Celebrating Midnight Mass in Rmeich and Mass on the 25th in Kley'a, in a relatively stable Lebanon, the Apostolic Nuncio praised the tenacity of the faithful in the Land of the Cedars. And of their attachment to their land, which is ‘holy’. Taking up the pope's words, the exhortation was to ‘never let your hope be stolen’.

Syrian Christians wait with bated breath fearing the introduction of Sharia law and waiting for a new constitution. The Maronite Patriarch and the bishops of the various Churches defend the idea of citizenship and equal rights. The self-criticism of the Maronite Archbishop of Damascus who admits a ‘lack of courage’ in ‘telling the truth’ about the atrocities committed by the deposed regime.

Israeli attacks on the "party of God" have damaged a medieval castle and a Shia shrine in Shamaa, a village near Tyre. The site is dedicated to Shamoun al-Safa, who is none other than the first pontiff of Christianity, and still bears traces of a chapel. To be certain if ancient relics are inside, Israeli forces have to pull back.

This morning the Holy Father met with the president of the Palestinian National Authority for half an hour, the first time in three years. A Vatican press release underlines the “very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza". For the vicar of the Custody, prospects for a ceasefire and a celebration of peace are “very different from last year," even if "great concern" remains for Lebanon and Syria.

Lebanon reflects on the sudden collapse of the Damascus regime. Many Lebanese and displaced Syrians celebrate the day as a historic and decisive event for the future. The fear of a new tyranny to replace the one that has just been overthrown alternates with the hope for a democratic and coexisting Syria. Hezbollah has lost a powerful ally but this does not necessarily lead to a softening of its positions.

The president-elect appoints the Lebanese-American as advisor for the region. He was the main architect of the victory in the ‘swing states’. For the Tycoon he is a ‘good negotiator’ and an ‘unwavering supporter’ of peace, but at the same time he is considered an ‘ardent defender of the United States and its interests’.