Dario Salvi

A prelate from the Holy Land calls for unburdening bishops of their administrative tasks so that they can be shepherds again. Young people in the Middle East deserve a future of peace and security, jobs and a family without the danger of fanaticism present in other faiths. Staying in one’s land is a vocation.

After timid initial criticism, the United States raises a wall of defense around Riyadh. White House: "hasty" conclusions on presumed guilt. Journalistic sources speak of a commando formed by "close" elements to the hereditary prince Mbs. G7 leaders look for justice. The Director General of the IMF postpones the visit to Riyadh.

In the digital era, Lebanon has gone from being a crossroads to an antenna. Its cultural and religious mix make it a conductor par excellence, sensitive to cultural and social trends. The Synod is a school to elaborate a universal language capable of overcoming geographical and generational boundaries. The poor and needy are an inexhaustible treasure of the Church.

London, Paris and Berlin hope for an in-depth investigation that will clarify the fate of the Saudi intellectual. World companies boycott the trade fair wanted by Mbs. The Saudis reject the accusations and threaten economic and commercial responses, above all on oil.

Three key prosecution witnesses have retracted their statements a few hours before the start of the fourth hearing in the trial. The prosecution has upheld the charges but has agreed to the accused’s release. Trump might use this in the upcoming mid-term elections.

To ease the international pressure on Riyadh, local newspapers and TV point to Doha as scapegoat. Qatar plotted to undermine relations between Riyadh and Ankara. Suspicions cast also on his partner, "totally unknown" to the journalist's family.

Souleman Yusph was held for a few days, then released. He is in good health but wants to keep a low profile to avoid retaliation. For Syrian bishop, he was "arrested for telling the truth". The prelate slams Kurds (from Turkey and Iraq) who want to occupy the area.

Surprise in the diplomatic establishment for the sudden resignation of the head of US diplomacy to the United Nations. Netanyahu praises her "energy" to "clear the air" at the UN. For many she represented the war-mongering and one-sided spirit of the Trump administration. Goal of the presidential elections behind resignation. And, perhaps, an investigation for wrongdoing.

A family, who wants their identity protected, hid for three years two books containing Syriac Orthodox rituals. The head of the family recently entrusted them to a former Christian neighbour, with whom they have been friends for years. For Chaldean priest, many Muslims view Christians as brothers and are ready to risk their lives for a book.

The Iranian economy is set to fall by 1.5% for 2018 and 3.6% for 2019. Up to April the forecasts were of a plus 4%. Saudi Arabia reverses the route and scores a positive balance of 2.2%. Overall growth slashed by 3.7%, the Middle East and North Africa region suffers.

In Pompeii for the Supplication, the cardinal renewed the call of prayer to "put an end" to conflicts. His thoughts go to children and young people among the most affected by the war. The country’s reconstruction must start with them. Three timid signs of hope come from Syria.

Assassinated by a Saudi commando that arrived on the day of his disappearance from Riyadh, then dismembered. The authorities of the kingdom reject all charges. Security cameras show abnormal movement of cars around the consulate. Washington Post: "Huge and incomprehensible crime".