"The people are really tired. They need psychological support and religious support because it has been a lot to deal with in a very short period of time," – Ms Yammine from Youth of Hope.

"There are people trying to profit from this catastrophe and buy land and homes from the Christians," – Mgr Bou-Hadir.

“This donation is intended as a sign of His Holiness’s attention and closeness to the affected population and of his fatherly closeness to people in serious difficulty,” – Vatican press release.

 “I don’t know how I came out of it basically unscathed. It feels like a miracle. I’m lucky to be alive," says Trócaire head of operations in the Lebanon.

“All of us are aware of the fragility of human life, its survival and its integrity. My prayer is for all the people of Beirut that they will find comfort at this time" - Archbishop Michael Jackson.

Terry Waite had spent many years travelling the world’s worst war zones before being captured and held in solitary confinement for almost five years. He has never given up on his belief that peace is possible.

“As Christmas approaches with glitter, jingles and lights in shops and streets, we set out and declare publicly and together that Christ is the light that has come into the world."