In the Middle East, CNEWA is better known as the Pontifical Mission for Palestine. Founded by Pope Pius XII in 1949 and entrusted to CNEWA for its administration, it coordinates worldwide Catholic aid for those dispossessed and displaced by conflict.
Through our office in Amman, CNEWA serves the peoples and churches in Jordan and Iraq. Our Beirut office directs projects and programs in Lebanon and Syria. And in the Holy City of Jerusalem, CNEWA administers activities in Palestinian areas under the Palestinian Authority or Israeli occupation, and in the State of Israel.
In Northeast Africa, our Beirut office coordinates programs in Egypt. Our offices in Asmara and Addis Ababa serve Eritrea and Ethiopia, respectively.
The greatest share of CNEWA’s resources supports activities in the subcontinent of India — a mosaic of religions, cultures and languages — and is managed through our Ernakulam office.
Historically, CNEWA’s work in Eastern Europe has been modest, but responses to needs are immediate and targeted.
Increasingly, Eastern Christians are moving to the Americas, Europe and Oceania. CNEWA assists them when requested.