Israel Turns Archaeology into a Tool for Annexation: How It Seized the Site Linked to the Tomb of John the Baptist

Aug 19, 2026 22:28

The land surrounding the Roman columns -- olive groves cultivated by families for generations --, is under an Israeli confiscation order. Photo: Jerzy Kraj/CTS

Holy Land•Persecuted Christians

Jews Denounce the Persecution of Christians by Radical Jews in the Holy Land: Facts, Figures, and Other Concerns

According to the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue, 155 incidents targeting Christians and Christian institutions were documented in Israel and East Jerusalem during 2025, up significantly from 111 cases the previous year. These included physical assaults, vandalism, desecration of churches, verbal abuse and the increasingly reported phenomenon of clergy being spat upon in public

Jul 07, 2026 16:25

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land

Israel and the Armenian Genocide: Historical Justice or Contempt for Ankara?

The Israeli government has recognized the Armenian Genocide of 1915, following decades of silence imposed by its relations with Turkey. This decision comes amidst deteriorating relations between Israel and Ankara due to the war in Gaza.

Jul 06, 2026 15:38

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land

Jordan is cataloging, promoting, and revitalizing 34 Christian sites in the Holy Land

The initiative promoted by the Hashemite Kingdom consolidates investment in Christian religious tourism in the country and looks ahead to 2030, when the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus will be celebrated. From Mount Nebo to Madaba, from Gerasa to the Byzantine site of Petra itself – these are places that aim to create itineraries independent of trips to Israel and Palestine.

Jul 01, 2026 09:27

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Justice and Peace

According to polls, mistreatment of Catholics by some radical Jews and the government’s attitude toward Palestinians are damaging Israel’s image

A new Pew Research Center survey conducted across 36 countries between February and May 2026 found that unfavorable views of Israel have increased in most nations compared with 2025. Positive opinions now outnumber negative ones in only four countries—India, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana—while negative perceptions dominate much of Europe, Asia and Latin America

Jun 29, 2026 16:58

ZENIT Staff

Holy Land•Justice and Peace

Fragile Peace, Deep Wounds: Lebanon Faces an Uncertain Future Despite New Israel Agreement

After four days of negotiations in Washington under U.S. mediation, Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement on June 26 intended to create a pathway toward ending hostilities and restoring Lebanese sovereignty in the country’s south

Jun 29, 2026 16:47

ZENIT Staff

What Should Good AI Legislation Look Like? Leo XIV Offers Guidance to Catholic Legislators

Address to the Participants in the Meeting of the “International Catholic Legislators Network”

Lebanon Turns to the Pope: Lebanese President Visits Leo XIV Amid the Israeli Siege

On Thursday, August 20, Pope Leo XIV received Aoun at the Apostolic Palace for a private meeting lasting around half an hour. The Lebanese president then held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s secretary for relations with states and international organizations

Israel Turns Archaeology into a Tool for Annexation: How It Seized the Site Linked to the Tomb of John the Baptist

AI and materials analysis offer new insights into the Qumran scrolls

Leo XIV Speaks Out in Support of Palestinians Attacked by Jewish Settlers in Tierra Sana: Here’s What’s Happening

Israel Declares the Only Entirely Christian City in the Holy Land a “Closed Military Zone”

Franciscans Ask Marco Rubio for Help in the Face of Persecution by Jewish Settlers Affecting Christians (and Others) in the Holy Land

The Christian Presence in the Holy Land Is Being Squeezed from Every Direction

Blessed the first stone of the Polish chapel at the Shepherds’ Field in Holy Land

Jews Denounce the Persecution of Christians by Radical Jews in the Holy Land: Facts, Figures, and Other Concerns

Israel and the Armenian Genocide: Historical Justice or Contempt for Ankara?

Jordan is cataloging, promoting, and revitalizing 34 Christian sites in the Holy Land

According to polls, mistreatment of Catholics by some radical Jews and the government’s attitude toward Palestinians are damaging Israel’s image

Fragile Peace, Deep Wounds: Lebanon Faces an Uncertain Future Despite New Israel Agreement