Dario Salvi

Shas's leader leaves the Interior and Healthcare Ministries, but the party remains in the government structure, and the prime minister ensures a forthcoming "public" post for the ultra-Orthodox leader. He will still be able to participate in executive meetings and retains the (honorary) title of deputy minister. Tens of thousands of people demonstrate in Tel Aviv.

Today's headlines: Chinese tourists return to Thailand's beaches after three years of Covid closures; the Taliban have arrested five people, including two Chinese, for trafficking in rocks containing lithium; Dubai is ready to build the first mosque with a 3D printer; a meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders on the Lačin corridor is under consideration.

In his homily during Mass for Sunday of the Word of God, Francis brands a Church with a "narrow" heart a "curse"; the "pilgrim" Jesus widens boundaries. Wishes for the Lunar New Year and "spiritual closeness" to those in trial; prayer for Ukraine and the people who "suffer so much." After the Angelus he defines the "call" as the "decisive" moment for every Christian; the "courage to leave" the quiet life to follow and open oneself "to the unpredictable."

Hundreds of young people have sustained serious eye injuries, some losing their sight because of bullets and pellets fired by paramilitary units and security forces. In many cases, medical records are doctored to prevent reprisals against the wounded. One little girl was hit at least 10 times in the face. Doctors who speak to the media lose their job.

In the communiqué at the end of the annual visit, the bishops of Europe and North America underline the Hashemite kingdom's commitment to hospitality. Jordan an 'integral' part of the Holy Land and an example of interreligious encounter and dialogue. The ambitious project to restore the baptismal site and the goal of one million pilgrims by 2030.

A survey by al-Monitor/Premise Data in Turkey, Yemen, Iraq, Tunisia and Egypt shows that 68 per cent of respondents are worried or somehow worried about finding food in the next six months. Turks are most afraid (75 per cent). Russia’s war in Ukraine weighs heavily on the situation.

According to the Supreme Judges, Shas leader Aryeh Deri, convicted of fraud and bribery, must resign from the Interior and Health Departments. The majority announces battle. The party speaks of a 'political verdict'. Another point of confrontation with the judiciary after the presentation of the controversial justice reform.

Since coming to power in 2013, 9,600 Muslim places of worship have been built from scratch or renovated, at an investment of more than 400 million euros. However, many remain empty, with the exception of Friday prayers during Ramadan. Young people and critics are calling for more resources for education, health and infrastructure.

At least 80,000 people took to the streets against a bill proposed by Justice Minister Levin. For lawyers, magistrates and critics, it is a coup. For defenders, it is a simple revision to rebalance powers. Netanyahu's corruption and fraud trials loom in the background. President Herzog is trying a difficult mediation.

Awad al-Qarni, an Islam expert and law professor, was arrested in 2017 in the early days of the crackdown that followed bin Salman's rise to power. From exile in Britain, his son recounts the circumstances of the arrest and fears over the possible enforcement of the sentence. He exhausted 'all possible means' to obtain his release.

On Thursday, a Baptist pastor and a Catholic deacon were killed in Lay Wah village, two women wounded, hundreds flee. Karen rebels call the attack a "war crime”, urge the international community to cut off fuel supplies to ruling military junta. Myanmar’s government-in-exile condemns the attacks, extends condolences to victims’ families.

Today's news: Japan intends to dump more than a million tonnes of radioactive water from the Fukushima plant into the sea; the Shrine of St Anne in Penang becomes Malaysia first (minor) basilica; the Supreme Court of India warns the central and state governments against hate speech; China plans to introduce exams for professional journalists; one Russian in three depends on pensions or state benefits.