“The international community must take immediate and decisive action to tackle the problems which are threatening the continuing Christian presence in Iraq,” said Neville Kyrke-Smith, national director of Aid to the Church in Need (UK).

“I call upon all parties to fan the flame of dialogue and self-control – and to banish the shadow of enmity,” said Pope Francis.

More than 245 million Christians live in a place where they experience high levels of persecution – IDOP.

“Widespread evidence shows that today, Christians constitute the most widely persecuted religion.”

The theme of the visit is “Make me a channel of your peace”, which reflects the urgent need in the region to pursue peaceful coexistence.

Since 1976, Sr Mary Killeen has introduced education, health, and community services programmes to the slums of Mukuru in Nairobi, helping over 170,000 people to become self-sustainable.

"Our job is primarily to support the Church in those places where it does not have the material resources to carry out its pastoral activities or where Christians are suffering from oppression, persecution and violence.”

"A Middle East without Christians would not be the Middle East."

We Christians believe and know that Christ’s resurrection is the true hope of the world, the hope that does not disappoint.

Twenty ecumenical accompaniers from Britain and Ireland are currently being recruited to serve in Palestine and Israel next year.

The Geneva Convention prohibits states from moving population into areas occupied as a result of war, but since 1967, Israel has transferred over 600,000 of its citizens onto Palestinian land.

“May beloved Syria at last recover respect for the dignity of every person through a shared commitment to rebuild the fabric of society, without regard for ethnic and religious membership.”

Sixth meeting of the Commission since its foundation will bring together high profile religious leaders between 23 and 28 October for the first time in Ireland.

Viewers in Ireland and the UK can view one of the world’s largest online conferences which will be addressed by a host of high profile international commentators and experts.

Terry Waite had spent many years travelling the world’s worst war zones before being captured and held in solitary confinement for almost five years. He has never given up on his belief that peace is possible.

In an address to mark the quincentenary of the Reformation, Archbishop Michael Jackson said the challenge to universities is whether it is still really necessary to be ‘anti-religious’.

Trócaire's work would not be possible without the generosity of parishioners, students, teachers, clergy, volunteers and supporters who believe passionately in remembering those less well off than themselves – Trócaire’s Kevin Donnelly.

Representatives of the three Abrahamic Faiths in Ireland sign Joint Declaration on Holy Land and present it to Archbishop Suheil Dawani in Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation.

Lasting peace and security can only be achieved in the context of a renewed international commitment to solidarity, human rights and respect for diversity.

“Racism and xenophobia are garnering electoral power in many countries” – President Higgins.

“I encourage the faithful to share the ideals of the Caritas International #PeacePossible4Syria campaign and to pray for peace in the Middle East, especially in Syria and the city of Aleppo” – Bishop Crean.

For the first time Ireland hosts meeting of national directors of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

"We intensify our plea for mutual understanding and a just and lasting peace for this land which has known too much conflict, too much pain and division," Archbishop Eamon Martin tells Bethlehem's mayor.

To end hatred, self-destruction and fratricidal conflict is the main challenge for all involved in interfaith dialogue.

The social aspects of the GAA club are of “particular benefit to recent Irish emigrants, contributing to a sense of belonging and promoting well-being when far away from friends and family”.

Carmelite Sisters remain on in Aleppo to help families facing daily bombardment even though their convent is at the centre of ongoing conflict.

The phenomenon of immigration is “new, different, and strange to the average Polish person”.

“The attack on Christians has been immense. Pray for their safety in this chaotic situation” - Chaldean Archbishop Bashar M. Warda told the UK-based Release International.

Last year’s Trócaire Lenten campaign raised almost € 8.3 million, which was about a 4 percent increase on the 2014 figure of €8 million.

Bishops concerned that process of taking in refugees seems to have slipped onto the back-burner of Irish politics.