Paul Dakiki

Despite the war, Fr Frans Van der Lugt never left Homs. Attacked by both regime and rebel forces, the Jesuit monastery where he lives has been open to everyone, Christian or Muslim. He is the last priest left with the city's last 66 faithful. After more than a year ago of siege, residents are going mad and dying. Both regime and rebels must build trust and work together.

Al Jazeera broadcasts video in which the religious sisters claim to be "protected" for " their safety." Shortly before, the al- Ahrar Brigades Qalamoun , the opposition claimed the kidnapping and demanded the release of thousands of Syrian women in prisons Assad . Watch the video .

In yesterday's homily, Card Beshara Rai calls on political leaders to find unity to save Lebanon. He talks about the reconciliation among Lebanese. He visits al-Taqwa mosque in Tripoli. The tragedies of Ruwais (southern Beirut) and Tripoli are "our tragedies because we are one body and one family."

In what is the worst terrorist incident of its kind since the end of Lebanon's civil war, the death toll from yesterday's blasts topped 45 today, with 900 wounded. A video from a CCTV camera inside one of the mosques shows the effect of the explosion during Friday prayers. Al Qaeda blames Hizbollah, as Iran accuses Sunni extremists. Parallels with the past are made. For Maronite Patriarch, the emphasis on the Sunni-Shia divide is destroying the Middle East.

In greetings to Youhanna X Yazigi, Michel Sleiman talks about the problems of Christians in Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Israel. An appeal to Arab leaders to defend the Christian minorities, as bearers of civilization and development.

Intelligence chief Gen. Wissam al-Hasan, was killed in yesterday’s attack in Ashrafieh. He had eradicated Syrian Israeli and Salafi espionage and terrorist cells. Protests in many cities across Lebanon. Politicians and people accuse Assad. The UN envoy’s attempts at a truce before the end of the month. Condolences pour in from across the world, including the Vatican. Patriarch Rai’s appeal for unity and coexistence.

The head of the Maronite Church calls on the United Nations to issue a resolution condemning insults against religions. The anti-Muslim movie “is not only offensive to Muslims and the prophet, but also to Christians.” Lebanon’s economic situation and Benedict XVI’s Apostolic Exhortation Ecclesia in Medio Oriente were also discussed at the meeting.

In Pakistan began the "Day of love for the Prophet." Violence in Nowshera. Yesterday clashes with police in Islamabad, with 50 wounded. U.S. embassies closed in France and in many countries. The video of the blasphemous film blocked. Together, Christians, Muslims and politicians ask the UN for international guidelines against defamation of religions.

The leader of the Shiite militants waited for Pope Benedict XVI’s departure from Lebanon. Seven days of demonstrations around the country. Islamic countries must apply for an international law prohibiting insults to Islam and other religions. In Libya 50 people arrested and detained linked to the U.S. consulate attack, where Ambassador Chris Stevens was killed. Libyan President says leaders of the attack, planned months before, are members of al Qaeda.

For the head of the Maronite Church, Benedict XVI comes as a witness of peace in the Middle East, demanding governments, interested parties and mercenaries to stop buying and using weapons. Together, Christians and Muslims can build for a real Arab Spring. The movie that denigrates Muhammad is an insult to all religions. It is unclear who the director and producer are.

Archbishop Mario Zenari comments on the Daraya massacre in to AsiaNews, with rebels and government trading accusations of responsibility. The Melkite bishop of Aleppo flees to Lebanon. Many Christians in Syria saved because of their religion. The conflict in Syria is not an "Arab Spring", but far more complex, with "tragic and unimaginable" consequences.

The two are known for their liberal vision and independence of thought and politics. Criticism of Hezbollah, who have aligned themselves with Assad. The fall of the regime in Damascus is also positive for peace in Lebanon.