The pontiff notes that two ‘opposing ideologies” threaten religious freedom and conscience: “secular relativism and religious radicalism – in reality pseudo-religious radicalism.” For him, the “real anger is fighting extremism and intolerance with as much extremism and intolerance, in attitudes as well as words.”
The rosaries will be handed out at next year’s World Youth Day. Some 250 men and women are involved in the project, improving their economic situation. The goal is “to create a future that is secure and free from poverty” and “encourage the youth to pray the rosary for peace, love and justice.”
Iran has replaced the US dollar in its official currency rate reporting platform with China’s yuan. The Sanarate portal is Iran’s place of reference for the main international currencies, like the euro and the UAE’s dirham. President Rouhani recently launched some initiatives to strengthen Iran’s currency, the rial.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security accused the 12 of engaging in anti-state activities on behalf of the Provisional National Government of Vietnam (PNGV), a "terrorist" organisation loyal to the former South Vietnam regime. James Nguyen Han and Phan Thị Dao were given "counter-revolutionary missions" such as spreading propaganda, organising protests and insulting the image of Ho Chi Minh.
The Central American country asked money for political campaigns and port development. President Tsai Ing-wen is worried about the end of diplomatic relations. For Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “It would be irresponsible to engage in dollar diplomacy to compete with China for allies, or even make illegal political donations.”
Japan’s Defence Minister donates two naval patrol boats worth US$ 11 million. Sri Lanka is part of China’s "One belt, One road" strategy. Japanese representative visits the port of Hambantota, which Colombo has leased to a Chinese company for 99 years.
