Christian communities in Middle East face mounting pressure, bishop says

War, economic instability, and emigration are driving a decline in Christian communities across the Holy Land, said Bishop Iyad Akram Twal, auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

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Bishop Iyad Akram Twal, auxiliary bishop of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, said Christians face an increasingly precarious situation in the Middle East.
War, economic instability, and continued emigration are placing increasing pressure on the Christian presence in the region, driving a significant decline in communities across the Holy Land and neighboring countries, Twal said in an interview that aired June 25 with Veronica Dudo of EWTN News Nightly.
Reflecting on Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s June 22 visit to Gaza alongside Greek Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III, Twal said the trip was a powerful sign of Christian unity and solidarity with those suffering amid the ongoing conflict.
“It is very important because it shows that Catholics and Orthodox are working together for peace and justice,” Twal said. “It is very important for our people in Gaza to see that we are united together. We care for them, we follow them, and we are close to them.”
The cardinal’s presence, he said, reassured local Christians that Church leaders remain committed to accompanying them through the hardships of war. “It is our duty to be close always to our people in the parishes, in the church in Gaza,” he added.
The bishop emphasized that the Middle East cannot be viewed as a single reality. Conditions vary greatly among countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories, each facing its own unique challenges. Yet one concern unites them all: the steady decline of the Christian population.
“Generally speaking, Christianity in the Middle East is shrinking, and our numbers are decreasing,” Twal said. He attributed the decline to “the instability of the political situation, of wars, of conflicts.”
He noted that Christians in the Palestinian territories number about 4,000, while the Catholic parish in Gaza has dwindled to roughly 700 members. Conflict and political instability continue to drive many families to leave in search of safety and opportunity elsewhere, Twal said.
Despite these hardships, he stressed that the Catholic Church’s presence remains vital. Through its parishes, schools, hospitals, and charitable ministries, the Church provides stability and hope for vulnerable communities, serving both Christians and Muslims.
Asked whether peace is possible in the region, Twal responded emphatically: “Of course, peace is possible because we believe in it and we work for it.”
He added that peace requires daily commitment and practical action. “Peace is not only a principle that we just think about or believe in. Peace is a daily work. It is our responsibility, even with small gestures and activities,” he said.
The bishop pointed to the Church’s educational, medical, and humanitarian efforts as concrete ways it promotes peace and serves local communities. “Through our schools, our parishes, our hospitals, the services we offer to everyone, Christians and Muslims, we are building peace,” he said.
Twal also praised Pope Leo XIV for his continued calls for prayer and solidarity with those suffering throughout the region, noting that “the Holy Father is always asking to pray for us and encouraging people to be close to us.”
Calling on Christians worldwide to support the Church in the Holy Land, Bishop Twal encouraged pilgrims to visit.
“Come and visit us,” he said. “Coming to us, visiting us, it’s a sign of solidarity and support and knowing better. So stay close, either by knowing our situation or by coming and visiting us.”