Dario Salvi

At present, nothing is certain, the apostolic nuncio to Syria told AsiaNews after some reports began circulating regarding the possible discovery of a body in a mass grave near Raqqa, dressed in religious clothing like those of the Jesuit clergyman. Even the family has doubts. For Bishop Mourad, “There is nothing certain, except that the figure of Fr Paolo is still very important and alive among Syrian Christians.”

Almost two weeks after it began, the strike – overshadowed by nuclear talks – has spread to 155 cities. Lorry drivers oppose increases in insurance premiums and government fuel policies. At least 20 protesters have been arrested, while food products, including fruit, have increased by 50 per cent. To repress dissent, the clerical regime is resorting to technology.

Today's news: South Koreans go to the polls for presidential elections; UN Secretary-General calls for independent investigation into killings of Palestinians near aid distribution centre in Gaza; New casualties in Ukraine after Russian attack, no truce in Istanbul negotiations; In Japan, the first whales have been caught since the reopening of whaling.

Today’s news: Cambodia set to file suit with the International Court of Justice over border disputes with Thailand. Police in Assam arrested dozens for “sympathising” with Pakistan. Saudi authorities barred 269,000 people from making the pilgrimage to Makkah because they lacked permits. China accuses the US of violating the terms of a trade truce.

On the day the Church dedicates to the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the pontiff presides over the ordination of 11 deacons in St. Peter's Basilica. Among them is a priest of Vietnamese origin. In his homily, he urges them to be ‘not masters, but guardians’ and, recalling a theme dear to Pope Francis, asks them to shun ‘self-referentiality.’ And ‘God has not grown weary of gathering his children.’

Today's news: Israel blocks Arab ministers' visit to Ramallah; Hanoi steps up campaign against counterfeiting, seizing luxury watches and high fashion items; The Emirates are the first in the Gulf to introduce a law against climate change; Beijing ready to resume fish imports from Japan; Delhi and Islamabad intend to reduce troops massed on the border after recent clashes.

The monastery, which is still inhabited by monks, and its surrounding properties are the target. Egyptian President Al-Sisi said that the structure would be “preserved”, but Christians are angry and dismayed. Plans to seize the monastery were first laid down when the Muslim Brotherhood was in power. The goal is to turn it into a museum. For Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, it is a matter of “profound concern and deep sorrow”.

Six hundred days after the beginning of the conflict, Christians, Muslims and Jews rallied in the name of the activist killed by Hamas to uphold the values ​​of coexistence and humanity against the ongoing massacres, raising their voice “against the war” and against those “who think there aren’t innocent people” in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli cabinet has approved 22 more settlements and outposts in the West Bank.

Gholamreza Ghasemian was imprisoned for accusing the Wahhabi kingdom of "moral corruption" during the Hajj. His criticisms targeted bin Salman’s reforms opening the country to tourism and Western businesses. Iran’s judiciary voices criticism, while the government plays down the incident and praises Saudi Arabia’s organisation of the pilgrimage. Iranian executed for allegedly spying for Israel.

At least four waves of arrests have decimated the leadership of the Istanbul municipality. In addition to the mayor and opposition leader, more than 200 people are in jail. The CHP accuses the government of weaponising the judiciary. In the background, the president's overtures to the PKK are an attempt to win over the Kurds in his plan to change the constitution.

Women who acquired nationality through marriage particularly affected. Ordinary workers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities—including singers and actors—also targeted. Human rights activists and organisations express concern. In March, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah pledged to ‘cleanse Kuwait of impurities’ and return the nation to its ‘original people’.

The young woman, killed in Washington with her colleague and boyfriend Yaron Lischinsky, by an attacker who shouted "I did it for Gaza, I did it for Palestine”, was actively involved with an NGO that brings together Israelis and Palestinians to build common ground and coexistence using new technologies. Unlike the extremists who fan the flames, the group sees “people behind the propaganda”.