The Vatican has unveiled a new Arabic edition of the Bible, published by Edizioni San Paolo. The edition will be distributed in several countries: Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Sudan. "In the translation", explains Fr. Francesco Voltaggio, who collaborated closely with the Maronite Abuna Jean Azzam, the project's director, "we considered the significance of adapting the translation to the Arab world, as well as the richness and sensitivity of the Eastern churches, to which the majority of the Arabic-speaking faithful belong. The translation was then completed with specific emphasis on the Church Fathers, who connect all churches. The notes have been updated to reflect the most recent archaeological discoveries, with a focus on Middle Eastern holy sites". “We have been divided by a wall, both caught in war in recent times, yet we continued to work", say the two curators. They are convinced that, “even though this initiative is not directly tied to current events, it can help Arabic-speaking Christians in the Holy Land and around the world. We hope", they explain, “that a deeper understanding, especially of the Old Testament, will help us bear witness to others. The greater the darkness, the brighter the light shines, enabling us to become peacemakers".