Covid-19, Iranian students send medicine and aid to the American people

The epidemic affects all of Abraham's children and questions those who wonder if Islam is the only true religion, because the virus affects Muslims. The extremists are silent and the joint initiatives between the faithful of the three religions are multiplying.

Being a disciple means letting oneself be guided by the Holy Spirit. For this reason, a disciple of Jesus is someone of Tradition and novelty, a free person, never subject to ideologies.

“We cannot forget the tragedies of our day, because the Passion of the Lord continues in the suffering of men. May your hearts find, in the Cross of Christ, support and comfort in the midst of the tribulations of life".

Oil prices rebound today, with WTI at US$ 21.5 and Brent at US$ 23.5, after dropping below US$ 20 a barrel yesterday. Demand for crude oil decreased by at least a quarter from 100 million barrels average per day. Saudi Arabia wants to export 10.6 million barrels by May. Iraq wants to review payments and contracts. Iran looks to Russia and China to save exports.

Jesus came into the world to take our sins on himself and on the cross he really suffered and died. "We have to get used to looking at the crucifix in this light, which is the truest, it is the light of redemption".

Christians and Muslims shut churches and mosques to pray at home. Medical staff cheered for a minute. Lebanon has many doctors but few medical facilities. The poor (70 per cent of the population) and two million Syrian and Palestinian refugees are at risk. Curfew from 7pm to 5am. Lebanese abroad (especially in Africa) kept away for fear of infections. Students in Europe are unable to receive money from banks. Hezbollah leader makes historic speech, slamming banks for clinging onto money that could become waste paper as a result of the world crisis.

Msgr. Warduni says this is not the time to "be pessimistic", even if the celebrations "are not the same", "solidarity" is required. Chaldean patriarchate issues indications for Holy Week "adapted" to these "exceptional circumstances". In these dark times, "greater unity" between Christians and Muslims.

A travel ban has been imposed in the country. Schools, universities, mosques, restaurants, hammams and coffee shops were closed ten days ago. The death toll (130) is rising. Out of a population of 80 million, 10,000 people have tested positive so far. Many Turks have doubts about official figures.

“Each of us has our own sins. And if you don't remember them, think a little: you will find them. Thank God if you find them, because if you don't find them, you are corrupt. Each of us has our own sins. We look to the Lord who does justice but who is so merciful ".

At the Angelus, Pope Francis joins the UN secretary general’s appeal because "in countries at war, health systems have collapsed and already reduced health personnel, have often been targeted". A renewed commitment to overcoming rivalries. “Conflicts are not resolved through war!”. Prayer for the sick in nursing homes, for barracks, for prisoners. The explosive problem of overcrowding in prisons. "God's answer to the problem of death is Jesus: 'I am the resurrection and the life'." The Christian is "a reflection of the love and tenderness of God, who frees from death and gifts the victory of life!"

During mass in the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis prayed for those who weep: “isolated people, people in quarantine; the elderly alone; hospitalized people and people in therapy; parents who see that since there is no salary, they will not be able to feed their children. " Ask for "the grace to cry", like "Jesus who was not ashamed to cry".

"We pray for families who are beginning to feel the need because of the pandemic." “I often think: they are good people - priests, nuns - who lack the courage to go and serve the poor. Something is missing. What these people were missing, the doctors of the Law. They lost their memory, they lost what Jesus felt in his heart: that he was part of his own people ".

A tweet by May Khoreiche sparks tensions between Cpl and the Sunni institution, following publication of controversial volume "The last days of Muhammad", by a Tunisian academic. Leading Muslim personalities critical of the work. The MP's retraction and apology closes the matter.

The pontiff holds an "extraordinary moment of prayer" for the end of the coronavirus epidemic. "The Lord asks us and, in the midst of our tempest,” urges to show solidarity and have hope, above all to be converted. “It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to” the Lord and others.