Israel

Interviewed by "ordinary" people, Benedict XVI speaks of tsunami victims, persecuted Christians in Iraq, the drama of Cote d'Ivoire, the presence of the soul in a body in a vegetative state, of Jesus' descent into hell and the need for everyone to entrust themselves to Mary.

Benedict XVI led the service, celebrated again this year in the evocative backdrop of the Colosseum. Written by a nun, the Meditations refer to the persecution “against his servants and disciples” and “against Peter”.

In their Easter message the leaders of Christian churches in the Holy Land speak of developments in Arab countries, and call for "a modern civil society in which freedom of expression, freedom of religion and human rights, including rights of those who are considered a minority are respected. " Peace, they say, "can not be purchased at the price of silence and submission to corruption and injustice."

Benedict XVI celebrates Mass for the ‘Lord’s Supper”. He prays for unity. Jesus “supports” Peter even today. We all need conversion. The Pope mentions the “empty places” in the Holy Land, receives offering for tsunami victims.

The new Syrian government yesterday approved the end of the state of emergency in force since 1963, but there are still many doubts over their willingness to reform. A "historic" opponent arrested overnight. And a new law requires authorities permission to demonstrate.

The funerals of 12 people killed on April 17 sparks major protest in the third largest city of Syria. The government blames "armed Salafist groups" of wanting to provoke an insurrection. The promise of Bashar al-Assad to end 50 years of emergency regime not enough to quell the protests.

In the procession on Palm Sunday, about 10 thousand pilgrims less than in previous years. Many Christian Palestinians stranded at the border with Israel. The vice-chancellor of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem emphasizes the atmosphere of joy and devotion of the pilgrims, despite difficulties.

Benedict XVI celebrates Palm Sunday mass, which begins Holy Week. 50 thousand present, mostly young people, ahead of World Youth Day,in Madrid (16-21 August). Humanity has attained great heights has achieved many things, but "our possibilities for evil have increased and appear like menacing storms above history." “Jesus Christ.., from God came down to us and, in his crucified love, takes us by the hand and lifts us on high "

In front of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, tomorrow, on Palm Sunday, Christians of all denominations gather to protest against restrictions imposed by Israel in access to holy sites during Easter. And to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, living "a state of permanent injustice."

Ceremonies with Palestinian and Italian flags. Prayer vigil in the square of the Nativity in Bethlehem. The organization of Arrigoni (International Solidarity Movement) is still in Gaza.

The message from the Commission on the Church in China, released today reiterates the elements necessary for ecclesial communion, after the illicit ordination of Chengde and the Assembly of Catholic representatives in Beijing. No excommunication, but the Pope stresses that faith and unity of the Church are fundamental. Process of cause for the beatification of Paul Xu Guangqi begins. On 24 May the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.

The human heart extends beyond this wall 'that prevents us from seeing beyond. " Jesus Christ is "the real news that breaks and overcomes all barriers." Christ also defeats the "spiritual death that is sin and which threatens to ruin the life of every man."