A CHRISTMAS FULL OF JOY IN A WOUNDED ASIA

About 200 people attacked the religious leaders as they were baptising Muslims. Some local imams filed charges against the clergymen who, together with scores of Protestants, were arrested by police. The pastors are now free on bail.

Speaking to reporters on the plane that took him back to Rome, Francis said, "There is the threat of these terrorists . . . but there is also another threat, state terrorism [. . .] with terrorists many who are innocent also fall [. . .] slavery is a part of today's social fabric. Slave labour, human trafficking, child trafficking. [. . .] It is a tragedy. Let us not close our eyes on this! [. . .] Going out to find people and talk is what Europe needs today."

During the canonisation of new saints in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis stressed that "The starting point of salvation is not the confession of the sovereignty of Christ, but rather the imitation of Jesus' works of mercy through which he brought about his kingdom." We can enter the kingdom of God "by being close in concrete ways to our brothers and sisters who ask for bread, clothing, acceptance, solidarity," and catechesis. At least 20,000 Indians came for the two Indian saints, Euphrasia Eluvathingal of the Sacred Heart, and Kuriakose Elias Chavara, from the Syro-Malabar Church.

Christians must proclaim the Gospel "to everyone without distinction, not proselytising, to tell others about what we have and what we want to share without forcing anyone”. “Going out means overcoming the temptation of talking among ourselves and forgetting the many who wait for a word of mercy from us, a word of comfort, of hope." “The mission is accomplished by all Christians, not just the few. It is a task for children as well”.

The Catholic school wins over the government with an innovative multimedia project that explains to young people the risks related to the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Professor Wu's work includes teaching students about human dignity.

Red tape, graft and malfeasance have pushed up prices. Oil and gas sector comes under closer scrutiny. Despite its huge reserves, Indonesia has to import energy to meet its needs. Transparency and a crackdown against mafia infiltration have become necessary.

From November 21 to 23 in the final stage of celebrations for the 500th anniversary of the Catholic presence in Myanmar will be held. A reality that has taken 500 years, born and nurtured by missionary institutes. From the "sacrifices” in order to proclaim the Gospel gushed "seed" of faith. The prelate calls for a renewal, "according to the guidelines laid down by Pope Francis."

Without "reliable data on North Korea's financial and economic situations," unification could create a shock as big as the collapse of Lehman Brothers, South Korea's Financial Services Commission chief says. However, for South Korea, unification could be an economic "bonanza" as it combines its capital and technology with the North's labour and natural resources. The Catholic Church fears instead that North Korean workers might become "modern slaves, underpaid and marginalised".

The first proclamation of the Gospel in Burma dates back to the sixteenth century, thanks to the work of the Dominicans, Franciscans and Jesuits. Of particular value the work of the PIME in remote areas, including among the tribals, who they help to discover building with bricks, writing and sanitation. Catholicism is stronger than the persecution of the military regime.

Anonymous sources suggest Beijing could propose two names with the Vatican choosing one. Even Pope Benedict XVI called for an agreement with the government on episcopal appointments. The CCPA is however considered an important, untouchable "historic legacy". It is also a one of China's most Maoist and corrupt agencies involved in business dealings worth billions, spared so far, from Xi Jinping's anti-graft campaign.