Middle East

Tehran violently represses new wave of popular discontent over price escalation and the drastic reduction in subsidies. The demonstrations promoted by young people and citizens, without political affiliations. Ayatollah Khamenei and President Raisi target of criticism.

The Franciscan clergyman remembers the slain journalist. The UN Security Council condemns the murder and calls for an investigation. Latin Patriarch and the heads of the Churches issued a strong note. Ordinary Muslims and Christians, right-wing and left-wing politicians took to the streets to remember her. Her death fulfilled the dream of transcending divisions.

A country in mourning for 40 days bid its final farewell to the 73-year-old president, who has been ill for some time. The nation's leadership already long in the hands of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. Former Vicar of Arabia: there is an atmosphere of "respect and tribute" to the person. For new leadership, the value of tolerance that embraces religions and ethnicities.

Lebanon goes to the polls tomorrow 15 May in an election polarised around Hezbollah and its allies. The danger of the multiplication of lists and the dispersion of discontent. The problem of single preference within a blocked list. Will Christians and expatriates tip the balance?

More than two years after his appointment as Grand Master, Card Filoni made his entrance to the empty tomb of Jesus. Due to the pandemic, the event had to be postponed several times. During his visit, the prelate met with the local community and travelled to Nazareth and Bethlehem. In Jordan, he inaugurated a new church. The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem has been active for centuries.

The dealine has long passed for the election of parlimentary speaker, the appointment of premier and government team. Institutions are hostage to divisions and opposing blocs between Sadrists and pro-Iranians. Negotiations with independent deputies. Chaldean Patriarch: politics and institutions held back by "personal and partisan ambitions," citizens "frustrated."

The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem expresses “shock” over her death, calling for an urgent and thorough investigation. Latin Patriarch Pizzaballa sends a message and offers prayers to the family. Israelis and Palestinians blame each other. For Sabella, she was “always the professional and even-handed”.

The Turkish president has announced the construction of 200 thousand houses in northern Syria for those who choose voluntary return. This would alter the demographic balance in a Kurdish-majority area. But Ankara is in a hurry: the 4 million asylum seekers in the country today weigh heavily on the campaign for next year's elections.

But as the Archbishop of Reims, warns, its wellspring is "somewhat drying up." From May 8 to 12, a delegation of prelates is on an official visit to the Land of the Cedars. Among the highlights is a stop at the capital's port, scene of the devastating August 2020 explosion. The message of peace for Europe and the world.

Sandstorms follow one another with increasing frequency, causing victims and thousands of hospitalizations. Water reserves have collapsed by 50% compared to last year. By 2040 Tigris and Euphrates risk drying up. The emblematic case of Lake Sawa. Archeological sites and historical cities, from Ur to Babylon, in danger.

The Lebanese government announced the postponement of the papal visit even before the final details were worked out. For Bishop Aoun, this was expected given the pontiff’s health. There was also little time to organise it. Still a future visit "remains important” because the “country’s very identity is at stake” as is its “mission”.

Mass is celebrated in the Church of St Cyriacus for the first time in seven years. The Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople and the Turkish Minister of Culture were present at the event. Turkish authorities contributed to the church’s restoration. The building was closed after it was seized in 2015-2016 during clashes between the military and the PKK.