Security forces and civil defense units deployed extensively around churches in various Syrian cities to ensure safety during Christmas festivities. Officials stated these measures aim to guarantee rapid response capabilities. Police also managed traffic to facilitate worshipper access. Celebrations held in different provinces featured sermons promoting love and tolerance. This security presence follows a recent political shift when opposition forces entered the capital. Participants expressed happiness, hoping the events signal a future of stability and peace for the country's diverse religious communities.
Translated from العربية
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On December 22, children in Bethlehem organized a peace march through the city streets, an event arranged by the Custody of the Holy Land. The initiative aims to send a message of hope to global leaders. Father Ibrahim Flats of the Franciscans stated that the march resumed in 2025 after a two-year pause due to the war, carrying a stronger meaning this year. The event is part of the Children Without Borders project, which engages approximately 600 young people from various backgrounds in Bethlehem and surrounding areas. The organizers emphasize that peace is a concrete commitment and urge the world not to normalize conflict.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning systematic human rights violations in Iran, including torture, sexual violence, and the suppression of women. A leader of the Iranian resistance welcomed the decision, noting it was the first to mention past massacres and the impunity of perpetrators. Reports indicate that executions exceeded 2,000 in the region, including women and children. The article argues that internal conflict between the regime and the people remains the regime's critical weakness, urging international accountability for crimes against humanity.
Iraqi Christians believe their historic presence is threatened by political Islam and state weakness. Extremist roots remain after ISIS's defeat, now disguised by political influence. Christians report systematic pressure in various regions, including northern areas and major cities, to leave homes through economic intimidation and land seizures. Activists claim some political forces are part of the government, enabling this demographic shift. Consequently, many families are fleeing for survival. This silent process risks erasing one of Iraq's oldest cultural components and signifies a failure of the state to protect minorities or enforce the rule of law.
The Vatican called for shared global responsibility in welcoming refugees during the World Refugee Forum in Geneva, Switzerland, from December 15 to 17. Monsignor Ettore Balestrero, the Holy See’s permanent observer to the UN, emphasized that no state or individual should face displacement burdens alone. He highlighted the need to address root causes of forced migration and ensure safe returns, echoing Pope Leo XIV’s recent address in Beirut, Lebanon. The statement reaffirmed the principle of non-refoulement under the 1951 Refugee Convention, warning against returning asylum seekers to danger. The Holy See also welcomed increased resettlement commitments and stressed partnerships among governments, religious organizations, and civil society to support lasting peace and reconciliation. (ZENIT Arabic)
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Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa held a press conference in Jerusalem following his first visit to Gaza since the ceasefire. He expressed the Catholic Church's solidarity with residents exhausted by over two years of war. Pizzaballa described the economic situation as catastrophic, noting that most people rely on international aid due to a lack of work and money. He highlighted the suffering of children who are out of school and emphasized that restoring education is a priority for the Latin Patriarchate. The Cardinal called for constructive action and spiritual support, stating the Church will do everything possible to help rebuild hope and stability in the region.
A media outlet has published content questioning the ongoing harassment and attacks against Christians and Yazidis in Iraq. The report highlights concerns regarding the safety and treatment of these minority groups within the country. The article directs readers to a social media video for further details on the reported incidents. This coverage underscores the persistent challenges faced by religious minorities in the region, drawing attention to their vulnerable status amid continued threats.
Political prisoners in Iran have sustained a weekly hunger strike for 99 weeks to protest the government's execution policy. Launched in early 2024, the campaign now involves 55 prisons across the country. According to the outlet, the Iranian regime executed over 1,300 people in 2025, making Iran the global leader in executions per capita. The prisoners state that reconciliation is impossible without justice and that executions negate social reconciliation. Despite new death sentences issued against individuals, the activists continue their resistance against what they describe as a killing machine. The movement calls for international attention to these human rights violations.
Thousands gathered in Bethlehem on Saturday, December 6, to witness the lighting of the Christmas tree. This event marked the return of a long-standing tradition in the town associated with the birth of Jesus, following a two-year hiatus. The pause was observed in solidarity with residents of Gaza. The ceremony included civil and religious authorities, diplomats, journalists, Franciscan friars, scouts, and a choir of students. The Vatican Nuncio attended the event, which featured international messages broadcast on screens, including greetings from Andrea Bocelli. The initiative aims to revive hope in the region.
Security authorities in northern Iraq announced the arrest of a suspect for damaging Christian headstones in a village in the Kurdistan region. The individual confessed, claiming alcohol influence, following public outrage over shared photos of the vandalism. This incident occurred recently, prompting a judicial arrest. The outlet notes the suspect had a prior record, including an arson conviction in another city in the region years earlier, from which he was previously released. The current detention follows a specific judicial order related to this recent desecration of graves.
Residents of a town in northern Iraq have firmly rejected a plan to construct a new government complex in the center. The group claims the project involves administrative departments on land disputed by locals and previously seized by former revolutionary council decisions. They argue this violates legal ownership and administrative protocols. The statement accuses authorities of attempting to alter the area's demographic composition by imposing institutions in a predominantly Syriac city without consent. The group warns that silence equals complicity, demanding an immediate halt to the project and a transparent investigation into alleged land seizures. They hold government and judicial bodies fully responsible.
A regional outlet published an article criticizing a prominent religious leader for inciting hatred against Christians in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The author argues that the leader's speeches, particularly during Christmas, contradict the region's slogan of coexistence and respect for diversity. The text describes his rhetoric as divisive and dangerous, labeling it a legal and moral crime rather than a personal opinion. The outlet calls for accountability from both the Kurdistan Regional and federal governments to prosecute those promoting religious hatred, emphasizing that Christians are indigenous to Iraq and not outsiders.
According to Ankawa.com, dozens of Christian graves in a village in northern Iraq were deliberately vandalized recently. This incident continues similar attacks previously reported in another region. A local Facebook page reported that over forty graves were damaged. The outlet claims local authorities are withholding details and that government forces prevented residents from visiting the sites, suggesting an attempt to cover up the crime. The group describes these acts as systematic violations of coexistence and demands a public investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Christians across Syria are preparing for Christmas celebrations in a notably positive atmosphere, marking a shift from the uncertainty of the previous year. Despite occasional security disruptions, churches in various cities are hosting events such as tree lightings, charity bazaars, and musical performances. Religious leaders emphasize national unity and hope for a new era of cooperation. In the capital, communities continue annual peace initiatives, while religious orders in other regions have established special Christmas activities to highlight spiritual messages. The widespread activities reflect a renewed sense of community and optimism among the country's Christian population.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin spent six days in Mozambique, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the country. He met with President Daniel Chapo in the capital to discuss peace and social justice. The visit also included a pastoral trip to a northern province, where armed attacks have displaced over 1.3 million people since 2017. Parolin visited a major city, celebrated Mass at a local cathedral, and met with students at a reintegration center. He urged hope and dialogue, entrusting the region to the Virgin Mary as peace efforts continue. The visit concluded with a stop at a religious center near the capital.
A former minister in the Kurdistan Regional Government wrote to a US advisor, urging the US President to protect Assyrians in Iraq. The official resigned in 2014, alleging a conspiracy to displace his people from their historic homeland in northern Iraq. He claimed that coordinated withdrawals of local forces allowed extremist groups to seize major cities, forcing Assyrians to flee. Although he helped secure US pressure to halt an initial advance, he argues that subsequent displacement was intentional. He demands continued US diplomatic pressure to ensure Assyrian rights and prevent demographic changes in their ancestral region.
On December 6, 2025, Pope Leo XIV addressed participants at the sixth Christmas concert with the poor in the Paul VI Hall in Vatican City. The pontiff praised music as a divine gift that connects heaven and earth, offering hope rather than mere entertainment. He thanked Cardinal Baldur Rinne, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, and organizers including Michael Bublé and Serena Otieri. The Pope emphasized that Christmas carols recall the angels singing at Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, urging attendees to keep their hearts open to God and those in need during the Advent season.
On December 9, 2025, ZENIT Arabic reported that Pope Francis held his third meeting with the Ukrainian President, stressing the importance of peace. The Vatican news outlet also highlighted other topics, including a nun revealing the Pope's wishes regarding assets left by those who abandoned their duties. Additionally, the summary mentions the Pope honoring the Virgin Mary in Spain and concerns regarding war-affected families and children's fates. These events underscore the Holy See's focus on conflict victims and spiritual hope during this period.
Christians in Iraq are preparing for Christmas through spiritual activities and charitable works across several cities. In the capital, a religious leader led a hymn evening at a local church. In another town, a choir performed at a Catholic church. Charitable markets were organized in southern and northern regions to support the poor and sick. These events, involving various religious communities, highlight the season's focus on prayer, hymns, and helping those in need throughout the country.
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