by Amir Taheri | Oct 16, 2014 | Book Reviews
In a curious coincidence, the list of candidates for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize included two religious leaders. The Argentinian parliament nominated Pope Francis for his “efforts to bring peace in Syria.” Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the spiritual leader of most of...
by Asharq Al-Awsat | May 24, 2014 | Middle East
Amman, AP—Pope Francis arrived Saturday in Jordan, kicking off a three-day trip to the Middle East that will see him get a firsthand look at the plight of Syrian refugees and witness the toll the civil war next door is taking on Jordan. His plane touched down at...
by Asharq Al-Awsat | Apr 27, 2014 | World
Vatican City, Reuters—Pope Francis proclaimed his predecessors John XXIII and John Paul II saints in front of more than half a million pilgrims on Sunday, hailing both as courageous men who withstood the tragedies of the 20th century. Cheers and applause rang out...
by Asharq Al-Awsat | Mar 22, 2013 | World
Vatican City, Reuters—Pope Francis urged the West on Friday to intensify dialogue with Islam, and also appealed to the world to do more to combat poverty. The new pontiff made his appeal in an address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican, sending a message through...
by Asharq Al-Awsat | Mar 16, 2013 | World
Vatican City, Reuters—Pope Francis, giving his clearest indication yet that he wants a more austere Catholic Church, said on Saturday that it should be poor and remember that its mission is to serve the poor. The pope made his comments in an audience with journalists,...
