Dario Salvi

Over the weekend, three deacons were ordained, including a Palestinian refugee in Jordan. For Fr Ibrahim, Patriarchate chancellor, there are still witnesses of faith and affiliation with Christ in a situation marked by conflict. Advent is a source of joy shared with Muslims. There is “growing feeling of devotion” among the young.

The Jordanian authorities have arrested the publisher and a chief editor. They are accused of having fomented hatred and the confessional divisions. The two risk from six months to a maximum of three years in prison. The schools of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem led the protest.

Absent the Emir of Qatar who has snubbed the invitation of the hosts Riyadh. Among the elements of tension is the murder of Saudi dissident journalist Khashoggi. The meeting dedicated to oil and security policies. In the final statement the importance of unity underlined.

At the monthly meeting on December 5th, the Maronite Church attacks a selfish political class. Too many personal interests hinder the emergence of an executive, instead of looking at the common good. Refugee crisis "even more complicated" who, together with humanitarian support, need plans for a "return to their land".

The pontiff will be in the UAE between 3 and 5 February 2019 for the first official papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula. Local Catholics welcome the announcement. The visit will provide an opportunity for an exchange with Islam. For Bishop Hinder, this is an "Important step" on the path of dialogue with the Muslim world. The UAE is stable but with a dark side.

The basin is home to half the Egyptian population and the river supplies around 90% of its water needs. Increasing temperatures and drought are drying up the stream. A problem sharpened by sea rise and salinization. Eco-compatible technologies such as solar energy irrigation are being studied.

In recent days the Arab media report of "first" Coptic Mass in Saudi Arabia. The function celebrated by Bishop Ava Morkos was held in a private house. Activists recall that Riyadh has not made "significant steps" in terms of religious freedom. And cults other than Islam remain prohibited.

Life in prison confirmed in second instance for Mohamed Badie and his deputy Khairat al-Chater. Thier role in the violence that occurred immediately after the overthrow of Morsi upheld. The two defendants can still appeal to the Supreme Court. At least 40 activists, trade unionists and human rights lawyers have been arrested since October.

Environmentalists and experts say the waters are invaded by household and industrial waste. The situation is "alarming" and progress "is not enough". The problems have been dragging on for decades, the result of bad practices in the treatment of wastewater. Saving the river "is a priority".

The conclusion after the Senate hearing of Cia Director Gina Haspel. Democrats and Republicans united in accusing the Saudi hereditary prince. In court, he would be declared "guilty in 30 minutes". We do not have a smoking gun, but "a steaming saw". The sale of weapons to Riyadh is at stake.

Government committee is enforcing a new law on irregular places of worship, says Fr Greiche. The goal is to resolve administrative issues related to the "legal status" of such buildings. The Egyptian prime minister also authorised the regularisation of other places of worship if they meet legal requirements.

Military spokesman: they are "attack tunnels" not yet operational, whose number remains secret. The operations take place in Israeli territory, but are destined to raise tension with the pro-Iranian Shiite movement. In recent days, Hezbollah bases hit in Syria, near Damascus.