By Georgena Habbaba
ACI MENA, Mar 25, 2025 / 15:15 pm
March 25 marks the third anniversary of ACI MENA, the Association for Catholic Information in the Middle East and Northern Africa, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner.
A service of EWTN News, ACI MENA was established in 2022 and currently operates from the Catholic University in Erbil, a city in northern Iraq.
Since its founding, ACI MENA has established itself as a trusted news source, committed to shedding light on the struggles of Middle Eastern Christians. In a short time, the news agency has become their voice, highlighting their resilience, creativity, and determination, showcasing their rich religious and cultural heritages.
Gaza, where Christians weep twice
Last year was marked by dramatic events across the region, and ACI MENA provided in-depth coverage of the suffering of Christians in Gaza and the Holy Land. The agency drew attention to the prayers of the Church and its faithful for peace and their unwavering hope, despite the devastating toll of war. It also shed light on the efforts of Catholic relief organizations to support those who remain amid a sharp decline in the Christian population.
The agency captured the moment when Gaza’s Christians breathed a sigh of relief at the announcement of the ceasefire, weeping twice — once in joy for the war’s end and once in sorrow for its victims.
Welcome to the world of ACI MENA, where we bring you the latest updates on peace, spirituality, and the struggles faced by Christians in the Middle East. Our mission is to highlight the stories that often go untold, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of communities in conflict-ridden regions.
One of our recent endeavors involved closely following Pope Francis’ unwavering support for the Church in Gaza, as well as his spiritual guidance during his battle with illness. We also provided extensive coverage of developments in Syria and Lebanon, documenting the hardships faced by Christians in these war-torn countries.
Our joint documentary with EWTN News on Iraqi Christians’ resilience in their ancestral homeland showcases the strength and perseverance of a community that has endured immense suffering. The documentary delves into their rituals, spiritual practices, and ongoing reconstruction efforts following ISIS’ occupation.
Join us on this journey of discovery and compassion as we navigate the complexities of the Middle East, one story at a time. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from ACI MENA, where every story matters.
Welcome to ACI MENA: Your Trusted Source for Vatican News
At ACI MENA, we pride ourselves on providing extensive and accurate coverage of Vatican affairs. Our recent reporting on Pope Francis’ health has established us as a credible reference for Middle Eastern Catholics seeking reliable updates on the Holy Father.
But our coverage goes beyond just Vatican news. We also report on diocesan and monastic activities leading up to the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Additionally, we offer spiritual and educational content, including interviews with clergy and laity from Eastern Catholic Churches, as well as inspiring testimonies of faith.
This story was first published by ACI MENA, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted by CNA.
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Georgena Habbaba is an Iraqi journalist and writer for ACI MENA as well as former Arabic-language supervisor at St. Peter Seminary for the Chaldean Patriarchate in Erbil, Iraq.
