12/12/2013MYANMAR Burmese activists want full civil rights, not only freedom, for former political prisoners by Francis Khoo Thwe Yesterday, the Myanmar government released 41 political prisoners to coincide with the opening of the Southeast Asian Games in Naypyidaw. But already two of them have been re-arrested. AAPP leaders note that former prisoners of conscience are subjected to severe restrictions; unfair rules limiting their rights and freedoms should be abolished. Yangon (AsiaNews)
- The release of prisoners of conscience has become "a political weapon"
and thus something of major concern. Even after they are released, their
freedom "is greatly restricted," said Ben Gates, head of...
12/12/2013VATICAN Pope: Fraternity, foundation and path to peace against selfishness, exploitation and abuse Francis’ message for the World Day of Peace. The foundation of the fraternity is the common fatherhood of God. The "Globalisation of indifference". The increasing number of interconnections and communications, "make us neighbors but not brothers." "International agreements and national laws , despite being highly desirable and necessary , are not sufficient by themselves to bring humanity to avoid the risk of armed conflict. This requires a conversion of heart which allows everyone to recognize themselves in their brother". "The succession of economic crises should lead to appropriate rethinking of models of economic development and a change in lifestyle". A "change of heart".
12/12/2013INDONESIA - ISLAM Society against the government over religion on ID papers by Mathias Hariyadi Parliament's decision to include holder's religious affiliation in identity papers sparks widespread criticism. For many, the inclusion will lead to persecution and abuse, especially of those who do not belong to any of the recognised faiths. According to research by the Setara Institute, the Ahmadi sect has endured the most with 46 attacks out of 122 incidents recorded in the first six months of 2013.
12/11/2013VATICAN Pope Francis is Time's Person of the Year For Fr Lombardi, the pope seeks neither fame not success, but "he will certainly be glad" if Time's choice means that many people understood that "he carries out his service for the proclamation of the Gospel and the love of God for all."
12/11/2013VATICAN Pope: Never fear the final judgment, because Christ will always be at our side God "did not send his Son to condemn, but to save" and "he who believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is already condemned," and in this sense "the judgment has already begun". New appeal against hunger in the world. America, land of welcome, “a land capable of respecting human life at every stage".
12/11/2013THAILAND Tension rises in Bangkok as pro-government protesters ready to take to the streets The leaders of the "Red Shirts" are ready to demonstrate in favor of government, the leader of the opposition want to oust the "the Shinawatra clan” from the country. Fears grow of clashes between the two sides . Meanwhile, farmers for months waiting for the payment of food announce protests and road blocks.
12/10/2013PHILIPPINES Manila all set for a day of prayer against human trafficking The Movement, made up of Catholics and Protestants, has called a day of meeting, discussion and prayer for December 12. At least 5 thousand people expected. The recent devastation caused by the earthquake and typhoon have exacerbated the phenomenon of modern slavery. The heads of the churches in the Philippines makes concrete proposals against traffickers and for protection of victims.
12/10/2013CAMBODIA Christmas: God's light makes man breathe by Luca Bolelli This Advent story from the mission in Kdol Leu looks at the service provided to young students who have left for the big city as well as at friendship with Buddhists and the discovery of the gift of faith. Fr Luca Bolelli, a PIME missionary, has been in Cambodia for the past six years. He has not brought a "foreign" faith to the Asian nation but a God who gives man immense value.
12/10/2013MYANMAR - VATICAN - PIME Archbishop of Yangon: Isidore Ngei , our first Blessed, a sign of the Pope's love for the Church in Burma by Francis Khoo Thwe Archbishop Charles Bo bears witness to the joy of the Catholic community in Burma , which is preparing to celebrate 500 years of history and hopes for a visit by Pope Francis. The prelate adds, however, that it is a first step " on a long journey and “there are many others", because " we have many martyrs in Myanmar, who deserve sainthood".
12/09/2013VATICAN - PIME - MYANMAR Pope: Fr Mario Vergara and Isidore Ngei Ko Lat, martyrs for the faith in Myanmar, to become blessed The missionary with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions carried out his mission among the Karens of the Soku tribe, one of the poorest in pre-independence Burma. Arrested by the British at the outbreak of World War II, he was back in the mountains after 4 years in captivity setting up an orphanage and a sanatorium. Along with a young priest, Fr Galastri, he continued his mission despite fighting sparked by Burma's independence between rebels of different religions. He and Burmese catechist Isidore Ngei were killed by Baptist rebels.
12/09/2013VATICAN-EGYPT-MIDDLE EAST Pope: peace and religious freedom for Egypt's Copts, the Holy Land and throughout the Middle East Francis concelebrates morning Mass with the Catholic Patriarch of Alexandria of the Copts, Ibrahim Isaac Sidrak . Recognition for "the right for Christians to live peacefully where they were born , in the homeland they have loved as citizens for two thousand years , to contribute as always to the common good".
12/09/2013THAILAND Bangkok: parliament dissolved for early elections. But protest continues The Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra wants to return "power to the people" and return to vote "as soon as possible." A response to the mass resignation yesterday of the opposition. The demonstrators head towards the seat of the executive. The protest leaders proclaiming "Judgment Day" and want the whole Shinawatra family out of the country .
