Dario Salvi

Joseph Nohra, 59, has experienced on his own flesh the wounds of war, but he did not leave, choosing instead to bear witness to the need for mercy and reconciliation. The Christian presence in the Middle East is "fundamental". A new seminary in two buildings destroyed by war is a "sign of God's grace".

Zarif will meet his counterparts from France, Great Britain and Germany. Together with China and Russia, Europe wants to limit the effects of the US decision to withdraw from the pact. Tehran writes to the UN: Washington despises international law. The role of the Kremlin as the guarantor of a renewed understanding.

Once an industrial hub that generated 60 per cent of Syria’s output, Aleppo now only consumes. Security remains an issue, as does the presence of sleeper cells. A generation of children has been “destroyed” by the war. For every young man in the city there are 12 young women. Dialogue with islam continues over identity, charity and testimony.

The new Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem recounts the challenges of his mission. From the relationship with the Israeli leadership to the drift towards fundamentalism and the need to respond with "encounter and dialogue”. What’s more, the pastoral care of migrants and reception of refugees fleeing the war. The inability to forgive, is the "main problem" in the Middle East.

Fr. Gabriele Firas A Kidher is one of the priests ordained by Pope Francis. Faith fueled by personal suffering and the collapse of a country at war and divided. University in Mosul and confronting Muslim students. Openness and dialogue to build a relationship of coexistence. Mercy, a desire to put into practice in daily life.

Myanmar's first cardinal speaks about a Church "open to everyone", that evangelises through work, not proselytising. Catholics have passed on the value of interfaith dialogue to other faith groups and actively work for peace between the government and the country's ethnic minorities. He tells student protesters to stand firm and pursue non-violence. He also suggests teaching religions in schools.

Msgr. Pierre Nguyen Van Nhon says his appointment to the College of Cardinals is a sign of "Pope Francis’ desire to introduce the distant Churches ". Through the difficulties Catholics have built a "stronger, more solid” faith. The cardinal invites to "proclaim" the Gospel with "growing force". He asks Catholics around the world to "pray for us."

Fr. Joseph, superior general "pro tempore" of the monastery of Our Lady of Messi, chronicles the life of a “frontier” Christian community. The town has welcomed hundreds of refugees; every day it battles the "fear" of an attack of the Caliphate. In the Nativity Scene photos of Msgr. Rahho and Fr. Ganni, to remember their "martyrdom". But the will is to remain.

Fr Youhanna Issa works with hundreds of Mosul refugees who found refuge in Aqra. The winter has made the emergency worse, as people are forced to stay in dilapidated houses, without much food. Uncertainty about the future fuels a desire to emigrate. Thefts, robberies and violence have undermined relations with Muslims. The Church's action is "fundamental" in a crisis that is bound "to last".

Travelling in the region highlights ancient divisions, hiding new contradictions. A place that is undergoing major economic and social development to free itself from Baghdad has to guard against extremist infiltration. Police checkpoints are a reminder that, a few tens of kilometres away, lies the threat of the Islamic State.

Fr Valerio Sala has been a PIME priest in the Asian country for the past five years. He describes how he came to his vocation and how he developed his missionary zeal after a brief stint in Africa. He explains how globalisation and relativism have deeply penetrated Thai culture, as well as the challenges they represent. For him, Christ is the basis for a true "social and moral change."

Christians and Muslims must join together to defeat the Islamic State. So far, "fear has prevailed." For Mar Sako, a strong "public rejection" is needed. For Advent and Christmas, he calls for visits to the families of refugees, bringing sweets for the festivity to show closeness and solidarity. He calls for a "long term strategy" to fight bigotry.