Gianni Criveller *

The Diocese of Hong Kong: "Concerned for his safety. We trust that we will continue to enjoy religious freedom on the basis of the Basic Law." Father Gianni Criveller, PIME missionary: "Intimidating and inhumane act: this is the business card of the new Chief Executive John Lee. After political, economic and cultural spheres now religions are being targeted."

Five young men of Karen and Kayan ethnicity had finished the Minor Seminary in Leiktho two years ago but have been unable to go to Yangon to study theology because of the conflict caused by the military coup. Now they will be able to continue their preparation for the priesthood in Monza along with future missionaries from the institute. "We used to spend our days working in the fields, praying and playing. Now we will have a unique opportunity to grow."

Fr Criveller reacts to Pope Francis' China interview published yesterday. For the PIME missionary and China watcher, the Pope heard the words of those worried about the Vatican-China agreement. “[W]e truly hope the Pope succeeds,” he writes, but pledges to continue reporting on “what is happening on the ground where the room for freedom has been restricted” for Chinese Catholics.