Dario Salvi

For the second consecutive day yesterday, demonstrators poured into the streets and squares of Tehran and other cities. Moderate newspaper calls for "apologies and resignations" of those responsible. Unconfirmed videos show gun shots in the vicinity of the protesters. For young people, the enemy is not America, but "it's here".

The general Avosa meeting is scheduled from 13 to 16 January. Theme of the 2020 edition "The mission of our Church in a modern context". Archbishop Hinder: in a reality made of wars and tensions, the task of Christians is to be "credible witnesses of brotherhood and mutual trust".

The plane crash on the outskirts of Tehran fueled the tension of the last few days. All 176 people on board died. Canada speaks of murder, for the Iranian government it's an accident. The US House votes to limit Trump's war powers. For the White House it is a "ridiculous resolution". AsiaNews speaks to Catholic leaders in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt.

The prelates condemn the "unrestricted" policy adopted by banks. An appeal to put an end to "undue expropriation" of workers and private companies. Criticism also for assaults on banks. On a political level, a renewed appeal for the immediate formation of a strong and independent executive. Courtesy of L’Orient-Le Jour.

Bishops from Europe and North America will visit East Jerusalem, Ramallah and the Gaza Strip on 11-16 January. Their schedule includes official meetings as well as visits with seniors, the sick and the disabled, focused on prayer, pilgrimage, persuasion and presence.

Putin and Erdogan officially opened the pipeline that transports Russian gas to southern Europe, via Turkey. A 930 km project, with a single 813 mm pipe at 2.2 km depth. When fully operational, it will be able to transport 31 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Moscow and Ankara revive dialogue and de-escalation in Libya and on the US-Iran front.

Bishops call on support for interim premier Diab and that the "requests" of the people accepted. Patriarch Raï attacks politicians who "continue to block" the formation of the executive. UN Special Coordinator: "Irresponsible" to keep the country without a government.

About 53 per cent disapprove of Trump’s policies towards Iran, up 9 per cent over mid-December. Americans increasingly fear a war with Iran. Some 27 per cent vs 44 per cent want a pre-emptive strike. About 71 per cent expect a war within the next few years.

For B’Tselem activists, the Israeli government pulled down a "record" number of homes last year. Behind the demolitions "punitive measures" and issues related to "building permits". Thousands of Palestinians, including minors, have been left homeless. The tightening of policies also confirmed by a UN report.

According to the Iranian government, there are at least 80 dead. Washington excludes victims and President Trump tweets: " All is well!". At least 15 rockets headed for US bases in Erbil and Al Asad, west of Baghdad. In the event of further reprisals, Tehran threatens to hit Dubai, Haifa, Tel Aviv and in US territory.

During the Mass for Epiphany, a new appeal to the Chaldean primate for calm and "wisdom". But the United States and Iran foment tensions. Dozens of people died during the burial ceremony in Kerman. The US denies the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Tehran identifies 13 "revenge scenarios" to be implemented.

The crowd, wearing black, fill the streets and squares for the last farewell to the high ranking officer. Yesterday in Tehran the funeral ceremony. The great ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who stopped several times out of emotion, led the prayer. The United States denies the Zarif entry visa to participate in the UN Security Council.