Middle East

If a swap were agreed upon, it would be the first exchange of prisoners of war in three years. The opposition meets in Turkey to decide on participation in Geneva II. Strong divisions exist between secularists and Islamists as well as between pro-Saudi and pro-Qatar factions. US Secretary makes a plea.

The UN International Tribunal began in 2006. The four accused are absent. Hariri's death has generated new hope for Lebanon, but has increased tension with Hezbollah, the major suspect in the murder. Nasrallah accuses U.S. and Israel . The trial opens on the eve of the peace conference on Syria .

On the eve of the Geneva II Conference, the patriarch calls for "true reconciliation among Syrians, not just on security agreements and humanitarian aid," however necessary they may be. Meanwhile, the World Council of Churches launches its own initiative.

"It is an initiative that helps spread a spirit of cooperation among all citizens" and enhance the role of Christians, "true members of this country," Mar Sako told AsiaNews. The facility is in a former retirement home in a Shia part of the capital. Muslim leaders emphasise the role of the minority in the defence "of the principles of peace and coexistence."

"The Word of God was rare in those scandals, in men and in women the Word of God was rare! They did not have a relationship with God! They had a position in the Church, a position of power, even of comfort. But the Word God, no!"

Francis releases message for World Day on 11 May. For him, "every vocation, even within the variety of paths, always requires an exodus from oneself in order to centre one's life on Christ and on his Gospel." Similarly, "the true joy of those who are called consists in believing and experiencing that he, the Lord, is faithful, and that with him we can walk, be disciples and witnesses of God's love, open our hearts to great ideals, to great things."

Unofficial results indicate that the Yes won 98 per cent of the vote in at least 25 districts. Turnout tops 55 per cent. Women turnout is also up. Christians cast their ballot despite Islamist attacks and threats. For Egyptian Catholic Church spokesman Fr Greich Rafiq, if the new constitution is not implemented, "we shall find ourselves with yet another odd text useful only to stock bookshelves."

State media applaud the high turnout, the Muslim Brotherhood claim instead a low turnout and continue their boycott. The referendum is a vote against the fundamentalism of the Brotherhood.

At the General Audience, Francis emphasizes the Community dimension of being part of God's People. The example of Japan where a community left without priests kept the faith for 250 years and a thought for the Arab faithful today : "how difficulties and persecutions, when experienced with trust, confidence and hope , purify and strengthen the faith".

A bomb exploded at a court in Cairo . The military are hoping for a victory for the "yes", which could open the nomination of Gen. Al- Sisi for the presidency. In recent days, many Islamists and Arab Spring activists of the arrested. The general could guarantee order and an improve the economy.

The Pope speaks of "models" of believers: the scribes , "taught and preached but bound people with so many heavy things on his shoulders", the priest Eli, who despises the simple faith, his sons, who pursued power and money" and Jesus "who brings the Word of God, the message of God, of God's love for each of us . "

The plan to dilute the stockpile of enriched-uranium will begin on 20 January. The United States will impose sanctions in case the deal is breached. Ashton is set to travel Tehran in the coming weeks. Iran could be excluded from the peace conference on Syria that opens on 22 January.