Dario Salvi

The Philippine president is ready to crack down on those who do not respect the lockdown and self-isolation. In the past few days there was an upsurge of cars on the road. Many people without social benefits have been forced to go out to work. Philippine bishop calls on the government to provide assistance to people and the unemployed.

During the holy month of fasting and prayer, the faithful will not be able to access the Noble Sanctuary. The council governing Muslim holy places calls on the faithful to "pray at home". Archbishop Marcuzzo notes that Christians, Jews and Muslims "united and determined" in the fight against the novel coronavirus. The emergency has highlighted of the role “of the family and of the domestic Church”.

Basma bint Saud, 56, is one of the daughters of King Saud, who fathered more than 100 children. For months she has been held in the Al-Ha'ir prison. In her appeal, she tells King Salman and MbS that she is being held arbitrarily and without charges. In the past, she fought for freedom and rights, and criticised the war in Yemen.

Half a million masks were delivered yesterday to the warehouse of Italy’s Civil Protection near Rome. The gift stems from the "serious situation" in some countries. For De Siervo, from Civil Protection, the people of Taiwan “demonstrated great friendship”. Taiwan’s ambassador said she was “happy and honoured to be able to help” and that “we can do it together”.

In most countries, mosques are off-limits or access to them has been restricted. The possibility of food shortages is a source of concern. In Kuwait the call to prayer has been changed, with people urged to pray at home. Sunnis and Shias split over the pandemic and fasting.

The two leaders fail to agree before last night’s deadline. Israel’s President Rivlin has given the Knesset 21 days to pick a new candidate for prime minister. After that an election is likely with the polls favouring Netanyahu thanks to his handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

The group was hiding in al-Amiriyah, a district in eastern Cairo. During the gun battle, which lasted several hours, one policeman and seven suspects were killed. Reports indicate that the cell was linked to the Islamic State group. For Egyptian priest, there are no particular fears or concerns since churches and mosques are closed due to the coronavirus.

The New Humanity advocacy group launched a petition addressed to the UN secretary general and the President of the EU Parliament. The comprehensive embargo that is crushing the Syrian people makes them more vulnerable. Sanctions today are "cruel and unacceptable". The goal is to save people by transcending political and ideological orientation. Click on petition to see it.

Some US$ 85,000 are raised to pay for food parcels. The money was sent to Radio Veritas Asia’s Mandarin Service for distribution. People "continue to donate,” says Fr Leo. So far, the Philippines have reported 5,223 confirmed cases with 335 deaths and 295 recovered.

The prelate died on Easter Sunday after a long illness. Doha Catholics highlight his life "spent in the service of God" and the way he bore his illness “with faith". He knew how to develop a "young and active" Church. Bahrain’s new cathedral was his final major project for the region’s Christians.

Added to 10 years of war, the Covid-19 emergency "has buried us at the bottom of a deep pit". In a context of "abandonment and uncertainty" the risen Christ alleviates "loneliness and darkness". Fear of the virus has "silenced the weapons" that peace talks and world powers have been unable to. In dark times, the rediscovery of faith and the new role of society and social media.

In a letter to the White House, the WCC terms the punitive measures imposed by Washington on the Islamic Republic as "illegal and inhuman." The virus is a "common enemy" and requires an "unprecedented" degree of solidarity and cooperation. In Iran some activities reopen, partial easing of restrictive measures.