Bernardo Cervellera

The ordination took place this morning. In addition to the excommunicated bishop, there were five other bishops in communion with the pope. The faithful speak of "disrespect" to the newly ordained bishop, and to the community. The risks of division between official and underground communities will lead to the failure of Hu Jintao’s "harmonious society". Secretary of Propaganda Fide, “Lack of respect for the person of the new bishop and his community."

The candidate, Fr Chen Gongao, has the Holy See's approval. He delayed his ordination ceremony until now to avoid the presence of unlawful bishops. The Vatican and the faithful have repeatedly slammed the "Maoist practices" of the Patriotic Association.

Syria and the Christians; Afghanistan and women, Orissa and the Maoists, China and the power struggles, Vietnam against the Vatican: the horizon of Asia and the world looks very bleak. Easter is not the chocolate egg or exaltation of the suffering of the vanquished: it is God who allowed himself be crucified to destroy evil and to rise again victorious. On the night of Easter many in Asia will become Christians because they understood that Jesus Christ is the strongest.

The new institution is expected to collect, check and release information on violations of religious freedom in the world. It will be helped in its task by Italian and Vatican diplomats. Dangers to religious freedom are not only found in countries like Nigeria or Pakistan but also in Western nations where a dominant laicism has expelled God from society.

Hu Jintao's promises to invest in Italy not covered in Chinese newspapers. The need for structural reforms in China countered by Communist Party’s monopoly of power, which results in repression, government corruption, predatory economics heedless of the social and environmental issues with consequent revolts by peasants and workers. The pope's invitation to defend religious freedom to create a "harmonious society". Chinese newspapers exalt the end of Article 18: CGIL defeated by Mao's heirs.

In an interview with AsiaNews, Mgr. Mario Zenari, for the past three years nuncio in Damascus, described all the elements that make up the tangled skein of Syria. The deep division between Sunnis and Alawites (Shiites) and the growing hatred. The too fearful Christians must commit themselves to building a society where there is respect for man and his rights, equality for women, equality among all citizens, freedom of religion and of conscience. Being in Syria is a mission. At Homs a priest talks with the rebels and with the army to provide aid to the poor, to save the lives of the inhabitants, to bury the dead that nobody wants to touch. In a year of violence at least 800-900 children have been killed. The majority were shot in the streets by unknown snipers. Syria is changing and there's no turning back.

He is replaced by Zhang Dejiang, an ally of Hu Jintao. For some, this is the end of "Maoism", for others it's the end of a policy in favor of the population. Possible influence on the relations between China and the Vatican. Major power struggle for domination of the Politburo.

A year after the assassination of Pakistan's minister for minorities, AsiaNews presents the testimonies of those who knew him and continue his fight for a secular Pakistan respectful of all religions and ethnicities. The fruitfulness of his martyrdom is evident in his country but also worldwide. His "will" has become a source of inspiration for millions of people. Even in overcoming ambivalence of Christian world.

The bishop of Hong Kong underlines the importance of the Church of Hong Kong in helping the Church in China. "Working together with Card. Zen (Hong Kong) and Card. Shan (Taiwan). The importance of the Vatican Commission in implementing the guidelines of the Pope's Letter to Chinese Catholics (including the rejection of the Patriotic Association, "incompatible with Catholic doctrine"). Sorrow for bishops and priests who have disappeared in police custody or in labour camps.

Even if the government does not give answers or to the Holy See, or diplomats, or to friends of the Vatican and China, it is important that "no one forgets about them." The Chinese government's official response when asked is always: "We do not know." "We need to pray first," "but we must also appeal to those who are holding them."

During the Year of the Dragon, AsiaNews asks President Hu Jintao and ambassador Ding Wei for the release of three bishops and six Chinese priests who have disappeared in police custody or are in forced labour camps.

Mgr James Su Zhimin, 80, has done 40 years in prison; Mgr Cosma Shi Enxiang, 90, has spent 50 years. No one talks about them whilst the Chinese government says it “does not know where they are”. Many fear they might die under torture as other bishops have done before. The Vatican should demand their release as a condition for dialogue. A campaign is launched on their behalf in 2012.