The great Ukrainian intellectual explains the reasons that push his people to demand independence from the patriarchate of Moscow. In Russia, state pressures and the exploitation of the Church are the order of the day. An independent Church would be a very important step towards the liberation of Ukraine from its Soviet past. But the problem is above all a spiritual one.
In a war between China and the United States, China would lose and the Party fall
by Wei Jingsheng | CHINA-USARiyadh acknowledges Jamal Khashoggi’s murder but blames ‘rogue killers’
| TURKEY – SAUDI ARABIAThousands of Christians, Muslims and Hindus welcome the body of Fr Marino Rigon (photos)
by Sumon Corraya | BANGLADESHThe Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty commits only Washington and Moscow and leaves Beijing with the possibility of developing new weapons. US National Security Adviser John Bolton’s visit to Moscow offers little hope.
Francis, receiving the Passionists, said that "the strength and simplicity of your message, which is the love of God revealed on the Cross can still speak to today's society that has learned not to trust words alone and to be convinced only by facts ".
As part of a vast operation, police have detained a thousand people. Alleged Nigerian and Ugandan "romance scammers" are the main target. Human rights groups warn that refugees and asylum seekers are being arrested.
A malfunctioning power system is the probable cause of the disaster. The train, very popular among tourists, runs along the island’s east coast. Tsai Ing-en pledges action. Mainland authorities extend their condolences.
At the Youth Synod the Maronite Patriarch re-launches the commitment to safeguarding the presence in the region. Christians represent "the cultural base". Maintaining the identity of Eastern Christians in the West and in the diaspora countries. Avoid ghettoization and indifference to the theme of ecclesial belonging.
Zheng Xiaosong, 59, jumped from the top story of his residence. For the government "he suffered from depression". In recent years, due to the anti-corruption campaign, many Chinese bureaucrats have committed suicide. Tomorrow he was due to take part in the inauguration of the new mega-bridge between Zhuhai, Macao and Hong Kong.
Making an appeal for support to the mission to every people that does not know Jesus Christ, we can be a "bridge" between generations, helping to discover one’s task, vocation and missionary consecration in the world. AsiaNews is part of this service to the mission, for young people and others.
The Prefect of the Congregation for Bishops writes an open letter to the former nuncio to Washington. In it, he describes the former nuncio’s accusations as a baseless “political manoeuvre”. “I cannot understand how you could have allowed yourself to be convinced of this monstrous accusation which has no standing,” he writes.
Chinese faithful, official and underground communities, express their feelings about the present and the future of the Sino-Vatican provisional agreement. Many ask for the publication of the agreement document; others that bishops held in prison are freed and that the unofficial bishops are recognized by the government. The fear that China will belittle the Vatican. Fidelity to the Pope and to the unity of the Church, but concern for the rise in "collaborator" bishops.
For the optimists the provisional agreement is "historic"; for the pessimists it is the beginning of the total sell out of the Church to the Party. The Pope is involved in naming bishops. But we know nothing of a right of veto. The lifting of excommunications is good, but the faithful expect a public request for forgiveness. China has not asked for a break with Taiwan as a prior condition. Praise for Lithuanian martyrs, amid silence on the Chinese ones.
