“What we need first of all is justice, equality, social reform because the gap between rich and poor is far too wide, and this is the real cause of the Islamic fundamentalist movement,” he said.

“We need change, the Arab world must change. We need alternate parties but in our countries there is nothing.” When asked if the Western concept of democracy is applicable to Egypt and the wider Arab world, Fr. Samir said it is “applicable but not yet practicable.”

“If you have authoritarian regimes, they systematically destroy all the leadership so only people who are in agreement with the current system are in power.” In the case of Egypt, he said, “Mubarack nominated his second in command, Omar Suleiman who is a good diplomat, a military officer. But … is this good for the country?”

Listen to the interview with Fr. Samir on Vatican Radio.

Jesuit Father Rick Curry runs the Academy for Veterans at Georgetown University for those retuning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The program aims to assist veterans who have been disabled in combat in rebuilding their lives and responding to their needs. The program also includes emotional rehabilitation through performing arts.

Fr. Curry recently spoke to Vatican Radio about the unique experience of working with the disabled veterans. You can listen to Curry’s interview here

Jesuit Father Michael Czerny, SJ, a Canadian Jesuit based in Nairobi, Kenya, has been appointed one of about 30 experts who will assist the bishops at Synod of Bishops for Africa at the Vatican from Oct. 4 – 25, 2009.

In 2002, Fr. Czerny founded the African Jesuit AIDS Network as a way to help Jesuits in Africa work on the problem of HIV and AIDS. Fr. Czerny spoke with Vatican Radio about how the Church offers hope to people living with HIV AIDS. Go here to listen Vatican Radio’s interview with Fr. Michael Czerny, SJ.

Jesuit Father Michael Czerny, SJ, a Canadian Jesuit based in Nairobi, Kenya, has been appointed one of about 30 experts who will assist the bishops at Synod of Bishops for Africa at the Vatican from Oct. 4 – 25, 2009.

In 2002, Fr. Czerny founded the African Jesuit AIDS Network as a way to help Jesuits in Africa work on the problem of HIV and AIDS. Fr. Czerny spoke with Vatican Radio about how the Church offers hope to people living with HIV AIDS. Go here to listen Vatican Radio’s interview with Fr. Michael Czerny, SJ.