Vatican City, Jan 1, 2026 / 07:30 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged Catholics to pray for peace, “first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering,” and also “within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain,” during the Angelus address on the first day of 2026.

Greeting pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and the 59th World Day of Peace, the pope reflected on the start of a new year as a time to renew hope and reconciliation.

“While the rhythm of passing months repeats itself, the Lord invites us to renew our times by finally ushering in an era of peace and friendship among all peoples,” he said. “Without this desire for the good, there would be no point in turning the pages of the calendar and filling our diaries.”

Leo also looked back on the jubilee, which he said “is about to end,” noting that it has taught the Church to cultivate hope for a new world by converting hearts to God, so as “to transform wrongs into forgiveness, pain into consolation, and resolutions of virtue into good works.”

The pope then turned to the Marian feast, saying Christmas today “directs our gaze towards Mary, who was the first to experience Christ’s beating heart.” He evoked “the silence of her virginal womb,” where “the Word of life presents himself as a heartbeat of grace.”

“God, the good creator, has always known Mary’s heart and our hearts,” Leo said. “By becoming man, he makes his heart known to us.” He added that the heart of Jesus “beats for every man and woman,” both for those who welcome him and for those who reject him.

“His heart is not indifferent to those who have no heart for their neighbor,” the pope said. “It beats for the righteous, so that they may persevere in their dedication, as well as for the unrighteous, so that they may change their lives and find peace.”

At the end of the Angelus, Leo greeted the tens of thousands of pilgrims in the square and offered “good wishes of peace.” He also returned to the theme of the World Day of Peace, recalling that it has been celebrated on Jan. 1 since 1968 at the request of St. Paul VI.

In his message for the day, Leo said he wanted to repeat the wish he felt the Lord gave him at the start of his pontificate: “Peace be with you all!”

“A peace that is unarmed and disarming, which comes from God, a gift of his unconditional love, and is entrusted to our responsibility,” he said.

“Dear friends, with the grace of Christ, let us begin today to build a year of peace, disarming our hearts and refraining from all violence,” the pope continued.

Leo also expressed appreciation for peace initiatives held around the world, mentioning a national march held the previous evening in Catania and greeting participants in a march organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio.

He offered greetings as well to a group of students and teachers from Richland, New Jersey, and to the Romans and pilgrims present.

Finally, the pope noted that 2026 marks the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, and he invoked a biblical blessing for the new year: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

“May the Holy Mother of God guide us on our journey in the new year,” Leo said. “Best wishes to everyone!”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Vatican City, Jan 1, 2026 / 07:05 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV called Catholics to a steadfast openness to other people, warning that peace will not be built through force or exclusion, as he celebrated his first liturgy of the new year on Thursday. 

“The world is not saved by sharpening swords, nor by judging, oppressing, or eliminating our brothers and sisters,” the pope said in his homily for the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Rather, he added, it is saved by “tirelessly striving to understand, forgive, liberate, and welcome everyone, without calculation and without fear.” 

As is customary for the Jan. 1 Mass, a large group of diplomats accredited to the Holy See attended the liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica, underlining the international scope of the Church’s prayer for peace on the World Day of Peace, observed each year on the first day of January. 

A blessing for a new beginning 

At the start of his homily, Leo XIV pointed to the ancient biblical blessing proclaimed in the liturgy: “May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord let his face shine on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord uncover his face to you and bring you peace” (Num 6:24-26). He recalled that this blessing was addressed to a people set free, Israel after slavery in Egypt, and he drew a parallel to the Christian life at the opening of a new year. 

“For each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God’s generous love, his mercy, and the response of our freedom,” he said. The coming year, he continued, can be seen “as an open journey to be discovered,” lived with confidence “free and bearers of freedom, forgiven and bringers of forgiveness,” trusting in “the closeness and goodness of the Lord who accompanies us always.” 

Mary’s ‘yes’ and the human face of mercy 

The pope centered his reflection on the mystery of the Incarnation and Mary’s decisive role in salvation history. “By her ‘yes,’ she helped give a human face to the source of all mercy and benevolence: the face of Jesus,” he said. 

Leo XIV invited the faithful to contemplate God’s love through Christ’s life: “Through his eyes — first as a child, then as a young man and as an adult — the Father’s love reaches us and transforms us.”

He urged Catholics to begin the year with renewed confidence in that love: “Let us ask the Lord to help us experience at every moment, around us and upon us, the warmth of his fatherly embrace and the light of his benevolent gaze.”

‘Unarmed and disarming’ peace 

Echoing the theme he chose for this year’s World Day of Peace message, Leo XIV returned repeatedly to the image of God’s humility revealed in the Nativity. Citing St. Augustine, he emphasized “the complete gratuity of his love” and described God’s approach to humanity as one of radical vulnerability.

“As I emphasized in the message for this World Day of Peace, God presents himself to us ‘unarmed and disarming,’ as naked and defenseless as a newborn in a cradle,” the pope said. 

That divine “style,” he suggested, is the model for Christian action in a world tempted by coercion, retaliation, and fear. Christian witness, he said, should reflect a God who does not overwhelm but invites, and who heals rather than humiliates. 

Mary the disciple who ‘laid aside every defense’ 

Leo XIV also reflected on Mary’s path after Bethlehem, presenting her not only as mother but also as disciple. He described her as one who followed Jesus “with the heart of a humble disciple… all the way to the cross and the Resurrection.” 

“To do so, she too laid aside every defense,” he said, renouncing “expectations, claims, and comforts,” and “consecrating her life without reserve to the son she had received by grace.” 

In Mary’s divine motherhood, the pope added, the Church sees “the meeting of two immense, ‘unarmed’ realities”: God, who “renounces every privilege of his divinity to be born in the flesh” (cf. Phil 2:6-11), and the human person who embraces God’s will, offering “the greatest power she possesses: her freedom.” 

A renewed mission 

Near the end of the homily, Leo XIV recalled a Jan. 1 homily of St. John Paul II that invited Christians to begin again with courage after the Jubilee of 2000. As the Church approaches the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope, Leo XIV urged the faithful to return to the Nativity with faith and then step forward with renewed commitment. 

“Let us approach it as the place of ‘unarmed and disarming’ peace par excellence,” he said, and then, “like the humble witnesses at the grotto,” to set out once more, “glorifying and praising God” (Lk 2:20) for what they have seen and heard. 

“This be our commitment and our resolve for the months ahead, and, indeed, for the whole of our Christian lives,” he concluded. 

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. 

Jan 1, 2026 / 07:00 am (CNA).

Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a very busy year at the Vatican in 2026, with important events such as the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope and his first consistory of cardinals since his election on May 8, 2025.

1. Closing of the Jubilee of Hope — Jan. 6

On Jan. 6, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Mass and perform the rite for the closing the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing to an end the Jubilee of Hope that Pope Francis began on Dec. 24, 2024. This liturgical act officially closes a year that, according to the papal bull Spes non Confundit, has been experienced as “a time of grace and hope” for the global Church.

2. Extraordinary consistory of cardinals — Jan. 7–8

Following the conclusion of the jubilee, the pope has convened an extraordinary consistory of cardinals for Jan. 7–8. This type of meeting is usually reserved for discussing major doctrinal, institutional, or pastoral issues affecting the entire Church. Its scheduling in the days immediately following the close of the holy year underscores the pope’s intention to set a new course after the intense experience of the jubilee.

3. Extraordinary restoration in the Sistine Chapel — January

Beginning in January, the Vatican Museums will undertake extraordinary conservation work on Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” fresco in the Sistine Chapel, which will continue until March, with the expectation of completion before Holy Week. This project addresses the need to preserve the masterpiece in light of the impact of millions of visitors each year.

4. Appeal hearing in the Becciu case — Feb. 3

The appeal hearing in the case concerning the management of funds by the Secretariat of State of the Holy See in the purchase of a building in London has been postponed until Feb. 3. Spanish judge Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, dean of the Roman Rota, presides over the three-judge panel hearing the appeal of 77-year-old Cardinal Angelo Becciu. On Dec. 16, 2023, the cardinal was convicted of embezzlement and barred from holding public office. He was also fined 8,000 euros ($9,400).

5. Second World Children’s Day — Sept. 25–27

Pope Leo XIV has announced the celebration of the second World Children’s Day, which will take place in Rome Sept. 25–27. Organized by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, this event aims to bring together thousands of children and families from around the world for a time of encounter, prayer, and celebration for peace and the future of children.

Possible international trips for Pope Leo XIV in 2026

Although the official travel schedule is not yet finalized, the pontiff has expressed a desire to visit several countries during 2026:

— Algeria, an African country with deep ties to St. Augustine, is still in the planning stages as part of a possible continental itinerary.

— Argentina and Uruguay have been mentioned as possible destinations, along with an extended visit to Peru and Mexico, with a particular interest in visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world.

— There is also a strong possibility of an upcoming papal trip to Spain.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Jan 1, 2026 / 06:00 am (CNA).

On Nov. 21, 2025, Pope Leo XIV spoke to young Catholics during the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, marking his first digital encounter with American teens.

During this encounter, several young people were chosen to ask the Holy Father questions. These questions ranged in topic from prayer and technology to friendships and the future of the Church. Pope Leo gave invaluable advice to all those gathered in the stadium and watching via digital media.

Inspired by this wisdom, and with New Year’s upon us, here are 10 ideas for commitments and pratices to implement in 2026:

1. Go to confession regularly.

When asked if it’s hard to accept God’s mercy after making a mistake or letting someone down, Pope Leo encouraged young people to go to confession frequently.

“​​In confession, Jesus meets us through the priest. When we honestly confess our sins and accept our penance, the priest gives absolution and we know with certainty that we are forgiven,” the Holy Father said. “So, yes, it can be discouraging when we fall. But do not focus only on your sins. Look to Jesus. Trust his mercy and go to him with confidence. He will always welcome you home.”

In the new year, make a concrete plan to receive God’s mercy more often instead of staying stuck in shame or discouragement.

2. Begin and end each day with Jesus.

Pope Leo recommended that everyone work on giving their problems to the Lord.

“Giving our problems to Jesus is something we can do, we need to do, again and again. Each morning we can invite him to be with us during the day. Each night we can talk with him about our day,” the pope said.

Try to offer your day to the Lord in the morning and review it with him at night, handing him your worries, joys, and failures.

3. Make Eucharistic adoration a habit.

In several instances, the Holy Father spoke about the importance of spending time with Jesus in Eucharistic adoration so that we can experience how “he looks at you with love.”

Commit to visiting Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament weekly, even briefly, and speak to him honestly from the heart.

4. Commit to real friendship with Jesus in prayer.

Pope Leo encouraged young people to form a real friendship with Jesus through daily prayer.

“Jesus does not just understand our struggles from a distance,” the Holy Father said. “He actually wants us to hand them to him because he loves us. And that kind of trust starts when we have a real relationship. We cannot give our problems to someone who we barely know.”

In the new year, consider setting a daily time of silent prayer or Scripture reading so you are not giving your problems to someone you barely know but to someone you truly know.

5. Find and invest in one “faithful friend.”

Pope Leo acknowledged how difficult it can be for people to find and form genuine friendships. He described a real friend as someone who is “not only someone who’s fun to be with, though that is good too, but it’s someone who helps you grow closer to Jesus: someone who encourages you to become a better person.”

If you’re struggling with finding “faithful friends,” pray to find one or cultivate at least one friendship that helps you grow closer to Jesus and encourages you to seek help when life gets heavy.

6. Pray the rosary for help and protection.

The Holy Father reminded the faithful that in addition to speaking to Jesus about our daily problems, we should also remember to share those problems with the Blessed Mother.

“And remember also Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother. She understands what we go through, and she prays for us. There’s a powerful way to ask for her help, and that’s praying the rosary,” Pope Leo said.

Consider praying the rosary more often in the new year — whether it be a decade a day or a full rosary once a week — and ask Mary to carry your struggles to her son.

7. Limit your screen time.

When speaking to the constant use of technology in our lives and how that can pull us away from spending time with Christ, Pope Leo used St. Carlo Acutis as an example. He explained that while Acutis used technology to help people grow in their faith, he set time limits for himself.

Due to this discipline, “he found a healthy balance and kept his priorities clear. My friends, I encourage you to follow the example of Carlo Acutis. Be intentional with your screen time,” he shared.

Try setting a specific and concrete limit on social media and entertainment so technology serves your vocation instead of ruling your day.

8. Choose one way to be more present in person.

Along similar lines, when speaking about the use of technology in our lives, Pope Leo also highlighted how too much use of technology can also pull us away from being present to others with whom we have relationships.

The Holy Father said: “There’s nothing that can replace true human presence, being with one another. So, while technology certainly can connect us, it’s not the same as being physically present. We need to use it wisely without letting it overshadow our relationships.”

In the new year, aim to intentionally prioritize a face‑to‑face encounter — such as sharing a family meal, going to a youth group, or visiting someone lonely — over staying behind a screen once a week.

9. Join something in your parish.

Pope Leo encouraged young people to get involved at their parishes, not only by attending Mass but also by taking part in other activities as well.

“Stay connected to your parish. Attend Sunday Mass. Join youth activities and say ‘yes’ to opportunities, just as you’ve done taking part in this conference; opportunities where your faith can grow,” he said.

Look at the different activities or groups at your parish and make one concrete commitment to take part in something — maybe a youth group, singing in the choir, becoming a lector, or participating in a service ministry.

10. Teach the faith to someone else.

Sharing and teaching our faith to others is vital, Pope Leo explained, especially in helping the Church grow.

“One great way to build up the Church is by sharing your faith, teaching the faith to others, helping others who need you,” he said. “Teaching is often the best way to strengthen your own understanding. Deepen your prayer life as well.”

Consider becoming a catechist, volunteering in youth ministry, or peer mentoring in the new year.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The world is not saved by threatening violence or by judging, oppressing or getting rid of others, Pope Leo XIV said.

"Rather, it is saved by tirelessly striving to understand, forgive, liberate and welcome everyone, without calculation and without fear," the pope said during Mass in St. Peter's Basilica for the feast of Mary, Mother of God, and World Peace Day Jan. 1.

Therefore, at the beginning of a new year with "new and unique days that await us, let us ask the Lord to help us experience at every moment, around us and upon us, the warmth of his fatherly embrace and the light of his benevolent gaze," he said in his homily. 

The Mass marked the 59th World Day of Peace celebrated by the church. The pope's message for the world day, published in December, was dedicated to the humble, "unarmed and disarming" peace of the risen Christ who loves unconditionally.

Thousands of people were present in the basilica for the celebration on New Year's Day, including young people dressed as the three kings who visited Jesus. A figurine of the infant Jesus was before the altar, in keeping with the Christmas season of celebration, and an image of Our Lady of Hope was to the side of the main altar as a sign of the Jubilee of hope, which will end Jan. 6.

In his homily, Pope Leo reflected on the mystery of Mary's divine motherhood, which "helped give a human face to the source of all mercy and benevolence: the face of Jesus. Through his eyes -- first as a child, then as a young man and as an adult -- the Father's love reaches us and transforms us."

By being born of Mary in a grotto, he said, "God presents himself to us 'unarmed and disarming,' as naked and defenseless as a newborn in a cradle."

"He does this to teach us that the world is not saved by sharpening swords, nor by judging, oppressing or eliminating our brothers and sisters," he said. Rather, the world is saved by seeking to understand, forgive, free and welcome everyone with love. 

Mary bearing the Christ child represents "two immense, 'unarmed' realities" that come together, he said: "that of God, who renounces every privilege of his divinity to be born in the flesh, and that of a human person who, trustingly and fully, embraces God's will."

"Thus, at the dawn of the new year, the liturgy reminds us that for each of us, every day can be the beginning of a new life, thanks to God's generous love, his mercy and the response of our freedom," Pope Leo said. "It is beautiful to view the coming year in this way: as an open journey to be discovered."

"Indeed, through grace, we can venture forth on this journey with confidence -- free and bearers of freedom, forgiven and bringers of forgiveness, trusting in the closeness and goodness of the Lord who accompanies us always," he said.

Overlooking St. Peter's Square after Mass, Pope Leo urged Christians to help usher in "an era of peace and friendship among all peoples."

"The Jubilee, which is about to end, has taught us how to cultivate hope for a new world. We do this by converting our hearts to God, so as to transform wrongs into forgiveness, pain into consolation, and resolutions of virtue into good works," he said before praying the Angelus. 

The Son of God also illuminates "the consciences of people of goodwill, so that we can build the future as a welcoming home for every man and woman who comes into the world," he said.

"The heart of Jesus, therefore, beats for every man and woman; for those who are ready to welcome him, like the shepherds, and for those who do not want him, like Herod," he said.

"His heart is not indifferent to those who have no heart for their neighbor: it beats for the righteous, so that they may persevere in their dedication, as well as for the unrighteous, so that they may change their lives and find peace," Pope Leo said.

Every unborn child reveals "the divine image imprinted in our humanity," he said, and he called for prayers for peace: "first, among nations bloodied by conflict and suffering, but also within our homes, in families wounded by violence or pain." 

At his first Angelus greeting of 2026, Pope Leo urges everyone to “build a year of peace, by disarming our hearts and refraining from every form of violence.”

Read all

 

In his first Angelus address for 2026, Pope Leo reminds us that the Jubilee has taught us how to cultivate hope for a new world, and says that God is inviting us “to renew our times by finally ushering in an era of peace and friendship among peoples.”

Read all

 

Pope Leo XIV celebrates his first public Mass of 2026 on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, telling believers that Mary has revealed the ‘unarmed and disarming’ face of God.

Read all

 

Dec 31, 2025 / 16:00 pm (CNA).

On New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, and the first day of 2026, the Catholic Church offers the opportunity to obtain plenary indulgences as a sign of God’s mercy and the desire for the sanctification of all her members.

A plenary indulgence is remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven.

Indulgences on Dec. 31

On the eve of the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, the Church grants a plenary indulgence to those Christian faithful who publicly recite the “Te Deum,” thanking God for the year that is ending. This blessing is extended especially on Dec. 31.

To recite the “Te Deum,” click here.

Indulgences on Jan. 1

Likewise, on Jan. 1, the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a plenary indulgence is granted to those who publicly recite the hymn “Veni Creator,” imploring blessings for the new year that is beginning.

To recite the “Veni Creator,” click here.

Additionally, those who devoutly receive the papal blessing “urbi et orbi” (“for the city and for the world”), either through radio, television, or the internet, as well as those who devoutly receive the blessing of the bishop of their diocese, will also be able to obtain these special blessings from the Church.

Conditions to obtain a plenary indulgence

In addition to performing the specific work mentioned above, the following conditions must be met:

First, it is necessary to be detached from all sin, even venial sin.

Second, one must make a sacramental confession, receive Communion, and pray for the pope’s intentions. These conditions can be met a few days before or after carrying out the action prescribed to obtain the indulgence, but it is suggested that Communion and prayer be performed on the same day that the action is carried out.

It is important to note that several indulgences can be obtained through a single confession, although frequent participation in the sacrament of reconciliation is recommended in order to deepen one’s conversion and purity of heart.

As for receiving Communion and praying for the intentions of the Holy Father, it should be noted that with just one Communion and one prayer, made on the same day, a plenary indulgence is obtained.

Finally, the condition of praying for the intentions of the supreme pontiff is fulfilled by reciting one Our Father and one Hail Mary. However, each Christian is given the right to use any other formula according to his personal piety and devotion.

What is a plenary indulgence?

A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.

It is not a forgiveness of sin but the remission of punishment for sins already forgiven. It may apply either to oneself or to souls already in purgatory.

In order to obtain a plenary indulgence the faithful must — in addition to being in the state of grace — both have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin (even venial sin), have sacramentally confessed their sins and received the Eucharist (either within or outside of Mass), and must pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.

The conditions for a plenary indulgence can be fulfilled a few days before or after performing the actions specified to gain the indulgence, but it is appropriate that Communion and the prayer take place on the same day that the work is completed.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Dec 31, 2025 / 15:30 pm (CNA).

2025 was a complex and multifaceted year for Christians in the Middle East. Across six pivotal countries, the contours of this reality reveal an uneven trajectory that is nevertheless unified in essence: a steadfast attachment to land and faith amid harsh circumstances and ongoing challenges.

Egypt: Official support and societal challenges

Throughout the year, the Egyptian state continued its positive policies toward Christians, most notably through the development of the Holy Family Trail, the legalization of the status of 160 churches and related buildings, and the disbursement of a “Christmas grant” to informal workers. At the same time, Copts faced ongoing challenges, including the failure of some universities to take Christian feast days into account when scheduling examinations.

More profoundly, sporadic attacks led by extremists persisted, involving the abduction of girls, the displacement of families, and the vandalism of property, churches, and cemeteries, along with hate speech targeted at Christians. These incidents underscored a gap between official positions and certain societal practices.

Jordan: A model of stability awaiting completion

Jordan remains among the safest countries in the region for Christians, with increasing official support.

This year, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities established eight Christmas celebration sites nationwide, launched the Baptism Route for Christian pilgrimage, and issued postage stamps featuring icons of Jordanian saints.

The country also hosted church-related intellectual conferences, and the king of Jordan held significant meetings this month with Church leaders from the region and from around the world.

Nevertheless, Christians continue to await the issuance of a new personal status law, while emigration persists, having significantly reduced their population over past decades to around 4%, according to some sources, which is down from nearly 12% in 1956.

Lebanon: Papal hope amid persistent crises

Lebanon continues to grapple with the legacy of its civil war 50 years on, along with deep divisions and ongoing crises.

In 2025, the country suffered destruction from Israeli bombardment, particularly in the south, alongside security breakdowns that included the killing of a priest in his home and a spate of church thefts.

The pope’s visit offered a profound spiritual balm, carrying strong messages of peace, Lebanon’s role in the world, the responsibility of youth in shaping the future, and the imperative not to forget the poor and vulnerable.

Yet political and economic realities continue to weigh heavily on Christians, leaving emigration as an ever-present option.

Syria: Official reassurances and deep-seated anxiety

Syria’s Christians endured a difficult year amid security breakdowns and scattered acts of vandalism targeting churches and religious symbols.

The most serious incidents occurred in the heart of Damascus with the bombing of St. Elias Church and in Suwayda, where at least six churches were vandalized, numerous properties looted, and several Christians killed.

In response, cooperation between the state and the Church, along with meetings between political leadership — particularly President Ahmed al-Sharaa — and patriarchs, helped ease some concerns, alongside heightened security measures around churches on Sundays and feast days.

Still, Christians continue to face harsh living conditions and fears of an uncertain future, including those in eastern Syria under the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

The Holy Land: Cautious celebration amid ongoing threats

Holy Land Christians returned this year to celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem and elsewhere following a decline in the intensity of the war there, despite the destruction it left behind, especially in Gaza, where those who remain face the challenge of living with dignity.

In the West Bank, settler attacks escalated, particularly in the Christian town of Taybeh.

With ongoing unemployment and instability, Christian emigration continues from the Holy Land, reducing the Christian proportion to around 1%. Their numbers have declined sharply, especially in Jerusalem, where Christians now number no more than about 6,700.

In Bethlehem, emigration is no longer an individual phenomenon but increasingly affects entire families, fueling fears that the Holy Land could be emptied of its indigenous Christian population and transformed into little more than a living museum.

Iraq: Church reconstruction and ongoing attacks

Iraq witnessed a stark paradox in 2025: repeated attacks on cemeteries and churches, and renewed waves of emigration that have cost the country nearly 90% of its Christian population.

The decline of the Christian population has taken place over two decades, alongside the reconstruction and reopening of monasteries and churches. These include the Monastery of Mar Oraha, the Chaldean Church of the Immaculate Conception, St. Thomas Syriac Orthodox Church in Mosul, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Light in Ankawa, and the consecration of the altar of Our Lady of the Syrians Church in Duhok for the Syriac Orthodox.

This year the Church of Abraham in the ancient archaeological site of Ur hosted its first-ever prayer service. Politically, the 2025 parliamentary elections revived debate over the Christian quota and representation, amid Church calls for unity and the defense of rights.

Emigration — especially among youth — remained the dominant theme.

A sign of hope

The Vatican announced this year the canonization of the martyred bishop Ignatius Maloyan, a deeply symbolic step that once again cast light on the history of martyrdom that has shaped Christian presence in the region.

The resonance of the Roman pontiff’s message at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy in Beirut continues to echo among the peoples of the Middle East: “The Middle East needs new attitudes: a rejection of the logic of revenge and violence, a move beyond political, social, and religious divisions, and the opening of new pages in the name of reconciliation and peace. We have traveled the path of mutual hostility and destruction for far too long, and we all witness the painful results. We must change course and educate the heart for peace. To the Christians of the East, the sons and daughters of these lands, I repeat and say: Take courage.”

This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated for and adapted by CNA.