Bernardo Cervellera

None of the leaders speak of a boycott. Nicolas Sarkozy’s u-turn is of particular note. The question is not whether to boycott the Games ceremonies, but to involve China in meaningful dialogue on human and religious rights before, during and after the Olympics. So far the West’s preference remains that of exploiting China and it’s economy.

One month before the Olympic Games, the capital is surrounded by a military cordon of security and anti-terrorism measures. The government says it wants to stop "hostile foreign forces", but in reality the intention is to ensure the silence and obedience of the population. Meanwhile, the projected number of foreign tourists is falling.

At the meeting of the Oasis Centre, the sorrowful testimony of Bishop Warduni of Iraq, and of Bishop Hinder of the Arabian peninsula. The intention is to drive Christians out of the Middle East. But here and there (Kuwait and Jordan) there are small signs of tolerance.

The first day of the meeting of the scholarly committee of Oasis on the difficulties in applying true freedom of religion in the encounter between Christians and Muslims. In focus, conversions and the public witness of communities. Fear and isolation on both sides.

The government stops pilgrimages and gatherings, but in Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Guangzhou official and underground priests, religious and faithful prepare to pray the Pope’s words about Our Lady of Sheshan. In addition to the Pope’s intent they will pray for Sichuan quake victims, grateful to the Universal Church.

Roadblocks, restrictions, registration. Hotels and restaurants prohibited from welcoming pilgrims. For the Patriotic Association, the faithful must remain in their dioceses, praying for peace, for the pope, for the Olympics, and for good results for the Chinese athletes. Attempts underway to divide the official and underground Catholics from the universal Church.

What is happening in Lhasa is the consequence of the denial of fundamental human rights. We must demand freedom for pro-democracy dissidents and religious believers, people like three bishops who disappeared in police custody years ago.

Cai Chongguo, who fled to France after the massacre of Tiananmen, is asking international civil society to increase the pressure on China. And he is asking the world to support non-governmental groups in China, the only guarantee for respect of human rights. The demonstrations against the torch are also a criticism of Western governments.

This year, the day in memory of missionary martyrs coincides with Easter Monday. In the splendour of the paschal mystery we remember the necessity of sacrifice, the sacrifice of Christ and that of his followers, a sign that truth and love have not abandoned earth.

A few months before the Olympics in Beijing, the Chinese government on alert suppresses with tanks and soldiers the desperate requests of the young Tibetans. China is reaping what it has sown: in almost 50 years, is has never given any hope to the population of Tibet, instead increasing control and genocide.

The report on human rights from the U.S. State Department has become more lenient toward China. And yet the list of violations against human rights shows the same violations taking place in Burma. Among the many reasons for this change of course: the Olympics, and above all the U.S. financial crisis.

Rumours of improved relations and invitations for the Olympics seem to be a publicity campaign aimed at concealing Beijing's embarrassment after Steven Spielberg withdrew from working for the Olympics. But there's also more: hesitation among the leaders of the office of religious affairs, and on the part of the vice-president of the patriotic association.