In a message to the faithful, the prelate urges his flock to “overcome with courage" the tendency to see themselves as a "minority".  This is a time to help one’s needy fellow human beings, enhancing the spirituality of a Church that is mystical and oriented towards martyrdom. The Patriarchate is providing 50,000 dollars for the poor. Collections are taking place in all of Baghdad parishes.

In May, the country goes to the polls. Although a secular state, India’s religion and caste are being exploited by all parties. Toponyms are changed because they are too Islamic or colonial. Kashmir students complain of abuses following a terror attack that killed scores of soldiers.

Unemployment, pollution and food shortages are pushing people over the edge into a life of misery. In the capital, Catholics are little more than 314,000 or 3.7 per cent of the city's population. The Catholic charity has 20,000 members, committed to helping the sick, seniors, the disabled and children, something that is acknowledged even by the government.

The Indian doctor is a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life whose members were received by Pope Francis in audience yesterday. India is a land of inequalities. Robotics can be used in medical treatment and against deforestation. Lest we forget, machines “lack the freedom to choose."

School children waving North Korean flags and a guard of honour welcome the dictator whose schedule for the rest of the day is a secret. Trump, who arrives tonight, tweeted “Looking forward to a very productive Summit!"

In his Message for Lent 2019, Pope Francis speaks of Easter which "is a dynamic process that includes history and all creation". Living as "ungodly" leads to destructive behavior towards others, nature and towards oneself. Like Jesus, "enter the desert of creation to make it return to being that garden of communion with God".