Dario Salvi

During the Angelus, the pontiff noted that Jesus came to earth to “bring the fire” of the Gospel, which "is not a lullaby". He called on the faithful to choose “change and conversion" setting us “in motion”. This involves the Church, in which the Holy Spirit must “burn”. The pontiff devoted some thoughts to the “grave humanitarian crisis in Somalia” and the 20th anniversary of the Act of Entrustment by Saint John Paul II.

Myanmar's "rice bowl" is in serious crisis, with production at risk. Every day at least a hundred people flock to the passport office hoping to emigrate, for study or work. Record high temperatures have been recorded since 2020, peaking at 47.5 degrees in Chauck. Army violence against civilians.

With an investment of US$ 400,000 Russians can obtain a new citizenship. More and more are ploughing their money into Turkey, representing 60 per cent of all real estate sales to foreigners. For many Russians, this is their “plan B" after the European Union is no longer accessible, a trend that worriers and irks the Unite States. Meanwhile, Turkey is helping Russia circumvent sanctions.

Eight years after the Islamic State seized the Nineveh Plain, families are still waiting to get their homes and land back. Opposing interests are keeping the country politically paralysed. The Chaldean primate stresses the importance of citizenship and equal rights, and a “courageous national dialogue”.

Mediated by Egypt, the truce between Israel and Islamic Jihad has been holding since 11.30 pm Sunday. As he waits to be let back in Gaza, Fr Romanelli, remains in contact with his deputy and local nuns. The current situation, which feeds a desire to flee, undermines all the work done to "heal traumas". For him, there is a lack of "political will" to reach true peace.

During the Angelus, the Holy Father expressed sadness over the death of pilgrims involved in a road accident on their way to Medjugorje (Croatia). He blessed the European Youth Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. In the Marian prayer, the pontiff mentioned the two exhortations addressed by Jesus: "Do not be afraid!” and “Be ready!" to overcome paralysing fears and “the temptation of a passive, slumbering life”.

So far 20 children have contracted the disease, but none are in serious conditions and the symptoms, fever and vomiting, are mild. Health workers blame poor hygiene and the lack of clean drinking water. The state is the scene of clashes between the military and rebel groups.

The year-long programme will end in August 2023, led by the guidelines set at the 10th World Meeting of families held in Rome in late June. Archbishop Leow will lead the inaugural Mass, on 21 August. The goal is to develop the theme chosen by the pope and study the encyclical Amoris Laetitia in depth.

In mid-July, Jewish graves were destroyed in Haskoy, an Istanbul suburb. Previously, Christian burial sites in Mardin and Van were targeted. Dead Yazidi have been dug up, their bodies repositioned in accordance with Islamic practice. Teens aged 11 and 13 have been involved. An Armenian member of Turkey’s parliament bemoans the mindset that “filled those children with hatred”.

Iranian authorities arrested many Bahá'ís over the weekend alleging ties with a centre in Israel and for proselytising in schools and kindergartens. Some 52 homes and businesses were raided. Advocacy groups abroad speak out against a campaign of hatred fuelled by the pro-regime media. A report by a US-based NGO says the regime is using a “misinformation campaign" to justify repression.

Fr Abboud talks about a country and a people who feel "lost and astray”. Too much secrecy surrounds the investigation into the disaster, which is still far from the truth. Even among the victims’ families, rifts have emerged, largely fuelled by politics. The state of the healthcare and educational systems is worrying. AsiaNews renews its campaign in support of Catholic schools.

The prelate recounts a city struggling to be reborn, where extremist ideology still permeates part of society. The memory of Christian homes branded with the letter "N", today a source of pride and belonging. The pope's visit planted a seed of hope for rebuilding of society. Through education "we can fight ignorance".