Dario Salvi

The apostolic administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem reflects on how the emergency has awakened the desire to "seek something more profound". The wish to keep the Holy Sepulchre open for functions, in compliance with the rules. The work of priests for families in need. Reviewing relationships, rethinking relationships.

Three French and one Iraqi, who disappeared on January 20. France expresses "gratitude" to the Iraqi authorities for contributing to the release. No confirmation of payment of a ransom. Due to the coronavirus emergency, Macron withdraws French troops from the country.

Armenian, Latin and Greek Orthodox Churches will continue regular celebrations. This follows yesterday’s decision by Israel to close the church to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. For Christian leaders, it is time “to intensify” prayers whilst protecting people's health.

Fear of a coronavirus epidemic in the country worries international observers. Healthcare facilities are collapsing and unable to offer adequate care. Houthi and Saudi-led Arab coalition in favor of a ceasefire, but expect practical implementation on the ground.

Bishop Hinder speaks about the possible impact of the COVID-19 virus on a country battered by five years of war, with no health facilities to stem the epidemic. The war is making many young people "sad and depressed”; more than half are afraid of "playing outdoors".

In a video that went viral in a few hours, Dr Güle Çınar talks about thousands of infections. The authorities eventually forced her to issue an apology. Police raid mask factories to force owners to sell them to the Health Ministry. Turkey’s confirmed cases stand at 1,529 with 37 deaths.

Fr. Romanelli fears for the first two cases of new coronavirus in the Strip. Both patients are in solitary confinement in a location near the border with Egypt. B’Tselem: a decade of blockade has brought health system to its knees. From Christian leaders in Jerusalem new provisions for access to places of worship.

Iran remains the most affected country with more than 21,000 cases and more than 1,600 deaths. Its surpeme leader rejects offers of US help. Iraq imposes a curfew and closes borders. Saudi Arabia goes on 21-day lockdown. Exceptional containment measures are taken in the West Bank.

Friday communal prayers have been cancelled in many Mideast countries. The courtyard around the Kaaba in Makkah is empty. Istanbul’s Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock, and Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque are closed. Some however have braved the epidemic, filling mosques in Karachi.

Different appeals are made to Washington to ease its punitive measures against Iran, where the coronavirus has affected 18,000 people with 1,284 deaths. Iranian President Rouhani and Supreme leader Khamenei praise the courage of doctors and nurses. Washington responds by increasing sanctions.

The holy city is emptied of pilgrims, visitors and its inhabitants. Hotel reservations canceled in March and April. Over 500 infected, almost 50,000 in quarantine. The patriarchate studies measures to carry out the celebrations safely and according to the law. Sobhy Makhoul: the virus unites "Jews, Christians, Muslims, Arabs and Israelis". Prayers and songs in Nazareth (video).

The supreme leader will pardon many prisoners already on temporary release. Almost half of security-related prisoners will be pardoned, judiciary spokesman said. Iran has more than 189,000 people in jail. Three inmates join Nasrin Sotoudeh’s hunger strike.