasion of Palestine: governments, churches, and humanitarian groups are sounding the alarm

Arms Spending Reaches World Record: Holy See Is Only Country To Point It Out

Trump announces the killing of the second-in-command of the Islamic State in Nigeria

Prison sentence for two Israeli soldiers who desecrated an image of the Virgin Mary in Lebanon

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