Dario Salvi

Today's news: Xi Jinping in Macau for the 25th anniversary of the handover of the former Portuguese colony to China. Rice (and wheat) stocks in India have reached record levels. According to Rsf, the Israeli army killed at least a third of the reporters killed in 2024. The Indonesian president wants to pardon 44,000 prisoners, among them opponents from Papua province.

Whether it is football, athletics, canoeing or winter sports, officials and coaches have been caught up by the justice system. In the latest case, the 47-year-old former coach of the men's national football team Li Tie began serving a 20-year prison term today. Meanwhile, the former head of the Administration of Sports Gou Zhongwen, was kicked out of the party and is awaiting trial. In March, Yu Hongchen, former Chinese Athletics Federation president, was sentenced to 13 years. Despite suspicions over doping, swimming has not been touched.

This morning the Holy Father met with the president of the Palestinian National Authority for half an hour, the first time in three years. A Vatican press release underlines the “very serious humanitarian situation in Gaza". For the vicar of the Custody, prospects for a ceasefire and a celebration of peace are “very different from last year," even if "great concern" remains for Lebanon and Syria.

The Vicariate of North Arabia promoted a two-day event on the subject, with the participation of Vatican and religious personalities from Asia. Sister Milagros Sandoval: a ‘stimulating’ experience full of ‘challenges’. Bishop Berardi: women ‘essential’ for the ‘prosperity of the mission’. In times ‘of darkness’ this encounter becomes ‘light of hope’.

From Istanbul, the director of the Dominican Study Institute spoke to AsiaNews with a mixture of "exaltation" and "surprise” at the fall of the Assad regime. Turkey has denied rumours that it was directly involved in the regime’s overthrow, highlighting the "need for a transition". For Iran’s Khamenei, the fall is part of a "plan" by the US and Israel (and Turkey, without naming it).

Fr Jihad Youssef, superior of the community founded by Fr Dall'Oglio, reflects about the situation created by the fall of the Assad regime. For him, it is impossible for Christians to remain in the Middle East if they confront and compete with Muslims. It takes "courage" to be a "small flock". The concept of dhimmah should be turned into a form of “dynamic interaction”. Meanwhile, HST rebel leader wants those responsible for crimes and torture to be returned to Syria. Israel carries out hundreds airstrikes, its tanks are 20 km from Damascus.

The National Inclusive Children's Parliament writes to India’s Chief Justice. Interruptions not only lead to learning problems, but deprive many pupils of a regular meal. For NICP president, “Schools are not just classrooms – they are spaces where we grow, thrive, and feel safe”.

Leader al-Jawlani spoke from the historic Umayyad mosque. UN Security Council meeting today. The apostolic nuncio calls for the lifting of sanctions, a ‘burden’ that ‘weighs on the poor people’. Fr Karakach's testimony to AsiaNews: ‘We hope that what happened will unblock the political situation’. Christians ‘citizens who have rights and duties equal to all’.

Veteran reporter Chhoeung Chheung, 63, was shot in the abdomen. Police arrested a suspect, but claims the attack was due to a "personal dispute" rather than the journalist’s ongoing investigations. Human rights groups are unconvinced by this version of events. Since 1994, at least 15 journalists have been killed in the Southeast Asian country.

In a message on social media, Monsignor Jallouf denied the ‘news’ that had been spread online that Hts had entrusted him with the leadership of the city. The prelate speaks of ‘lies’ and ‘shame’, reiterating that ‘meddling in politics is not the Church's mission’. To AsiaNews, the parish priest speaks of a ‘disoriented and confused’ community that must be ‘encouraged’. Rebels at the gates of Homs.

Fr. Bahjat Karakach speaks to AsiaNews from the northern city now controlled by opposition groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. The anti-Assad front is targeting Hama, while in the conquered territories it promises protection for minorities. The parish is the distribution point for aid, but resources are limited. A people ‘exhausted by years of suffering and stalemate’.

The UN body gave its approval yesterday recognising the traditional alcoholic beverage, the product of an ancient technique of fermenting rice and other ingredients using "koji" moulds. For makers, it is an opportunity to promote it at home and abroad. For 2026, the government wants to have "shodo" calligraphy listed.