EUROPE - Christians in the Middle East, a year after the "Arab spring"

Brussels (Agenzia Fides) – Have the expectations originated from the "Arab spring", on democracy, respect for human rights and religious minorities, been respected and carried out? This is the central question of a conference organized by the Commission of European Episcopal Conferences (COMECE) in Brussels (Belgium) to be held on 9 May, titled "Christians in the Arab world: a year after the Arab spring".
Representatives of various international organizations such as the society of Pontifical Right "Aid to the Church in Need" (ACS), "Open Doors International" and "Pew Forum on Religion Public live will talk about the situation of Christians in the Arab world." They will, moreover, give a valuable contribution to several witnesses who live and work in the Middle East like His Exc. Mgr. Samir Nassar, Maronite Archbishop of Damascus (Syria) and Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa Ofm, Guardian of Holy Land.
"After the change in Egypt, the situation in which Syria finds itself unequivocally indicates how the landscape in the Middle East is transforming. Until a year ago it would have been unthinkable to predict similar scenarios," said Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, OFM in an appeal sent to Fides (see Fides of 17/02/2012). On the role of the Church, the Franciscan friar says: "Being with people, to welcome and care for those in need, regardless of race, religion and nationality. Ensure, with confident presence, the religious service to the faithful so that they understand the importance of staying in their own country. This is the meaning of the Franciscan mission." (MS) (Agenzia Fides 28/4/2012)