Joseph Yun Li-sun

The North Korean regime warns it cannot guarantee the safety of people in the South, urges them to leave. Meanwhile, Japanese authorities deploy the anti-missile batteries in the city centre. The archbishop of Nagasaki tells AsiaNews that the situation is "very tense," that a small provocation "could trigger a major war," calls on the parties "to seek dialogue".

The regime says it "can not guarantee" the safety of diplomats after the date when, according to sources in the South, it will launch a nuclear missile. Japan is "ready" to shoot it down, while Putin calls for calm: "If war breaks out, it will make Chernobyl look like a fairy tale for children. And the risk is there. " Sources tell AsiaNews: "The population is on the brink, there is a tuberculosis emergency in the North."

"China, the United States and Japan know very well what would be the consequences of an open conflict: millions of refugees and a new, formidable regional competitor," a Catholic source that works between North and South Korea told AsiaNews. Meanwhile, the situation in North Korea is as desperate as ever and its leaders could do something rash.

The regime blocks access of workers from South to the demilitarized Kaesong District, a joint industrial zone created during a thaw in bilateral relations. The Ministry of Defense responds: "We are looking at all options, including military." China continues to call for "restraint of all parties concerned."

Kim Jong-un continues to threaten the world. For the North Korean leader, the US and its allies want to undermine North Korea, but "Our nuclear strength is a reliable war deterrent" to build a great Korea. Humanitarian activist is concerned the young dictator is "prepared to do anything", worries about aid plan for the population.

The bishop, Msgr. Lazzaro You Heung-sik, will celebrate the great Easter Vigil in the Cathedral. The next day, however, will be devoted to a diocesan geriatric hospital "Easter is the cornerstone of our faith and the perennial source of hope for mankind. It should be shared with those who need it most. "

After putting its combat units on a state of alert and aimed missiles at US bases in Guam and Hawaii, North Korea cuts its last direct line of communication with South Korea since "war may break out at any moment" making "north-south military communications" no longer necessary.

The Bishop of Daejeon tells AsiaNews that "His simplicity and charisma have touched the hearts of many people, even non-Christians. But his appeal and Benedict XVI's call for humility ought not to remain sterile. They are the seeds of conversion the Church must let germinate first."

South Korean authorities are looking forward to meet with the new pontiff. In their message, the country's bishops say that "following in the footsteps of Benedict XVI", the new pope will be a tool of love and reconciliation.

Overnight United Nations Security Council agreement on a draft text that tries to block regime’s military provocations by force. Beijing: "We agree, enough’s enough." Pyongyang threatens to break armistice if the US-South Korea do not stop joint exercises and hands out hundreds of decorations to the "Heroes of the Revolution."

Mgr Lazarus You Heung-sik tells AsiaNews that we must show "great respect for the Holy Father's conscience. His choice cannot be called into question."

The new nuclear test in North Korea could take place on 10 February, the first day of the Year of the Snake, or the 16th for the birthday of the late Kim Jong-il. The international community: “most grave”. A Catholic source in Korea: "We are used to threats. But the UN is biased, since it does not protest against the Chinese regime’s tests. "