www.asianews.it https://www.asianews.it Fri, 15 May 2026 18:47:04 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pope-tells-Tawadros-that-in-a-world-%27afflicted%27-by-wars%2C-Christians-should-be-%26lsquo%3Bwitnesses%26rsquo%3B-of-unity-65450.html The pontiff had a phone conversation with the Coptic Orthodox Patriarch this morning 'in a cordial and fraternal atmosphere," the Vatican Press Office reported, to give "impetus" to the celebrations for the Day of Friendship. Leo also expressed hope that work 'with all Churches of the Oriental Orthodox family' can resume. Vatican Fri, 15 May 2026 15:17:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pope-tells-Tawadros-that-in-a-world-%27afflicted%27-by-wars%2C-Christians-should-be-%26lsquo%3Bwitnesses%26rsquo%3B-of-unity-65450.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Philippine-Bishops%3A-Sara-Duterte%27s-trial-must-proceed-without-further-delay-65448.html The Catholic Bishops' Conference has called for a fair trial against the vice president, in compliance with the constitution, a necessary step 'to restore our people's faith and confidence in our public institutions'. Meanwhile, dela Rosa, former President Duterte's ally and right-hand man in the war on drugs, fled the Senate after a standoff to avoid arrest. Fri, 15 May 2026 12:44:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Philippine-Bishops%3A-Sara-Duterte%27s-trial-must-proceed-without-further-delay-65448.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pakistan%3A-deforestation-and-record-temperatures-as-the-climate-emergency-escalates-65449.html Concerns are growing over the effects of deforestation on the climate and public health. Activists are speaking out against the loss of green spaces and urban sprawl, which are exacerbating heatwaves, pollution and drought. New regulations to protect trees have been introduced in Sindh and Punjab. Environmentalists: tree planting cannot replace the ecological value of mature forests. Fri, 15 May 2026 11:45:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Pakistan%3A-deforestation-and-record-temperatures-as-the-climate-emergency-escalates-65449.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-distorted-use-of-the-Bible-in-Israel-that-is-setting-Lebanon-and-its-cedars-ablaze-65447.html Whilst the third round of talks between the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors is underway in Washington, people continue to die in the south. Reflections from the AsiaNews correspondent: 'Faced with threats and provocations that seek to normalise war, today we need responses rooted in our deepest culture and ethical principles'. Fri, 15 May 2026 09:58:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-distorted-use-of-the-Bible-in-Israel-that-is-setting-Lebanon-and-its-cedars-ablaze-65447.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Solomon-Islands%3A-Wale%2C-an-anti-Beijing-figure%2C-is-the-new-prime-minister-65446.html Today's headlines: Trump leaves Beijing hailing 'fantastic trade deals'; Xi: 'Constructive strategic stability';Iran and the United Arab Emirates clash at the BRICS summit preventingcommon position in New Delhi; Thousands of ultra-nationalists with anti-Arab slogans in Jerusalem for the 'Flag March'; Data analysis using artificial intelligence prevents suicides on Seoul's bridges. Asia Today Fri, 15 May 2026 09:55:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Solomon-Islands%3A-Wale%2C-an-anti-Beijing-figure%2C-is-the-new-prime-minister-65446.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-twilight-of-Russian-Soviet-power-brokers-65445.html The death and retirement of two politicians who, for almost thirty years, led the local parliaments of Bashkortostan and Tatarstan offer a glimpse into their loyalty to every form of power during Russia's transition of regimes. Icons of the process that, with the war, has now reduced the entire country to global isolation Fri, 15 May 2026 07:22:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-twilight-of-Russian-Soviet-power-brokers-65445.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/At-Rome%26rsquo%3Bs-Sapienza-University%2C-Leo-XIV-urged-students-to-%26lsquo%3Bstudy%2C-cultivate%2C-safeguard-justice%26rsquo%3B-65443.html The pope visited Europe's largest university. He told students: "We are a desire, not an algorithm.' He told professors that 'Teaching is a form of charity just like rescuing a migrant at sea.' He lamented 'A world unfortunately distorted by wars', and said not to call ''defence' rearmament, defence that increases tensions'. He slammed the 'inhuman evolution of the relationship between war and new technologies'. Knowledge should help 'discerning who one is.' Vatican Thu, 14 May 2026 17:39:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/At-Rome%26rsquo%3Bs-Sapienza-University%2C-Leo-XIV-urged-students-to-%26lsquo%3Bstudy%2C-cultivate%2C-safeguard-justice%26rsquo%3B-65443.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Cambodia-slams-Thailand-for-listing-disputed-temples-in-its-heritage-registry-65444.html Cambodia rejects Thailand's unilateral decision to register border sites as national heritage. Over the years, the area has been the scene of armed clashes, the latest a few months ago, when a temple suffered damages. Phnom Penh slams Bangkok's action as a violation of its territorial integrity without any validity under international law. Thu, 14 May 2026 15:20:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Cambodia-slams-Thailand-for-listing-disputed-temples-in-its-heritage-registry-65444.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Teesta-Basin%3A-Dhaka-seeks-Beijing%26rsquo%3Bs-support-65441.html The water management project for the Himalayan river is back at the centre of discussions between Bangladesh, China and India. The Bangladeshi government, currently led by Tarique Rahman, is seeking support from Beijing, reigniting tensions with New Delhi over water resources and Chinese influence in the region. At stake are 1.5 million tonnes of rice a year that Dhaka loses due to poor irrigation. Thu, 14 May 2026 14:08:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Teesta-Basin%3A-Dhaka-seeks-Beijing%26rsquo%3Bs-support-65441.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Faith-and-hope-are-the-response-to-Myanmar%27s-%26lsquo%3Bpolycrisis%26rsquo%3B%2C-says-Cardinal-Bo-65442.html The prelate last week addressed the plenary session of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference (ACBC), highlighting his country's multiple challenges, from earthquakes and healthcare to war and the economy. He bore witness to the devastation caused by the 2021 military coup while reiterating the strength of the local Catholic community. The US State Department acknowledges religious persecution. Freedom of religion Thu, 14 May 2026 13:24:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Faith-and-hope-are-the-response-to-Myanmar%27s-%26lsquo%3Bpolycrisis%26rsquo%3B%2C-says-Cardinal-Bo-65442.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Halki-and-the-Adana%27s-church-library%3A-the-%28uncertain%29-future-of-Turkey%26rsquo%3Bs-Christian-heritage-65440.html The historic Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos will become a public library. According to scholars, the building's remarkable architecture offers a unique atmosphere for reading. Meanwhile, Bartholomew I has announced for September the reopening of the historic seminary with a grand ceremony, but its future use remains uncertain. Islam, Freedom of religion Thu, 14 May 2026 08:32:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Halki-and-the-Adana%27s-church-library%3A-the-%28uncertain%29-future-of-Turkey%26rsquo%3Bs-Christian-heritage-65440.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Dushanbe%2C-the-village-that-became-the-capital-of-Tajikistan-65438.html Capital Day provided an opportunity to celebrate the efforts that, during the years of the terrible Stalinist dictatorship, made it possible to build one of Central Asia's most beautiful cities on a desert plateau. Today, its modern buildings project it into the future. Thu, 14 May 2026 08:29:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Dushanbe%2C-the-village-that-became-the-capital-of-Tajikistan-65438.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Two-hour-meeting-between-Xi-and-Trump%3A-%26lsquo%3BPartners%2C-not-rivals%26rsquo%3B-65439.html Today's headlines: shots fired in the Philippine Senate where a pro-Duterte senator attempts to evade an International Criminal Court warrant;Israel set for early parliamentary elections in early September;Satheesan chosen by the Congress Party as chief minister of Kerala;North Korea has earned $14 billion over three years by sending its troops to the war in Ukraine. Asia Today Thu, 14 May 2026 08:26:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Two-hour-meeting-between-Xi-and-Trump%3A-%26lsquo%3BPartners%2C-not-rivals%26rsquo%3B-65439.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-West-Bank%26rsquo%3Bs-archaeological-heritage-under-settlers%27-attack-65434.html A bill before the Knesset has passed first reading, granting Israel control over antiquities in the Palestinian territories, where violence settler continues. For Prof Sabella, a climate of insecurity is pushing families to leave. Jewish schools are fuelling an anti-Christian ideology. From Gaza and Iran to Lebanon, the trauma caused by wars must be overcome. Wed, 13 May 2026 20:18:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-West-Bank%26rsquo%3Bs-archaeological-heritage-under-settlers%27-attack-65434.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Manipur%3A-three-Baptist-pastors%2C-driver-killed.-Bishop-Neli-calls-for-a-stop-to-violence-65437.html The victims, members of the Thadou Baptist Association, were attacked in Kangpokpi district as they made their way home from a religious conference, sparking concern in a region ravaged by ethnic violence for the past three years. For the archbishop of Imphal, the parties to the conflict must not deepen the pain. He calls for life to be defended, as well as 'forgiveness' and 'peaceful coexistence,' urging the authorities to restore trust. Freedom of religion, India Wed, 13 May 2026 17:21:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Manipur%3A-three-Baptist-pastors%2C-driver-killed.-Bishop-Neli-calls-for-a-stop-to-violence-65437.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Trump-Xi-summit%3A-Will-dissidents-be-part-of-the-talks%2C-like-CEOs-65436.html Trump's long-awaited visit to Beijing, the first by a US president since 2017, offers an opportunity to refocus attention on the fate of Jimmy Lai and many other defenders of religious freedom and human rights imprisoned in China. This includes Zion Church clergymen, whose families, to keep their fate in the public eye, are posting on Chinese social media images of the Ichthys fish, a symbol used by early Christians during persecution. Wed, 13 May 2026 16:35:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Trump-Xi-summit%3A-Will-dissidents-be-part-of-the-talks%2C-like-CEOs-65436.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-attack-on-John-Paul-II-%26lsquo%3Bwas-not-fatal-thanks-to-the-protection-of-the-Virgin%2C%26rsquo%3B-says-Pope-Leo-XIV-65435.html On 13 May 1981, feast day of Our Lady of Fatima 45 years ago, John Paul II was hit by two bullets. Today, Leo XIV remembered his predecessor before the general audience in St Peter's Square by kneeling at the spot where he was wounded. He dedicated today's catechesis to Mary, "the perfect model" for the Church, entrusting to her "the cry for peace" of "peoples afflicted by war.' Vatican, Wednesday Papal audience Wed, 13 May 2026 14:18:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/The-attack-on-John-Paul-II-%26lsquo%3Bwas-not-fatal-thanks-to-the-protection-of-the-Virgin%2C%26rsquo%3B-says-Pope-Leo-XIV-65435.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Philippine-inflation-soars-to-7.2-in-April%2C-with-the-poor-hardest-hit-65433.html Price rises linked to the oil crisis triggered by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have caused the sharpest surge in the Philippines in the last three years in the prices of essential goods and transport fares. This trend is hitting low-income families and those living in rural areas of the Visayas hardest. Wed, 13 May 2026 10:19:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Philippine-inflation-soars-to-7.2-in-April%2C-with-the-poor-hardest-hit-65433.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Punjab%3A-Deaths-of-two-Christian-workers-in-the-sewers-reflect-denied-rights-65432.html Shakeel and Sammer Masih, sewer cleaners, are the latest victims of workplace fatalities among Christians. Activists denounce the failure to comply with safety protocols. The Bishop of the Sahiwal Baptist Church has spoken out, and the authorities have promised a thorough investigation. Also weighing heavily is the lack of access to education for Christians, who are exploited in dangerous jobs. Wed, 13 May 2026 10:17:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Punjab%3A-Deaths-of-two-Christian-workers-in-the-sewers-reflect-denied-rights-65432.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Trump-is-travelling-to-Beijing%3B-talks-with-Xi-begin-tomorrow-65431.html Today's headlines: in Lebanon, where the war continues, UNESCO has sounded the alarm over children unable to attend school. Negotiations between Samsung and the unions have broken down, paving the way for a long strike starting on 21 May at the semiconductor factories. For the first time, a woman is at the helm of St Stephen's College in New Delhi. A message from Kirill to Pope Leo one year on from his election. Asia Today Wed, 13 May 2026 07:52:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Trump-is-travelling-to-Beijing%3B-talks-with-Xi-begin-tomorrow-65431.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Russian-governors%3A-The-silent-ruling-party-65430.html In September, Russia will go to the polls for parliamentary elections, and in the campaign that is now getting underway, the traditional allies of United Russia, Putin's party, appear for the first time to be intent on distancing themselves in order to capitalise on popular discontent. Thus, to close ranks, the Kremlin is rallying the loyalist leaders of local administrations. Wed, 13 May 2026 07:42:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Russian-governors%3A-The-silent-ruling-party-65430.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Govt-policy-chief-calls-for-AI-profit-sharing-65429.html Kim Yong-beom, President Lee's chief of staff for policy, calls for sharing excess tax revenue from business giants like Samsung and SK hynix, generated by global chip demand. The proposal was inspired by Norway's sovereign wealth fund based on oil revenues. Kim warns that without it, inequality will worsen. After markets react negatively to the proposal, presidential office says Kim's views are personal. Tue, 12 May 2026 17:22:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Govt-policy-chief-calls-for-AI-profit-sharing-65429.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Gaza-and-the-Board-of-Peace%27s-unfulfilled-promises-65427.html The Gaza Strip remains in limbo. While the war is not truly over, timid attempts to restore political normalcy have been made amid unresolved contradictions. Fatah held local elections in Deir el-Balah on 25 April, but Hamas maintains local networks. The Board's only funding came thus far from the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, invested on the future local police force. Meanwhile, 80 per cent of families still depend on water distributed by tankers. The Eastern Gate Tue, 12 May 2026 15:26:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Gaza-and-the-Board-of-Peace%27s-unfulfilled-promises-65427.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Thailand-detains-Hong-Kong-activist-Zhang-Xinyan-who-faces-jail-time-in-China-65428.html The activist is currently held at a detention centre over her visa. The UNHCR office in the Thai capital had granted her protection status. Hong Kong authorities accuse her of "subversion" under the territory's national security law. Her "crime" is membership in the Hong Kong Parliament group of exiles. China Tue, 12 May 2026 13:31:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Thailand-detains-Hong-Kong-activist-Zhang-Xinyan-who-faces-jail-time-in-China-65428.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Man-gets-15-months-in-prison-for-sending-pork-to-Singapore-mosques-65426.html A 62-year-old man was found guilty of hurting religious feelings and harassing a woman. A Court ruled that attacks against places of worship threaten the city-state's social and religious harmony. This is the latest in a series of cases prosecuted for offences against various communities. Tue, 12 May 2026 11:37:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Man-gets-15-months-in-prison-for-sending-pork-to-Singapore-mosques-65426.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Extreme-heat-in-India-drives-workers-towards-climate-insurance-65425.html Increasingly frequent heatwaves are reducing the income and increasing the expenses of millions of informal workers. To tackle this crisis, parametric insurance is becoming more widespread, offering automatic compensation when temperatures exceed certain pre-set thresholds. India Tue, 12 May 2026 11:11:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Extreme-heat-in-India-drives-workers-towards-climate-insurance-65425.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Dhaka-High-Court-bans-the-disclosure-of-foetal-sex.-Catholic-doctor%3A-%26lsquo%3Bhistoric%26rsquo%3B-ruling-65424.html The judges have ruled that disclosing the sex of the unborn child is a discriminatory and harmful practice, as well as being unconstitutional. The ruling comes at a time when the scourge of selective abortion, leading to the elimination of female foetuses, remains widespread. In the country, although abortions are formally permitted only to save the mother's life, 1.58 million are performed annually, putting the health of many mothers at risk as well. Tue, 12 May 2026 11:10:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Dhaka-High-Court-bans-the-disclosure-of-foetal-sex.-Catholic-doctor%3A-%26lsquo%3Bhistoric%26rsquo%3B-ruling-65424.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Uzbekistan-and-the-regional-trade-corridors-to-be-re-established-65422.html Speaking at a seminar organised in Samarkand by the Asian Development Bank, the Deputy Minister of Transport from Tashkent recalled how, during the Soviet era, Central Asia was part of a single country where logistics chains functioned effectively. The challenge now is to overcome today's borders through new digital infrastructure. Economy Tue, 12 May 2026 08:41:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Uzbekistan-and-the-regional-trade-corridors-to-be-re-established-65422.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/-9-dead-in-blast-on-Pakistan%27s-border-with-Afghanistan-65423.html Today's headlines: AJordanian priest popular among young Palestinians has been expelled by Israel from the West Bank;The Cambodian Parliament has approved the introduction of compulsory military service for men aged between 18 and 25; In Thailand, the largest seizure of smuggled ivory in recent years;The Georgian Orthodox Church has elected the new Patriarch Sio III. Asia Today Tue, 12 May 2026 08:38:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/-9-dead-in-blast-on-Pakistan%27s-border-with-Afghanistan-65423.html https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Secret-bases-and-future-government%3A-the-impact-of-the-US-Iran-war-on-Iraq-65419.html Iran accuses Prime Minister-designate al-Zaidi of being too close to US positions. Iraqi officials say Tehran is trying to exercise a veto and pressure Iraqi Shias. A visit by US officials is expected to oversee the formation of the new Iraqi cabinet. Israel is rumoured to have set up a secret base in the west of the country. Mon, 11 May 2026 17:40:00 GMT https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Secret-bases-and-future-government%3A-the-impact-of-the-US-Iran-war-on-Iraq-65419.html