The former general secretary of the territory, under the British and under China, urges the head of the executive to take some steps to rebuild people's trust in political authorities and restore calm in Hong Kong.
Pope: Proclamation and dialogue, keys to theology
| ITALY - VATICANCrowd surround police headquarters to say no to Hong Kong extradition law
| HONG KONG – CHINABartholomew: Real welcome demands truth and justice
| VATICAN - ORTHODOXXi in Pyongyang: 'Blood ties' between China and North Korea
| NORTH KOREA - CHINAOn the eve of his trip, the Chinese president pens an article published by a North Korean paper. In it, he says China is ready to play a greater role in negotiations relating to Korean Peninsula issues. For some analysts, he wants to exert influence on the nuclear issue as leverage in trade negotiations with the US.
In a joint statement, the apostolic administrator of the diocese and the president of the (protestant) Christian council, Eric So, demand an independent inquiry into the clashes between police and protesters, where the police would have used tear gas, sticks, bullets rubber against helpless people.
The underground bishop, recently recognized by the government as auxiliary bishop, withdrew his request. In it obedience to the laws of the country was accepted, but not membership of the PA. But the government does not want to publish it, making underground priests believe that they are obliged to join the body that proclaims the independence of the Church. In the Sino-Vatican agreement - also unpublished – membership of the PA is optional.
Xi’s visit to North Korea will be the first by a Chinese president in 14 tears. The trip will take place just before Xi and Trump travel to Japan for the G20 summit. Mgr Lazarus You calls for "building fraternal relations of trust between peoples".
John Man, a 24 year old recent graduate of Hong Kong University and protagonist of the marches against the law on extradition, speaks of government hypocrisy and sadly denounces the "weak" official intervention of the diocese. Msgr. Joseph Ha Chi-shing, auxiliary bishop, has won youth back to the Church and garnered the appreciation of non-believers.
The 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the Yibin area. Two wounded are in critical condition. At least 10 thousand buildings damaged. Motorway and roads blocked. An early warning system reduces damage. The memory of the 2008 earthquake with 87,000 dead.
Last week, the head of the UN anti-terrorism chief, Vladimir Voronkov, was given a "guided" tour of the Xinjiang detention camps, but made no statements. I Michele Bachelet, head of the UN Commission for Human Rights also invited to visit. Bachelet will accepts if Beijing does not place any conditions. China fears international criticism at the 41st session of the UN Human Rights Council, scheduled from 24 June to 12 July.
Young and old, workers and business executives filled the streets of central Hong Kong to demand the cancellation of the extradition law. Justice and Peace delegation also present. Parents brought their children because they want "a better future" for them. The profound excuses of the chief executive. The "kindness" of the police.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam admits communication "inadequacies", wants to restore "peace and order", and will listen to everyone, the opposition included. Still, the Civil Human Rights Front will continue to demonstrate. Trade unions plan strike with business backing. The mainland has been silent so far.
General Xu Yuan, who teaches at the Defence University of the People's Liberation Army, says that the Chinese government fears what might happen in the former British colony. The freedoms granted in 1997 "must be revoked before it is too late". The key to indoctrination of the population is “education".
Giovanni Pang also would like the Pope to pray for Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, also a Catholic, who "turns a blind eye to the outcry of Hong Kong citizens". Priests from Hong Kong, "especially those who are supportive and are close to the underground Church community in China”, are at risk.
She had been jailed along with her husband and about 100 other Christians in December 2018. Another Christian, Li Xiaofeng, was also released. Both are free on bail but can be re-arrested at any time. The state of their health is unknown.
For the auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong, the demands of young people are just and show they "care about society". Ongoing protests against the extradition law are the only way forward against a political system unwilling to listen.
In his homily, Card Joseph Zen, bishop emeritus of Hong Kong, spoke about yesterday's protests against a draft extradition bill.
