Dario Salvi

The Syrian priest, who was held in Syria by the Islamic State group for five months, says people should not judge the Italian aid worker’s decision to convert. She was held by al-Shabaab in Somalia for 18 months. In such a situation, "even one more day makes a huge difference". For him, a smile should be used against threats, violence and attempts to convert. Praying is a shared experience.

Authorities order to people to evacuate "wearing masks and respecting social distancing". The typhoon adds stress to a population already marked by the pandemic. To date, the coronavirus in the archipelago has affected 12 thousand people and caused at least 790 victims. Every year at least 20 typhoons hit the archipelago.

For three nights, people will be able to visit mosques whilst respecting sanitation protocols. Wearing masks and social distancing are compulsory. Volunteers are disinfecting people and monitoring their movements. Worshippers bring their own mat and Qurʼān. For many, this is a joyful reunion to pray together again.

The name of Mussaed Ahmad al-Jarrah emerges in the declassified testimony of the assistant director Jill Sanborn. A Saudi foreign ministry official and employee of the embassy in 2000, he allegedly offered important support to terrorists. No comment from Riyadh on the new revelations.

The lockdown to contain the coronavirus has made a bad situation worse. Day labourers, craftsmen and small business owners are the most affected. The authorities’ figures are questionable. Ten lung ventilators donated by Pope Francis as part of the ‘Open Hospitals’ project are set to arrive in the coming days.

The pandemic is likely to make life worse for Thai fishermen as well as Vietnamese and Cambodian farmers. Restrictions resulting from the virus could limit food supply. The food security of 60 million people in the lower part of the Mekong River is in danger.

A terrorist commando hit a facility run by MSF, killing two children and 12 mothers and nurses. President Ghani accuses the Taliban, who deny all involvement. The attack on the funeral of a police commander in the eastern province of Nangarhar claimed by ISIS, 24 people died and 68 others injured.

The Chaldean Church adheres to May 14 initiative for the end of the pandemic. A common moment for everyone to "live in peace, security, stability and joy". The renewed hope for a trip by Francis to Iraq and the meeting with al-Sistani. Muslims are asked to join in prayer in the holy month of Ramadan.

In a letter to the Catholics of Asia, the cardinal stressed that the pandemic is a possibility for rethinking lifestyles. Adherence to the day of prayer on May 14. The pandemic has not stopped weapons and violence. Real leaders are needed, able to take advantage of opportunities to build trust and enter a new world.

As a result of the pandemic, Masses and other services have been put on hold. The latter are crucial for fundraising. The pandemic has enhanced the disparities among religious communities and groups. The future of Hindu and Taoist temples is dim. For Archbishop Goh, the Church’s social and humanitarian vocations are part of the Gospel, which is to help those helping the most affected.

A harmony between the authoritarian nature of the Chinese regime and that of the area's monarchies. Riyadh praises the Chinese management of the pandemic and forgets the guilty silences of Beijing. The Sauds' aggressive policy on the oil market in an anti-Russian key. Egypt sent medical material and hoists the Chinese flag over monuments.

Heavy rains and the melting of the snow have given new life to the reservoir. The Sea of ​​Galilee supplies the inhabited centers and allows the irrigation of many crops. In the critical period it had dropped to 214 meters below sea level. The waters lap the Capernaum convent. The work of the friars committed to clearing the banks.