1977-78, studies in Arabic, Saint Joseph University of Beirut; two years of studies in Philosophy, Pontifical Faculty of Theology of South Italy, Naples; 1980-81, studies in Arabic and Islamic Sciences, Damascus; 1984, graduate in Arabic and Islamic Civilization, Oriental Institute of Naples and graduate in Theology, Gregorian Pontifical University, Rome; 1985, studies at Holy Spirit University, Lebanon; 1987, Master's in Mission Sciences, Gregorian Pontifical University; 1990, PhD in Koranic Eschatology and Islamic-Christian dialogue. 1974, military service in Italian mountain special forces; 1975, joined Jesuits; 1984, ordained as Priest in Syriac Catholic Church, Damascus; 1985-88, Priest, Aleppo, Syria; moved permanently to Deir Mar Musa el-Habashi to establish al-Khalil Monastic Community dedicated to Islamic-Christian friendship. Recipient of awards including, Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation Award, for dialogue between cultures (2006); Honorary Doctorate, Leuven and Louvain la Neuve universities, Belgium (2009).