Christians and Muslims together in memory of Fr Jacques Hamel’s martyrdom

For the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the fighting that began on 23 May are not a religious war. The prelates condemn Maute terrorism, which contradicts “the fundamental tenets of Islam”. They reiterate the need for interfaith dialogue. The task now is to rebuild “the persons affected because of the disruptions in their lives,” said Mgr Edwin Angot de la Peña, bishop of Marawi. An autonomous province in the south is need to achieve peace, said Bishop Orlando Quevedo, archbishop of Cotabato.

“So many goals are illusory: they promise some respite and distraction, they guarantee peace and fun, only to leave the same solitude as before,  they are "fireworks". That is why Christ indicated where to go:"Come to me".

Letter from the Congregation for Divine Worship. Bishops must ensure that the material for the celebration is valid: wheat bread and grape wine. The exceptions for celiac and for those who do not drink wine but can drink mustum. Verification is needed because today these products are also sold in supermarkets and via the internet.

The text was approved with 122 votes in favor, one against, one abstention. But none of the nine nuclear countries -  US, Russia, China, France, Great Britain, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel - took part in the debate or vote. Vatican support and the appreciation of UN Secretary-General Guterres.

Following the request of Angela Merkel, Pope Francis writes to heads of state and government in Hamburg for the summit of the world's major economies. A "heartfelt appeal"  to address the tragic situations of South Sudan, Lake Chad, Horn of Africa and Yemen, where there are 30 million people who have no food and water to survive. " The contradiction between apparent unity in the "common economic forums" and the persistence of "armed conflicts". Take an example from the great leaders of the recent past: Schuman, De Gasperi, Adenauer, Monnet. Bear in mind the great majority of the population, even though it represents only 10% of the world economy.

AYD will take place in Yogyakarta (archdiocese of Semarang) from 30 July to 6 August. Thousands of young Catholics are expected from all over Asia. The delegates of each country will spend a couple of days in different dioceses in Indonesia. For Stephen Borja of the Episcopal Commission on Youth of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, “The AYD is a fitting chance for all to experience the inter-cultural realities of Asia”.

As the conflict enters its second month, “Without these foundations, there can be no peace,” said the prelate. “Whoever planned to divide the Christians and Muslims is probably pissed off now.” The cardinal calls on Filipinos to be “attentive” to the “signs of love, hope, and light” amid the violence in Mindanao. The Catholic Church remains committed to the displaced.

The woman is head of the madrasse educational program in Zamboanga (Mindanao). "Educate hearts, not just minds; Only by educating to religious dialogue we will be able to build bridges between Muslims and Christians. "Ignorance, lack of education, poverty, and politics are the true enemies of today's Islam." Silsilah's experience, the movement founded by Fr. Sebastian D'Ambra: "These stories can inspire other cities."

In his message, Francis reminds the international community of its duty of solidarity. Malnutrition is the “result of a more complex condition of underdevelopment caused by the indifference of many or the selfishness of a few.” At the same time, “All of us realize that the intention to provide everyone with his or her daily bread is not enough. Rather, there is a need to recognize that all have a right to it and they must therefore benefit from it.”

People have grown. Their faith has matured in the trial.  In 2013, the disaster affected 3,424,593 families in nine regions, causing the death of 6,193 people and injuring another 28,689. “[P]eople have a strong sense of sharing and cooperating with one another in a sense of communion,” Mgr Du said. In 2015 Pope Francis visited the affected regions during his apostolic journey. The pontiff’s visit was a joy and a blessing for everyone.

2017 Stockholm International Peace Research Institute report is published. Data reveals slowdown in the process of dismantling nuclear weapons: 14,935 nuclear warheads against 15,395 of the previous year. US and Russia are investing in modernizing their systems. The smallest arsenals in Asia are in full swing. Israel has 80 nuclear warheads. Pope Francis's appeal to the UN has not been heard.

During the Angelus, Pope Francis called on Christians to hold Jesus as "the centre, the whole of life." Do not have a "duplicitous heart" with a "foot in two shoes". May the " holy faithful people of God” help “us to be good priests." He dedicated a Hail Mary to Venezuela, and expressed his “closeness to the families who have lost children in the streets”.

The meeting centred on family life, theology of the human body, evangelisation and collaboration between laity and clergy. The "CFC is God’s gift to the world and it is committed to renew family life,” said Card Fox Napier. "Strong faith in Christ will enable you to share your faith with others,” said Bishop John F. Du. “Marking the anniversary is a reminder to all of us to recommit ourselves to do more for families with love, commitment and joy," said CFC president George Campos.

At Mass for the solemnity of St. Peter and Paul, Pope Francis emphasizes the characteristics of the apostles: professing Christ, accepting persecution, being masters of prayer. In the world today "so many Christians are marginalized, slandered, discriminated, subjected to even mortal violence", and often "in a climate of silence - not often silent accomplice". The presence of the ecumenical delegation sent by Bartolomeo I, Patriarch of Constantinople.

At the Angelus, Pope Francis speaks of how the two apostles were "liberated" to "proclaim the Gospel in difficult and in some cases hostile environments." "Especially in times of trial, God tends a hand to us, comes to our aid, and frees us from enemy threats." Greeting to the faithful from Indonesia and Qatar. The greeting to the new cardinals, the major archbishops who received the pallium, and the delegation of the ecumenical patriarchate of Constantinople.