Dario Salvi

The project in the wake of Pope Francis' visit and includes buildings for prayer, a hall and a meeting centre. A reference point for Christians, Muslims (Sunni and Shia), Jews and Sabeans. A way to restart, and rebuild, after the violence and devastation of war and jihadist movements.

The Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans spoke at a conference organised by the Community of Sant'Egidio titled “Catholics and Shias before the future”. In his address, he mentioned the pope's visit to Iraq and call for respect for diversity. He urges studying the causes of extremism and finding ways to defeat it. He noted the shared commitment with Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani, and called for an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine.

In an open letter, Professor Bernard Sabella highlights the disappointed expectations of his people, never treated "fairly" by the various US administrations. Denied the values of 'justice, democracy, equal rights'. The policy of 'double standards' in the face of situations of occupation and conflict. Not even the Church is immune to settler violence.

The World Council of Churches appeals to the US leader to do something to end the "growing threats" that endanger the Christian presence in the region. Biden will meet with Lapid, Abbas and Saudi leaders. Ahead of the visit Abbas talked to the pope hoping to raise the profile of the Palestinian question. Despite the Abraham Accords, the oil emergency has overshadowed human rights violations.

Uzbekistan’s foreign minister made the announcement yesterday. Iran will sign the memorandum of obligation at the SCO summit in the Central Asian country. Iran’s deputy foreign minister proposes a single currency for SCO members to facilitate economic integration. This is the first time Iran joins an international organisation since the Islamic Revolution.

The changes caused by the pandemic in education will not 'disappear'. Online classes, a necessity in the early stages, are now "part of the educational environment". But families and teachers much prefer in person classes, which allows for better pupil development especially at a young age. Fr. Twal: learning 'from experience' by valuing alternative methods.

Arrested for conspiracy Mostafa Tajzadeh, prominent reformist and deputy interior minister under Khatami. He had criticised the tightening of (Islamic) dress codes for women. film directors Mohammad Rasoulof and Mostafa Alahmad jailed for 'fuelling unrest'. Civil rights of a Christian convert taken away for five years.

The Holy See wants to contribute to and support the effort of States to solve environmental issues and meet the challenges of climate change. On Wednesday, Archbishop Caccia deposited the instrument with the UN General Secretariat. A transition towards a development model "based on solidarity and on responsibility”.

The Defence Minister confirms the renewed axis with some of the countries in the region. Since the signing there have been 150 meetings between ministry and army personnel and counterparts in the area, with the exception of Egypt and Jordan. A "Middle East Air Defence Alliance" under the US aegis against the Iranian threat.

Today's headlines: Qatar, alcohol-free stadiums for Qatar World Cup; in Sri Lanka, more and more people are abandoning cars and motorbikes for bicycles; in Afghanistan, tens of thousands of people have been displaced in fighting between the Taliban and locals for control of some mines; Vientiane blocks the activities of a Vietnamese company due to environmental pollution and exploitation; more and more Russian tourists are visiting Georgia and Turkey.

The Jewish state has agreed to the transfer of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia in return for access to Saudi airspace to shorten flight times with the Far East. This is a “mall step” for the gradual rapprochement between the two countries.

After years, Abu Mazen and Ismail Haniyeh shook hands in Algeria, where they were attending celebrations for the 60th anniversary of independence. Catholic leader: a sort of 'protocol' that can, however, guarantee 'steps forward'. Gaza parish priest: a "signal" for the entire Palestinian people and the "search for an agreement".