Middle East

Iran threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz if steps are taken against Iranian oil exports. Tehran is forced however to thank the US Navy for rescuing 13 Iranian fishermen held by pirates near the Strait of Hormuz.

In the Pope's address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican the "difficulties" of the Arab Spring, the violence in Syria, the lack of respect for religious freedom, Nigeria and Shahbaz Bhatti. The economic crisis as an opportunity for "new rules to ensure everyone can live in dignity and develop their skills to benefit of the entire community."

The visit took place before the annual meeting of the Coordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support the Church of the Holy Land. Auxiliary bishop in Birmingham says: “You’re not alone, no one has given up, have hope and faith in God and the Church”.

A royal decree puts an end to a dispute that pits women’s groups, who complain about the embarrassment of being served by men, against more conservative clergy opposed women working outside the home.

At Mass for the Epiphany, Benedict ordains two new bishops, Nuncios to Ireland and Georgia. The Magi "scientists" who sought above all the truth, ignoring the opinion of men. The bishops must be courageous heralds of the Gospel, regardless of dominant opinion. They must become instruments of the " God’s restlessness" for all men; become "stars of God" to lead people to Christ.

At the Angelus, Benedict XVI reaffirms the significance of the feast of the Epiphany, Jesus is the sun that illuminates the existence of man and of peoples, and the Church is entrusted with the announcement of this mystery of salvation. Best wishes to the Eastern Churches that celebrate Christmas tomorrow (according to the Julian calendar). An invitation children for Holy Childhood Mission Day. The announcement of a Consistory with the appointment of 22 new cardinals. The list includes the prefect of the Congregation of Propaganda Fide, Mgr. John Tong, bishop of Hong Kong, His Beatitude, George Alencherry, major archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly of the Syro-Malabar (India).

The EU ban on imports of crude oil should start at the end of January. The U.S. sanctions on financial transactions bring down the value of the rial and are likely to block trade with foreign countries. The threats over the Strait of Hormuz and the proposed resumption of dialogue on nuclear energy. Tests of strength, but no sign of war.

Fears of a civil war, fueled by past vengeance and the unequal distribution of resources and oil revenues. Since the American withdrawal, over 100 dead in several bombings.

Frustration is building over Arab League observers mission and its inability to stop the violence. This Saturday, League foreign ministers will meet. Head of Free Syrian Army Riad al-Asaad said his group would “escalate its operations” and make a “transformative shift” in the struggle.

Social Democratic Party candidate Nady Kastor urges Liberal parties to work together in order to become the country’s second political force. The third round of voting for the lower house ends today in nine provinces. The Muslim Brotherhood is expected to win again and become Egypt’s first party with 40 per cent of the vote.

Fr. David Carraro speaks of the first years of his priesthood in Touggourt among Algerian Tuareg and his study of Arabic in the Egypt of the Jasmine Revolution. Bearing witness to Christ with his life and faith in countries where it is forbidden to proselytize. Priest: "The only service that we ask the Algerian Muslim farmers is for prayer, not money or food." Dialogue with Islam is only possible within a human relationship that enriches lives.

The five-metre barrier will be equipped with alarms. Construction begins in the next few days. Prime Minister Netanyahu announces that once a fence is completed on Israel-Egypt border, another will be built along the border with Jordan.