Syria Christians fete nuns' release in rare prisoner swap A group of nuns held by Islamist rebels in Syria were freed on Monday in a prisoner swap with the Damascus government that brought a rare ray of hope to the country's beleaguered Christians. Scores of faithful packed the ancient Church of the Cross in the heart of the capital to welcome the nuns as they joined a mass to celebrate their freedom after more than three months of captivity. Images and soundbites