Dario Salvi

The decade-long restoration of Notre Dame has been completed. The installation coincides with the feast of St. Joseph. For Bishop Zalewski, they are “a sign of faith placed in the heart of the city.” Last year, over 200 churches, ecclesiastical buildings, and other structures related to pastoral work were constructed nationwide.

The bishops will meet between 9 and 15 April to choose a new patriarch. The former head will not participate nor vote so as not to "influence" the decision. This ancient Eastern Church, rooted in Mesopotamia, is currently experiencing a period of difficulty due to the exodus and war. The challenges of the last decade include the Islamic State group and the revocation of the presidential decree.

The activist and former trade unionist spoke at his subversion trial regarding his role in the Hong Kong Alliance, which organised vigils in memory of the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He faces up to 10 years in prison. In his defence, he quoted Mao Zedong and former Chinese Premier Zhao Ziyang opposing one-party rule.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Bishop Nahra describes the closure of sacred places as “a form of death that people are experiencing.” From COVID-19 to Gaza and the Iran war, a picture of a perpetual “pandemic” emerges. This is impacting children while critical issues remain within Israeli society, especially in the Arab community, torn by violence and murders. In parishes people want to come to church and pray, many of them young. In Israel, there has been “widespread damage,” but “it’s not widely discussed.” Some 80 Jewish and Arab groups sign an open letter for peace.

While Israel has begun a ground operation in southern Lebanon, Fathers Shinto and Binoy spoke to AsiaNews about their presence, along with the Missionaries of Charity, among the people most affected by the conflict. In the silence before the Blessed Sacrament, "the noise of the war fades away” for the peace that “only Christ can give.” A man in need is helped.

The Jaffa-born priest describes a situation of apprehension and crisis, but experienced “with great human dignity”. The crisis triggered by war is not something "distant” as people have to live with “caution, fear, and prayer." The conflict touches "deep sensitivities" in the region. In his appeal to AsiaNews readers, he says that every war "is a wound to humanity”.

Today's news: The war against Iran has displaced at least 3.2 million people, while a missile hit the US embassy in Baghdad. Taiwan's parliament authorises the deal with the United States for the purchase of four weapons packages. Thai authorities have seized over 100,000 counterfeit items worth more than US$ 1 million.

Today's headlines: new Israeli attacks on Iran, missiles from the Islamic Republic strike the Jewish state, causing several casualties. ASEAN foreign ministers meet today to discuss the Gulf crisis, markets and energy concerns. Islamabad bombs a fuel depot near Kandahar airport. In Indonesia, there has been a sharp increase in measles cases due to the collapse of post-COVID vaccinations.

Iran is blocking with missiles and mines the strait through which 20 per cent of global crude oil transits. After China, India and Bangladesh are trying to get Iran’s approval for their ships to avert a crisis. According to EIA data, up to 82 per cent of oil going through Hormuz reach Asian markets. Starting 16 March, Tokyo intends to release part of its oil reserves on its own.

Today's headlines: Jakarta and Canberra want to extend the security cooperation agreement signed last month to Japan. UNHCR inaugurates the largest carpet weaving centre in Afghanistan, which will employ 400 returning migrants, mostly women; UNESCO “deeply concerned” about the fate of world heritage sites in Iran and the Gulf; South Korean president orders “tough disciplinary measures” against those responsible for the Jeju plane crash.

Today's headlines: twelfth day of the Israeli-US war on Iran, attacks in various areas of the Gulf; Tehran threatens to crack down on all forms of protest. First declines in Thai tourism due to the conflict in the Middle East. By the end of March, Japan will be ready to deploy a battery of missiles towards China. Austerity measures also in Pakistan due to the fuel crisis.

Yesterday, the Chaldean primate submitted his resignation to Pope Leo. The decision was made official today in a statement from the Vatican Press Office. In his message, the cardinal remembered that he “led the Chaldean Church under extremely difficult circumstances and amid great challenges.” Also today, the Metropolitan of Lahore and the Apostolic Vicar of Quetta were appointed in Pakistan, with the two outgoing prelates exchanging sees.