Bernardo Cervellera

Benedict XVI is thanked for his support. Asian Catholics are a “small flock”, but they have an important mission because this continent “thirsts for the living water that only He can give.” All those who bear witness in persecution are thanked in the message for Catholic laity. The contribution of Christians is necessary to Asia at this time of great economic development. Prof Thomas Han, the driving force behind the congress, becomes the new ambassador of South Korea to the Holy See.

A day dedicated to martyrdom and persecution of the Churches of Asia in present times. The vitality of the community is precisely a result of this testimony to the spilling of blood. Violations of religious freedom are an attempt to oppress not only faith, but society. An "overdevelopment" without God leads to a "moral underdevelopment," which is the enemy of true human development. The cases of China, India, Vietnam. Support for the persecuted communities.

Investing in church structures must not stifle the testimony in work, family, politics. The specific mission of the laity is to be in contact with the world and with non-Christians. The teaching of Ratzinger. The testimony of Mgr. Dao and Jess Estanislao, a former member of the Philippine government.

The intervention of the card. Rilko, Fr Felipe Gomes of Manila and Cardinal. Toppo. Rediscovering baptism for the challenges of Asia: globalization, poverty, violation of human rights, relativism and fundamentalism. The continent has seen many waves of evangelization, but also many persecutions. The history of successful conversion of tribals. The song in the light and dark.

The centenary of the Blessed of Calcutta risks being reduced to a sentimental admiration or distant memory without any concrete results. Her witness in the areas of life, medicine, peace unites the latest discoveries in medicine and sociology to care for the sick and situations of difficulty. A special form of "liberation theology". Prayer and work "for Jesus", the only way to make a gift of oneself.

After a series of Episcopal ordinations, many speak of a new era in relations between Beijing and the Vatican. But China’s concessions are in reality forced decisions. For a true religious freedom the difference between legal (official) and illegal (underground) Church activities must disappear and the bishops and priests currently in prison set free. And perhaps even the Vatican should be more courageous ...

In the Middle East, Lebanon’s pluralism is an exception. In Egypt, Christians are seen as “god-less”. In Pakistan, they cannot talk about Islam for fear of being accused of blasphemy. In France, secularism is stifling every religious dimension of society.

Lebanon is and was (even during the civil war) a model of life together because of its schools and universities. Card Tauran notes a movement back to religion in secularised societies. Card Scola says fundamentalism can be defeated by educating in truth and freedom.

Archbishop Ruggero Franceschini is in Italy to attend the funeral of Msgr. Luigi Padovese in Milan. He confirms the death by Islamic ritual of the Vicar of Anatolia. He also confirms the sanity of the assassin, he has known him for a long time. A murder planned and studied in detail by subversive groups, who want to keep Turkey from Europe. The plea for help of the universal Church and Rome.

Chinese Catholics at home and around the world prayed for the Church in China, according to the intention laid out by Benedict XVI in his letter of June 2007. The shrine is a place of encounter between underground and official Christians, the government continues to prohibit pilgrimages. Unity in truth for the Church in China and in relations between Beijing and the Vatican.

Children continue to die violently in kindergartens and schools. For the government, such episodes are isolated incidents caused by deranged individuals. However, they have deeper roots and are the consequence of pent-up social tensions. Democracy and religious freedom could open up spaces where people can meet and listen to one another. Without them, China might experience a conflict much more violent than the one that unfolded in Tiananmen Square, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences says.

His pontificate is defined by openness to the world, humility, love for truth, healing and reconciliation, whether in the case of pedophile priests, the Regensburg speech, the Holy Land or Lefebvrians. To a world that resents its impotence but needs God, he offers truth and reason. In lieu of a self-centred Church, he wants one that bears witness.