Yesterday marked the anniversary of the island's return to Japan. But residents continue to oppose the U.S. military presence in Futemna, whose complete closure they demand. Prefectural governor delivers some proposals to central government: situation "abnormal."

A country in mourning for 40 days bid its final farewell to the 73-year-old president, who has been ill for some time. The nation's leadership already long in the hands of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed. Former Vicar of Arabia: there is an atmosphere of "respect and tribute" to the person. For new leadership, the value of tolerance that embraces religions and ethnicities. 

For the Orthodox Patriarch Emeritus, Ukraine will defeat Russia. Attack on Moscow Patriarch Kirill, guilty of supporting Putin's intended invasion. To Pope Francis: we have nothing to fear from NATO. In future there will be only one national Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

The incident sparked protests and a sit-in on Grand Trunk Road. Another attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed three Pakistani soldiers and three children. For the Anglican bishop of Peshawar, thugs tried to disturb the peace and interfaith harmony in the city.

Francis presides over the canonisation of Charles de Foucauld, Indian layman Devasahayam and eight other priests and nuns in St Peter's Square. "Holiness is not an unattainable goal, separated from everyday life: it must be embraced in the everyday, in the dust of the street, in the trials of concrete life".

Bishop Mumbiela Sierra of Almaty, Kazkistan, was elected a few weeks ago as the first president of the new Conference of Catholic Bishops of Central Asia. He speaks to AsiaNews: 'An experience of fraternity that is important for the growth of our communities. We are a periphery that bears witness to God's love for the whole world".