In the last 30 years, the presence of Christians in the Middle East has decreased. The spokesman for the Council of Heads of Catholic Churches in Jerusalem reported that in 1992, Christians made up 25% of the city's population. But since then, the number has dropped to less than 1%.
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem has been providing aid to Christians facing different challenges in the Holy Land.
MICHAEL LA CIVITA
Lieutenant, Eastern Lieutenancy of the United States
The Christians are affected or impacted by, whether it's economic but all of the circumstances that impact every other people, any other group.
All of those things and this is impacting not just the Christians but others as well. Families want to be in an environment that's healthy, that will allow for growth, that will allow their children the same opportunities that they had or perhaps give them the opportunities they did not have.
Every four years, leaders from all the Order's lieutenancies or headquarters around the world come together for a meeting to discuss the future of the Order. And this year, the meeting ended with a private audience with Pope Francis. He recognized the difficult situation for Christians in the Middle East.
POPE FRANCIS
We are sadly witnessing tragedy unfolding in the very places where the Lord lived, where he taught us through his humanity to love, forgive and do good to all.
That is why I am spiritually united with you, who certainly live this meeting of the Consultation sharing the great sorrow of the Mother Church of Jerusalem and imploring the gift of peace.
While their meeting in Rome has ended, La Civita and other members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem will continue to support to the thousands of Christians in the Middle East through prayers and humanitarian aid.
KG
