Following a historic three-day visit to Lebanon, Pope Benedict is now on his way back to Rome. This was a very important trip for the 85-year old Pontiff. Despite increased tension and violence in the Middle East, he spent time meeting with government officials, signed the long-awaited Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente and met ...read more

One of the most significant moments of the Holy Father’s trip to Lebanon thus far has been the signing of the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Eccleisa in Medio Oriente. He signed the message yesterday during his visit to the Melkite Catholic Basilica of St. Paul in Harissa. He then presented it to the people of Lebanon ...read more

Earlier today, Pope Benedict celebrated Mass and officially presented the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente at the City Centre Waterfront in Beirut. Published below are copies of his homily and Angelus, which followed the celebration of Mass. Dear Brothers and Sisters, “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Eph 1:3).  ...read more

Pope Benedict XVI is known to have a special place in his heart for young people. Following his meeting with government officials, he delivered an address to young people gathered on the square in front of the Maronite Patriarchate at Bkerke. Published below is a copy of his official text. Your Beatitude, Brother Bishops, Dear ...read more

On Day 2 of Pope Benedict’s trip to Lebanon, he met with members of the government, institutions of the Republic, the diplomatic corps, religious leaders and representatives of the world of culture. The meeting took place inside the Presidential Palace at Baabda. Below, you will find a copy of his address. Mr President, Dear Friends, ...read more

This Wednesday, September 19 at St. Paul’s University, S+L presents the Ottawa premiere of its latest documentary Across the Divide. The film takes viewers to Bethlehem University, depicting the struggles of the students, as well as the religious brothers who administer the only Catholic university in the Holy Land. Following the screening, there will be ...read more

Today the Pope landed in Lebanon to release his highly-anticipated message about the Christians of the Middle East. Why are the Christians struggling? And how can the Pope help them? On Catholic Focus, we interview the Patriarch of the Maronite Catholic Church and an Armenian Orthodox peace activist. We ask them what they expect the ...read more

“Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is a despot whose shooting and shelling of his own people cannot be defended,” wrote the Catholic Register in an editorial earlier this year, “yet he may be the last line of defence for Syria’s Catholics.” The editorial captures the paradox of a country where, despite an escalating civilian death toll, ...read more

This special message comes to us from Archbishop Terrence Prendergast, SJ, the Archbishop of Ottawa. His letter coincides with today’s feast, the Triumph of the Cross. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This fall marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. To commemorate this Golden Anniversary, Pope Benedict XVI wrote ...read more

In a continuing series of his events in Lebanon today, Pope Benedict visited St. Paul’s Melkite Greek Basilica in Harissa and signed the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente. This stems from a special Synod of Bishops in the Middle East that took place at the Vatican in 2010. Below is a copy of ...read more