Middle East

"Everyone belongs to God. The worst sinners, the wickedest people, the most corrupt leaders, they are children of God, and Jesus feels this and intercedes for everyone ". “Moses does not barter his people. He is the bridge. Both of them, the people and God, and he is in the middle. What a beautiful example for all the shepherds who must be a 'bridge' between God and the people. " He does not sell out his people to advance his career."

The economic embargo is the weapon of a "global system of finance and geopolitics". It uses peoples and nations as "pawns for its own interest". The Sisters note that people “are dying from starvation,” not only from the coronavirus. Pharmacies are closed, there are no medicines. After the fighting, an "economic war" is taking place at present.

A 47-member panel criticizes the Israeli government's project, supported by the US ally. It leads to the creation of a "Palestinian Bantustan". And it is contrary to the UN charter, the Geneva conventions and the Security Council resolutions. Satisfaction among the Palestinians; Israeli counterattacks, the UN "does nothing to find a solution".

Residents are evacuated from the facility dedicated to the Virgin Mary because of possible coronavirus infections. The site has been sanitised. Iraq has reported more than 21,000 cases with 650 deaths. For the Auxiliary Bishop of Baghdad, things are getting worse because of the “invisible enemy” who “knows no mercy” and affects “all ages”.

For Sahak Mashalian "the temple is large enough" to be used by both confessions. A decision that would be "applauded" from a "peace" perspective and would make Turkey an example and pride in the world. But 73% of Turks want it as a mosque.

Hundreds of people clash with the military during demonstrations against a "corrupt and incapable" political class. At least 36 people jailed for damaging public and private property. President Aoun slams "thugs": vandalism "will no longer be tolerated".

The cases of Mindong and Fuzhou risk becoming the "Chinese model" in the appointment of bishops. The need for religious freedom, not to crush the lives of the faithful under the burdens of diplomacy. One of the best known priest-bloggers reflects on the life of the faithful in China’s official underground Churches.

In a letter, the cardinal calls on the faithful to seize the opportunity despite the tragic period. The coronavirus has changed the way people meet, whilst strengthening relations. We need "a new language" from the clergy to answer people's questions. Many religious and lay people and "different charisms" stand as examples.

The Cardinal, head of the Maronite Church, confirms his support for the government called to "listen to the people" and "promote reforms". Some parties "create problems" to "distort" the ideals of the revolution. Unemployment reaches 35%, over 45% of people below the poverty line.

During the Angelus in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis underlined the "renewing force" of the Eucharist thanks to presence of Jesus and his being "an effective sign of unity, of communion, of sharing". Anxious and sad over the war in Libya, the Pope appealed to international organisations to restart the peace proces. Concerned about the “precarious conditions" that make the refugees in that country "more vulnerable to forms of exploitation and violence,” the pontiff goes on to say that "We all bear responsibility in this, no one can feel dispensed” from it.

On the solemnity of Corpus Domini, Pope Francis celebrated Mass at the Altar of the Chair with some dozens of worshippers wearing masks and keeping at the correct social distance. The Eucharist, said the pontiff, heals us from "orphaned memory", "negative memory", "sadness", and "closed memory". It " reminds us that we are not only mouths to be fed, but also his hands, to be used to help feed others." Francis also stressed the value of the Mass and adoration.

In his message for the Fourth World Day of the Poor, Francis writes that care for the poor “cannot be conditioned by the time available or by private interests, or by impersonal pastoral or social projects.” Goodness exists even though “Bad news fills the pages of newspapers, websites and television screens, to the point that evil seems to reign supreme.” Many hands have been stretched forth during the pandemic.