Bernardo Cervellera

Signs of death are visible across Asia, near and far. There are also signs of life, those generated by the Churches of Asia, helped by the victory of Jesus Christ, the risen crucifix, over death. John Paul II’s call ‘Open wide the doors for Christ’ is even more fitting today as we prepare for his beatification.

The message from the Commission on the Church in China, released today reiterates the elements necessary for ecclesial communion, after the illicit ordination of Chengde and the Assembly of Catholic representatives in Beijing. No excommunication, but the Pope stresses that faith and unity of the Church are fundamental. Process of cause for the beatification of Paul Xu Guangqi begins. On 24 May the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.

From now until April 13 the Commission called by Benedict XVI meets. The situation of Chinese Catholic community after the slap in the face from Beijing with the illicit ordination of Chengde and the patriotic assembly a few months ago. The broken dreams of diplomatic relations, the urgent need to support the official and underground Christian communities. Enhancing the work of the bridge – Churches in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore.

From December until today, despite many difficulties the Church in China has been trying to rebuild the path to unity between official and underground Catholics, dealt a severe blow by Communist Party strategies. The idea of the "Vietnam model". But Beijing’s fear of the "Jasmine Revolution" seems to prevail over interests in seeing reconciliation with the Church and society.

The two leaders have always preached a "harmonious society" and an "inclusive growth". But social inequality has increased in the country, fomenting unrest. Party members are also the richest in the country. The pattern of development needs urgent change to increase domestic consumption. Fears of a possible "jasmine revolution." China is similar to Egypt and Tunisia. Military spending increased by 12.7% and military wages by 40%.

After nearly three weeks, finally a European text condemns the violations of religious freedom of Christians. The statement suffers from "excessive" balance and distance. The EU's inability to understand what is happening in North Africa and the Middle East is a result of its ignoring its Christian roots. Without a sense of identity the ability to read the situation or offer a way forward. The teaching of Benedict XVI.

Suspension of dialogue with the Vatican concerns Egyptian Church. For days, Patriarch Naguib, spokesman for the bishops and Catholic communities has submitted to the Egyptian government and the imam of Al Azhar, the Arabic translation of the Pope's speech that led to the apparent freeze. Accusations against Al Jazeera, of intentionally misrepresenting the papal message. In both east and west growing need for real religious freedom against terrorism and secularism.

Behind the decision to freeze dialogue with the Holy See, the rejection of the presence in the Vatican delegation of an expert in Islam of Jordanian nationality, a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. But also political expediency. Al-Azahr condemned the suicide of the Tunisian that sparked the popular revolt and fall of Ben Ali.

Benedict XVI offers step by step instructions in how to put religious freedom into practice in the East and West. Specific requests to the governments of the Middle East, China, Europe and Latin America. No society should deprive itself of the contribution of religious people and communities. The example of Mother Teresa.

The birth of the Savior urges the world to put God and mankind in first place, not politics, money, or ideology. Where this is not the case, there are flickering signs of violence and war. The pope's proposal for a new culture of coexistence and respect for religious freedom.

The violence against bishops and opposition to the Holy See are a sign that those in power are afraid about what to do now that China is at a crossroad, faced with a choice between a path of openness and democracy or a return to the times of Mao and the red guards. If nothing is done, this could destroy the country and the economic development Beijing is so proud of.

In his message for World Day of Peace 2011, Benedict XVI shows solidarity with the many persecuted Christians (Iraq, the Holy Land, ...), but also highlights that persecution does not only come from Islamic terrorism, but also secular Western society that stifles the religious dimension, eliminating an important element for human life and coexistence between peoples.