Dario Salvi

Today's headlines: Chinese police continue to maintain restrictions against activists and dissidents imposed during the party congress; in Iran 'the world's dirtiest man' died at 94, almost 60 years without ever washing; Hanoi imposes a travel ban on a Redemptorist priest from the former Saigon; Russia's war in Ukraine blocks international studies on the melting of Arctic glaciers.

The Chaldean primate spoke at a conference promoted by the Community of Sant'Egidio in Rome, which is set to end today at the Colosseum with an interfaith prayer in the presence of Pope Francis. The cardinal urges us to work for a “civic and democratic model" of the state based on "citizenship, not on a sectarian system that divides”.

On the eve of the elections scheduled for 1 November, Gadi Baltiansky, director general of the Geneva Initiative, applauds Lapid's speech at the UN that revived the central issue of the Palestinian question. The status quo is "negative", the ruling class seems to be "waking up slowly" to the issues raised by the outgoing premier. Doubts about the participation of the Arab electorate. New violence in the West Bank, more victims and injuries.

Today's headlines: at least nine dead in Bangladesh from cyclone Sitrang, hundreds of thousands displaced; Pope Francis appoints Chinese-born Archbishop Savio Hon as nuncio to Malta; dozens of casualties in Kachin State from an air raid by the Burmese army; the headscarf controversy erupts in Turkey's 2023 presidential campaign; Russian armed forces have begun withdrawing from the Kherson region.

The Islamist group is exploiting lax security measures and the hostility of some conservative tribes towards Kurdish hegemony. Attacks by lone wolves and targeted operations are increasing, not direct offensives. Religious levies are IS’s main source of funding.

A community celebration accompanied the inauguration of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Bishop Van Dat extols the mission of the Redemptorists and their commitment to education and social work. The parish of Bac Kan, founded in 1928, today numbers 1,200 faithful.

Today's headlines: Seoul fires warning shots at trspassing North Korean vessels; Asean foreign ministers' meet on Myanmar peace process; three children killed in Yemen landmine explosion; millions of Indians celebrate Diwali; in Russia unannounced anti-terrorism drill at a school terrorizes children.

Part 2 of PIME missionary and sinologist, Fr. Gianni Criveller's analysis of the second renewal of the agreement on the appointment of bishops. "The Agreement is being used as an instrument of pressure on priests. The wonders taking place in China's Catholic communities are not a result of this religious policy, but in spite of it'. Read Part 1.

During the Angelus, Francis and two young Portuguese registered for World Youth Day in Lisbon in August 2023. The pontiff also expressed “heartfelt concern” for the conflict in Ethiopia and the suffering caused by floods in Africa. He mentioned the interfaith meeting on peace set to take place at the Colosseum next Tuesday. The Pharisee and the Publican in the Gospel parable exemplify the movement of rising and descending.

Fr Gianni Criveller, PIME missionary and China expert, looks at the provisional agreement after a two-year period in which only two bishops were appointed. Restrictions on religious practice continue with unprecedented harshness. China’s role in the ongoing dialogue raises doubts about its sincerity.

Nine decades after it was expropriated, and several changes in use and years of neglect, the monastery is once again a place of worship. Patriarch Ignace Joseph III Younan led the ceremony. Founded in 1881 and requisitioned during the First World War, the structure was used as barracks and prison. The city is a place of transit and meeting for civilisations.

Today's news: Sri Lanka's parliament amends the constitution to limit presidential powers; Japan and Australia sign new energy and security agreements; Chinese former President Hu Jintao is escorted from the closing ceremony of the Communist Party congress; new Israeli raids hit Syria; Russian oncology clinics will provide treatment only upon payment for each session.