In a landmark moment that bridges the Middle East with the faithful of Asia, the Holy See has elevated the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Al-Ahmadi, Kuwait, to the rank of Minor Basilica.
According to the World Watch List 2026 released by Open Doors, an estimated 388 million Christians globally now face persecution or serious risk of violence—an increase of 8 million people compared to the previous year. This marks the highest number ever recorded.
One year after Hamas’ largest terrorist attack on Israeli soil, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with
the victims of continued violence in the Middle East.
