Political scientists, philosophers, analysts and representatives of various associations meet at the annual conference of the Sakharov Centre in Berlin. What emerges is a picture of a society divided between the Z-Patrioty, the ‘turbo-supporters’ of the special operation in Ukraine, and the Uklonisty, the ‘reluctant’ who do not want to openly express their opinions on the war.

Pakistan has reportedly reached a deal worth over US$ 4 billion to supply weapons to the Libyan National Army, despite the UN arms embargo imposed in 2011. This follows a meeting last week in Benghazi between General Munir and the leader of the Libyan faction. The Pakistani defence chief cited the effectiveness shown by the JF-17s in the clashes with India last May.

Leo XIV met with cardinals and heads of Vatican dicasteries. In his address, he remembered Francis’s “prophetic voice". Citing Evangelii Gaudium, he reflected on two "fundamental aspects" of the Church: mission and communion. Structures "must not weigh down [. . .] the dynamism of evangelization”. The authorities are called to be "the leaven of fraternity," without masks or subterfuge.

Just days before Christmas, a major security operation is underway in a town in the so-called Jerusalem of the East, Zhejiang Province. A Protestant community refused to display the flag of the People's Republic of China, after years of fighting against the removal of crosses. China Aid reports that at least 20 people have been arrested, a disturbing sign for all underground churches.

This is what the Jerusalem Voice for Justice (JVJ) writes in their holiday message, whose members include Catholic Patriarch Emeritus Michel Sabbah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop Atallah Hanna, Lutheran Bishop Mounib Younan, and Jesuit Father David Neuhaus. Destruction and oppression cannot dampen the desire to celebrate. “We rejoice and celebrate, but with awareness and caution for every day we are exposed to the danger of death and war”.

The award, which recognises individuals in Mumbai who carry on the spirit of the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, was given to a woman who, starting with the wounded of the Arab Spring in Egypt, created an NGO and a hospital that cares for burn victims throughout the Middle East. ‘Mother Teresa taught us that service is not measured by greatness but by sincerity.’