André Azzam

The Army’s ultimatum to Mohammad Morsi to respond to the protester’s demands expires in a few hours. However, last night the president gave a televised speech, making it clear that he does not intend to step down: 32 people killed thus far in clashes.

The pastors of the seven Egyptian Catholic rites consider the Pope’s resignation a great act of faith and responsibility. The path indicated by the Synod of the Middle East, the only way to address the challenges generated by the Arab Spring. For the Greek-orthodox the Pope's decision will give new impetus to the Church.

Following the adoption of a new constitution, the country is caught between the Muslim Brotherhood's hegemony and opposition of liberal and secularist parties. Ordinary Egyptians have taken a wait-and-see attitude. For them, a Brotherhood-led Egypt is not much different from Mubarak's regime. Meanwhile, Salafists continue to issue anti-Christian fatwas. In the latest, Muslims are told not to wish Merry Christmas to Christians. An Islamic leader weeps on TV saying: "Our Islam has lost its reputation and its fame under backward minds who are frittering away religion into factions and parties with sectarianism".

Still waiting for referendum results on text which will be voted on next December 23 in 17 other provinces. But fraud is considered almost mandatory by most voters, most of whom, however still cast their ballot. The opposition united against President Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, and criticize text (which discriminates against anyone who is not a Brotherhood member) even splitting radical Islam.

Yesterday was his birthday: he is 60 and it is a great organizer of youth education. He wants to reinforce the value of young people, Christians and Muslims, who carried out the "Jasmine revolution" and enhance cooperation between Muslims and Christians for a full integration in society. These days many Muslims have prayed with Christians for a good choice of Patriarch. But it's hard to be a Christian in the country that sees the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood and the Salafis.

These are bishops Amba Raphael and Amba Tawadraus and hegumen Rouphail Afa Mina. On November 4 the next pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church will be chosen from among these. Three days of fasting and prayer ahead of the election. André Azzam

Thousands of Christians and Muslims marched on 9 October along the path taken by protesters a year before to commemorate the 26 young Copts killed. Since then, nothing has changed, whilst chaos and violence are spreading across the country. On 12 October, the Muslim Brotherhood and liberal groups clashed in Tahrir Square with more than a hundred people injured, 50 seriously. Pro- and anti-Brotherhood protests break out across Egypt.

Choice falls on 24 November. The proceedings to pick the five candidates to the Patriarchal See ended yesterday. The speed of the consultations reflects the need to give Copts a new leader in an Islamist-dominated Egypt. On 24 November, 2,405 representatives of the Church and laity will choose three names out of the five. The final ceremony is scheduled for 2 December at Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Alexandria.

Demonstrations are held in many cities and universities. Tensions are rising with the Muslim Brotherhoods, which sought to hijack the event. Young people demand justice for those killed and their families, power transferred to a secular government, and a return of the armed forces to their only task, which is the defence of the national borders. Intellectuals and diplomats call for a new Egypt.

Here is a stepbystep rundown of the ‘Arab spring’ that brought down the “last of the pharaohs” with its long list of violent acts by the military and Salafists as well as the gains and future perspectives of young demonstrators. An expert delivers his analysis.

The persecution against Christians mingled with violence against the Arab revolution. In a year more than 1000 dead, thousands injured, 1200 have lost one or both eyes, because the police shoot at eye level. The interim government has not kept its many promises of equality between Christians and Muslims, but here and there are signs of growing alliances, mutual respect and friendship.

Egyptian women have been beaten by soldiers and humiliated before the world but have become key players in the Arab spring. Whether Muslim or Christian, together they oppose the lies of the caretaker government and the media. Still, as new demonstrations are planned for Tahrir Square, violence against young people continues.