COMMENTARY: Part II — Iraq’s largest Catholic town is fully encircled by an Iran-backed militia. In the context of worsening U.S.-Iran relations, some locals are afraid Iran’s impact on their lives will worsen.

COMMENTARY: PART I — Iraq’s mostly Catholic Christian population declined from 5% to 0.2% between 2003 and 2019. Today, after 17 years of church bombings, targeted assassinations, kidnapping and displacement, the Christian population in Iraq likely stands at 120,000.

Stephen Rasche discusses what he has learned from 10 years working in the Archdiocese of Erbil alongside Iraq’s persecuted Christian minority.

COMMENTARY: Boko Haram has killed more than 27,000 civilians in Nigeria. This is greater than the amount of civilians ISIS killed in Iraq and Syria combined.

‘Cross in Fire’ gives tangible expression to the suffering of Christians, raising international awareness of their plight.

Christians in the Middle East seek to provide a witness of hope as old threats linger and newer ones emerge this Christmas.

Paul Marshall comments on ‘secularization theory,’ ignorance among diplomats and journalists and the culture wars.

Hungarian government sponsors a conference that brought together men and women who are on the front lines in protecting Christians around the world.

Religious and political authorities as well as inhabitants’ testimonies offer instructive insights on difficult situation in the Land of Christ.

In an apparent concession to protesters, government officials agreed to provide a piece of land for the church to be rebuilt, as well as money.

State Department: The two leaders ‘reaffirmed’ the commitment of the U.S and the Holy See ‘to advancing religious freedom around the world.’

Pompeo was at the Vatican Oct. 2 for a symposium on human dignity. An embassy source said Pompeo will meet Pope Francis on Oct. 3.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin spoke Sept. 27 at the United Nations General Assembly, citing ongoing need for assistance.

Three shepherds spoke to the Register this week during the State Department’s Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom.

Following his return from a trip to northern Iraq, Father Benedict Kiely discusses their problems and what needs to be done to assist them.

Syriac Catholic Coadjutor Archbishop Nathanael Nizar Semaan told the Register, ‘Qaraqosh and all these Christian villages are giving a big witness of their faith, how strong it is. We are here.’

An Italian interparliamentary group held a conference in Rome on June 26, shedding light on the failure of Western countries — and especially the European Union — to address human-rights abuses.

New challenges faced as they attempt to rebuild their lives in their ancestral homeland.

Aid to the Church in Need study comes amid increased persecution of Christians in many countries worldwide.

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama works to advance religious freedom and genuine dialogue between Christians and Muslims.

International nongovernmental organizations and the country’s Catholic bishops raise their voices in protest against mob violence.

Newspaper reports on efforts to Sinicize Christianity.

The founder of a charity for persecuted Christians says the beleaguered populace needs more political representation and aid as a Shiite group try to force them out of their ancient lands.

NEWS ANALYSIS: U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the partisan divide accused the president of quitting the fight to vanquish ISIS before it had been won.

The Iraq and Syria Genocide Relief and Accountability Act is hailed as a vital piece in keeping the Christian presence alive in ancestral homelands.

‘What’s really critical to understand here is that our approach has really changed in the last two to three months,’ Max Primorac told the Register.

Francis spoke of love of God and neighbor as well as the holy witness of Blessed Mother Clelia Merloni Nov. 4.

Asia Bibi, a Roman Catholic woman convicted of blasphemy in 2010, is free to leave the prison in Sheikhupura, Pakistan.

While Iraqi Catholic leaders continue to express concern that U.S. assistance hasn’t materialized, USAID this month pledged an additional $178 in funding to support Christians and other vulnerable communities.

In conjunction with synod, young people relate tales of persevering faith.