The forthcoming papal visit might be hijacked for political ends, writes Paul Keenan

Despite Christian growth, religious freedom is not yet assured, writes Paul Keenan

The Pope has called Christians to be ‘firm in hope’ amid persecution, writes Paul Keenan

“Something old, something new.” Recourse to an age-old wedding rhyme by way of summing up recent events in troubled Burkina Faso is not as strange as it might first appear. Indeed, the concept of a happy marriage is certainly not one coming to the mind of deposed President Blaise Compaore as he licks his wounds…

As Pope Francis prepares for his Turkish visit, there is a deficit of trust for the Ankara administration, writes Paul Keenan

More than 100 Muslim leaders – clerics and laypeople alike – have signed on to a letter criticising the Middle East Muslim military group ISIS. In the 17-page letter, the leaders quote extensively from the Quran, the Muslim scriptures, to rebuke ISIS' tactics and actions. Since the letter was issued, more than 125 Muslim leaders…

Is the tide turning for Egypt’s Christians? If the Middle East contains any lessons over the last few years, it is that matters in the region can turn on a hair. Sadly, too, it has been instructive to watch the precarious fortunes of minority Christian communities whose long histories in nations have guaranteed them nothing…

  The task of the Catholic Church is not only to teach people how to pray, but how to live authentically Christian lives, two leaders of the Ukrainian Catholic Church said. The Church’s ministers also have an obligation to accompany, support and minister to their followers in the midst of strife and even danger, said…