Bernardo Cervellera

The president and his wife arrive tomorrow for several ceremonies behind two-tonne barriers and heavy security screens. Deng had promised "one country, two systems," but in recent years the people of Hong Kong have had to fight for democracy and against security laws. Many statements coming from Beijing highlight the mainland’s blind supremacy. Dissatisfied, many young people are tempted by "independence".

The bishop of Wenzhou (Zhejiang), who belongs to the underground community, is said to be undergoing brainwashing to join the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association. Since China and the Holy See resumed talks three years ago, this is the first time that the Holy See Press Office speaks about a detained bishop. The faithful have felt too much pain over the Vatican’s extended silence. Germany’s ambassador in Beijing, Michael Clauss, has talked about the case. The Vatican’s press office calls on the faithful to pray for Bishop Shao Zhumin and “the path of the Catholic Church in China.”

Beijing supresses news and detains activists. Young people do not know what happened on 4 June when at least 2,600 students and workers were killed. Several dissidents are placed under house arrest. Police stop a meeting in Shandong. Tiananmen Mothers demand justice before they die. In Hong Kong, a pro-democracy vigil is planned; many mainlanders are expected to attend in secret.

The outgoing president has relaxed relations with the international community, improving the economy, but unemployment is still high. His main challenger Ebrahim Raisi, a religious conservative, is backed by Khamenei and the pasdaran. Young people in the cities are for Rouhani. Trump’s trip to Saudi Arabia, a support from outside to conservatives.

The event will be held to mark the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China. A title with many meanings: the Cross is red from the blood of the martyrs; From attempts to suffocate the faith with state control; Bceause of the contribution of hope that Christianity gives to a population tired of materialism and consumerism that is seeking new moral criteria. The theme is also about the great and unexpected religious rebirth in the country. Guests to include: Card. Pietro Parolin, Msgr. Savio Hon, the sociologist of religions Richard Madsen, the testimonies of Chinese priests and laity.

Zhan Silu was ordained in 2000. Ma Daqin, still under house arrest, but could "visit the Diocese of Mindong," where the ordinary bishop, Msgr. Guo Xijin, has disappeared in police custody. In the ceremony, Ma Daqin was called "bishop" and not "father" as before. The Patriotic Association undisputed master of the Church in China. "The Vatican is a joke". The PA attempts to destroy dialogue between the Holy See and the government.

In Mark’s Gospel a young man announces the resurrection of Jesus. The crisis of youth: "distrust, indifference, indignation towards institutions", even toward the Church. They learn to live without God and the Church. The importance of next Synod and the testimony of those who are kept "young" through mission.

Public security will not reveal where he was taken, but allow the faithful to deliver some clothes for their pastor. The bishop will celebrate Easter with his faithful. Pressures on the prelate to adhere to the Patriotic Association. A similar fate to that of Msgr. Guo Xijin. It is also pressure on the Holy See.

The cliché of the conflict of civilizations and religious wars. Daesh targets Christians, but also coexistence between Christians and Muslims. Al Sisi’s struggle for full citizenship of Christians in Egypt. Al Azhar and condemnation of fundamentalism. The West sells weapons to the Middle East, which end up in the hands of the Islamic State. Benedict XVI’s Regensburg address needs to be reconsidered.

The upcoming meeting (6-7 April) comes with fears and expectations. After fiery words, the US administration wants to boost mutual cooperation with “no conflict, no confrontation”. Chinese capital might finance Trump’s infrastructure plans. Will Trump be different from Clinton when it comes to dissidents?

In a two-hour press conference, the prime minister answered 18 questions on topics ranging from US-China relations and the south China Sea to Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, and the economy. Despite the attempt to smooth things over, tensions remain, like Beijing trade war against Taiwan and South Korea, and its “distortions" over Hong Kong. Whilst urging ASEAN countries not to "take sides", China continues its militarisation of disputed islands.

Half an hour with Pope Francis and images of faithful in St. Peter's Square; discussion on possible relations between Beijing and the Holy See. But the vision of religion remains the same as always: a political tool. Emphasis on the Taiwan issue. Chinese expert cites Wenzhou, but not the demolition of crosses in the countryside.