Dario Salvi

Over the weekend, Rabin Square was filled with demonstrators against economic policy and emergency management. Led by young people and small business holders, for months without wages. At least 20 people stopped by the police. Contagions are growing again in the country.

For Card Sako, the "difficult circumstances" caused by the novel coronavirus require a new way of being a priest. Believers must be shown the meaning of "fatherhood" and "human and spiritual care". The present must be used for spiritual growth through reading, meditation and prayer. Sharing life provides priests growth opportunities.

A "rare honor" for the Philippines: in the only Catholic majority nation in Asia, there are only 17 churches with this title. The place of worship dates back to 1590, is dedicated to San Pedro Bautista and is managed by the Franciscans. The ceremony will take place by the end of the year, but there is still no certain date due to the ongoing pandemic.

Today, 9 July, marks the tragic and glorious martyrdom of the Báb. The basis of Baha'i belief is unity in God, religions and humanity. Many believers are still persecuted and attacked in today’s Iran. Baha'is have been present at the meetings in Assisi, from Saint John Paul II to Benedict XVI.

At least 13 million people have lost their jobs because of the virus. 36% reported a decrease in wages and 84% consider the pandemic a threat to their economic situation. Part-time and smart-working are growing. Greater disparities for women.

After prison, Nguyễn Quốc Đức Vượng will be on three-year probation. For experts, this is the harshest verdict for online content offences. It is a sign of growing repression by the communist authorities. Recently, at least a dozen people have ended up in jail for their social media use.

Shaul David Judelman founded a peace group, Shorashim-Judur (Friends of roots), with Palestinian Khaled Abou Awad. The forces pushing for annexation will not succeed, but the underlying cause of division remain. Differences separate Gantz from Netanyahu whilst Fatah and Hamas remain apart. The US plan missed an opportunity to revive negotiations.

The British government maintains the civilian casualties in the conflict are "isolated incidents" and there is no "clear risk" of new episodes in the future. NGOs and international bodies fear increase in deaths among the population. Globally the Saudi kingdom is the biggest buyer of weapons of war.

Work went on during pandemic despite "restrictions,” Catholic volunteer noted. Volunteers and some refugees helped to make masks and sanitisers. People in urgent need are “fragile,” said a priest in Bangkok. Health crisis has increased inequalities.

The United States did not provide sufficient "evidence" of threat of an impending attack. Agnes Callamard reports the operation violates the United Nations Charter, but the international community has remained largely silent. Soleimani did not pose a threat to the US and the rest of the world.

Syrians are "tired and exhausted" by the war, “revolted” by Western policies and "outraged" by sanctions. The economic crisis has been made worse by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The Blue Marists are promoting projects of support and solidarity for the weakest among local residents. Their work goes beyond the emergency.

Vietnam and the United States marked 25 years of diplomatic ties and six years of “comprehensive partnership”. The COVID-19 crisis has kept celebrations at a minimum, but not diminished cooperation. More than 30,000 Vietnamese are studying in the United States and will be the future "cultural ambassadors" between the two countries.