For the current Maronite primate Card Bechara al-Rahi the decision is "a source of pride" for the country and the Lebanese around the world. The new venerable "fought" for the country’s independence and for the defence of its territory. The papal proclamation comes less than two months before the start of ceremonies that will mark Lebanon’s centennial.

Sri Lanka has 7,000 Buddhist temples where Theravada Buddhism is practiced. A presidential election is set for 7 December. For Caritas secretary, monks "could exploit the lack of trust in political leaders and government instability. But I don't think this will happen because the people have never voted for them."

The headmaster, who is also the imam of the nearby mosque, is the second rapist detained in a week. Last year at least 433 children were sexually abused. A "culture of impunity" protects the culprits.

Indonesian law does not recognize ‘nikah siri’, unregistered religious marriage. The practice is widespread especially among the better-off. Scholar at an Islamic university complains that women are treated as 'object' of sexual desires. Secretary of the National Commission against Violence against Women wonders “if polyandry would be accepted in Indonesia".

"These least ones are abandoned and cheated into dying in the desert; these least ones are tortured, abused and violated in detention camps; these least ones face the waves of an unforgiving sea; these least ones are left in reception camps too long for them to be called temporary".

Clashes follow a peaceful protest that attracted nearly 230,000 people. At the end of the rally, many participants decided to occupy the streets. Police, in riot gear, tried to disperse the crowd and clashed with the protesters.