Middle East Briefing: Holding on to a legacy of peace
From ongoing conflict in Gaza and Sudan to Türkiye’s earthquakes and political unrest, Christian communities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are facing immense physical and emotional trials. At the same time, the passing of Pope Francis – a global symbol of peace and unity – has stirred reflection and renewed calls for compassion and courage. Through it all, SAT-7 continues to uplift and connect believers, broadcasting peace, prayer, and truth into places of darkness.
Middle East Briefing – Holding on to a legacy of peace
MIDDLE EAST CHRISTIANS MOURN DEATH OF POPE FRANCIS
Christians in the Middle East have been mourning the death of Pope Francis, who was regarded as a man of peace and an advocate for the region’s believers. Catholic Christians constitute a significant portion of the Christian population in the Middle East, with estimates suggesting they make up about 44% of all Christians in the region.
SAT-7’s international CEO Rita El-Mounayer shared: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Pope Francis, especially at such a poignant time for Christians around the world. He was a remarkable man and servant leader who cared passionately about those trapped in the worst circumstances. He tirelessly worked to encourage us all, as Christians from all denominations, to work together, advocate for the most oppressed people, and speak out for the voiceless. Even in his advanced years and ailing health, he remained a consistent voice for peace right here in the Middle East and North Africa.”
The funeral of Pope Francis was broadcast on SAT-7 alongside several programmes that have been paying tribute to his life and legacy. SAT-7 also covered the conclave, which elected the first American Pope, Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV. Please join us in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he takes up his new post.
CONFLICT CONTINUES IN THE HOLY LAND
As tensions in the Holy Land continue to rise, Christians there have also been remembering Pope Francis’ final message of peace to them. Fr Romanelli of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza described on SAT-7 ARABIC programme You Are Not Alone how Pope Francis called the Christians sheltering there every evening. “The last time he called us was a short call, but he said he… works for peace and justice in the region… He called for the end of the war and the release of hostages and for human aid to get into Gaza, because the situation here is catastrophic.”
The ongoing situation in the Holy Land remains tense as airstrikes continue and Israel expands its offensive across Gaza, alongside a blockade of aid including food and medical supplies. Fr Romanelli described how hundreds of Christians continue to shelter in Gaza’s only Catholic church, which is providing emergency help to the community. He shared: “Living in close quarters with 500 people isn’t easy, but even so, we consider ourselves lucky… Many want to remain because they were born here, this is their land, and they see themselves as the descendants of the first Christians, which is indeed the case, as are all the Christians in the Holy Land.”
Meanwhile, Bishop William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine, visited the UK last month to appeal to UK parliamentarians and call for a “courageous spirit of leadership” to bring about peace. Please pray that food aid will be able to reach those in need and for an end to the violence in the Holy Land.
SAT-7 SUPPORTS SUDANESE CHRISTIANS AS CIVIL WAR EXCEEDS 2 YEARS
As conflict continues in Gaza, so too does the brutal civil war in Sudan, which last month passed its 2-year anniversary. Tens of thousands of people have been killed since the conflict began, with over 12 million people having been displaced from their homes and 25 million people – around half of the population – now facing acute hunger. The civil war has also compounded discrimination towards Christians, with Christian communities targeted by religious extremists on both sides, and reports of local communities refusing to give food aid to Christians.
As a result, Sudanese believers have a desperate need, not only for physical security, but also for spiritual encouragement. SAT-7 is continuing to encourage and equip viewers in Sudan, as well as offering prayer and support through Christ-centred programming and ongoing Viewer Support services. In the run-up to Easter, SAT-7 ARABIC broadcast a short series made by Sudanese Christians called Light of The Resurrection, featuring teaching and worship. Salam, a Sunday School teacher, shared how she is using SAT-7 materials with children in displacement camps: “Due to the war and losing most of my resources, I use your videos and hymns… May God bless your hard work. I’m thrilled to be sharing and receiving from you.”
In the meantime, God’s Word and SAT-7s content have been helping Sudanese Christians stay strong and hold onto hope: “I learned so much through following your page. Everything you post makes a difference in my life and is a blessing to me,” shared Khalil, a Sudanese viewer who has sought refuge in Egypt. “God’s help in times of trouble as declared in Isaiah 64:4 has helped me to regain some peace despite all the turmoil surrounding us.” Give thanks that SAT-7 content is providing comfort and hope to viewers in Sudan as they face immense challenges.
Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”
(Isaiah 64:4, NIV).
RECENT QUAKES AND ANCIENT FLOODS IN TÜRKIYE
We turn finally to Türkiye, which has once again been affected by earthquakes. On 23 April, tremors reaching as high as 6.2 on the Richter scale hit the country’s largest city, Istanbul, injuring over 150 people. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported in the quake, which was one of the strongest to hit the country in recent years. SAT-7 TÜRK’s staff in the city shared how the more than 50 aftershocks continued to cause damage and uncertainty, as people were forced seek shelter outside in unseasonably low temperatures for fear of buildings collapsing.
The quakes have come at a time of instability in Türkiye, with protests and riots affecting the capital in response to the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, who is President Erdogan’s primary political rival. Over 1,000 people have been arrested since the start of the unrest.
In more positive news from Türkiye, scientists have made a potentially groundbreaking find that has sparked suggestions of a possible Biblical discovery – Noah’s Ark.
An international team of researchers have been investigating a boat-like mound in the Durupinar Formation, located around 35 kilometres south of Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı). Recent analysis of soil samples from the site have revealed traces of 3,500- to 5,000-year-old marine deposits and seafood remnants, suggesting that the area was once submerged under water. These findings support the idea of a catastrophic flood and have attracted significant attention, with the suggestion that these are the fossilised remains of Noah’s Ark.
Lead researcher Professor Faruk Kaya shared: “Our studies… suggest an event of epic proportions.” The team, who stress that protecting the area is their top priority, hope that further non-destructive testing of the site, such as geophysical surveys, radar scans and core drilling, will help them understand the nature of the subsurface structures and finally determine if the formation really is a man-made structure.
Please Pray:
- Pray for a de-escalation of conflict in the Holy Land, and ask that most vulnerable will receive the food and aid that they urgently need. Pray for the hundreds of Christians sheltering in the Holy Family Catholic Church.
- Pray for an end to the civil war in Sudan, and for aid to reach those in need of food and other essentials. Give thanks that SAT-7 is able to broadcast into Sudan, and pray that Sudanese Christians will continue to hold onto their faith in Jesus as they endure the hardships and danger of war.
- Pray for wisdom and safety in Türkiye in the wake of the earthquakes and political protests.
- Give thanks for the life and legacy of Pope Francis, and pray that the new Pope Leo XIV will follow his example of advocating for the Middle East’s Christian population.