Pope Benedict XVI says he will summon a special synod of bishops in October to discuss the situation in the Middle East. The theme of the synod will be "The Catholic Church in the Middle East, communion and witness."
The archbishop of the Iraqi city of Kirkuk, Louis Sako, had asked the pontiff in January to hold a conference on the situation of the Christian minorities in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran. Many are under attack; in recent years large numbers of Christians in the Middle East have left their countries of origin.
While visiting the Middle East in May, Pope Benedict called on Christians in the region to remain instead of emigrating. He called on governments in the region to see to it that people are free to practise their own religion.
Pope Benedict XVI
Photo by ANP
Photo by ANP
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