The proposal put forward by the Indonesian counter-terrorism agency in the process of deradicalising the Islamist formation in South-East Asia. Two leading figures from prison are contributing to the process from their cells, while in a ceremony several thousand former militiamen swore allegiance to the state. Islamic colleges affiliated with the group have also promised to remove extremist content from their curricula.

Card. Sako speakes of Iraqi Christians' preparations for the festivities as they watch events unfold across teh border with trepidation. The threat of a new Isis, and teh need to be ‘prudent’ and evaluating ‘facts’ not speeches. they need for a Syrian state based ‘on citizenship’ and fight against ‘all sectarianism’. The Christmas wish for a document between the Pope and the Shiite leaders of Iran and Iraq on the example of ‘human brotherhood’.

Trump is reported to have asked Russian President Putin to meet him as soon as possible, while there is increasing talk of an end to the conflict even if it is not clear on what basis. The analysis for Radio Svoboda by Vitalij Portnikov, one of the most important Ukrainian commentators: the important thing is that the West does not allow Moscow to ‘politically swallow’ Kiev anyway.

Speaking over giant screens from Santa Marta, the pontiff blessed the “Bambinelli” and expressed words of sorrow for Gaza in St Peter's Square. “So much cruelty, children machine-gunned,” he lamented. This morning Patriarch Pizzaballa reached the Parish of the Holy Family after he was stopped yesterday. In his Gospel commentary about the gift of life, Francis stressed that “No child is a mistake.”

In the mountains of Indonesian Papua, new military operations against separatists have forced hundreds of people to flee into the forest. Bishop Matopai You has appealed to the authorities to ensure the refugees go home, and is also mobilising parishes to help those who fled.

In his greetings to the Roman Curia, the pontiff spoke again about what is happening in  Gaza, where Patriarch Pizzaballa was prevented from making a Christmas visit. For Christmas Francis urges the members of the Curia to nurture humility and speak well and not ill of others, like God who does not bless “from above, but in the flesh.”