Maddalena Tomassini

Some 27,000 children were born in July, 8.2 per cent less than in 2017. Since December 2015, the birth rate has been falling each month. Government efforts are not enough. The Church is playing a role.

Liu Xiaobo’s widow spoke for a few minutes, with difficulty, about her husband’s last days. She thanked those who supported her. Friend Liao Yiwu criticised the West for closing its eyes to Beijing human rights violations. For Teng Biao, China is holding Liu’s brother hostage.

The government is encouraging visits to the devastated areas to convince residents to return. About 70,000 people still live in temporary housing. Many still distrust the authorities, who claim it is safe to go home. Dark tourism is nothing new in Japan: The Aokigahara forest, a well-known tourist destination, is famous for attracting people who want to commit suicide.

Over the years, he headed a kindergarten, ran two parishes, led an outreach programme for alcoholics and helped young people affected by depression. Arriving in Japan at the age of 25, he was forced to be "reborn into a new world". He baptised many Japanese, three of whom entered the seminary. “It is not the expertise of the missionary that attracts: it is his faith, the faith that can be seen even if one does not hear with words.” One word defines his 53 years in Japan, ‘thanks’. As for the future, it “is in God’s hands".

Food, medicines and school material are in increasingly short supplies. Residents are in shock and despair. Hospitals no longer have medicines or equipment. The US also cut funds to Caritas, which funds hospitals in East Jerusalem and outreach programmes between Israelis and Palestinians. UNRWA can provide services until mid-October.

The event is South Korea’s most important festival: meeting with families to give thanks for the harvest and remember one’s ancestors. For families separated by war, it is a time of sadness and hope. “I pray that on this occasion everyone can rediscover the correct meaning of family, dialogue, mutual love, brotherhood,” said Archbishop You.

Women must have the permission of a male relative to travel. The young woman asked her father, whom she had not seen in six years, to get the travel document. When he refused, she went to the court. The case set off a debate on social media.

The League’s general secretary made the announcement yesterday. The organisation, which promotes "pan-Islamism", wants the meeting open to all Islamic and Christian confessions. The “dark page” in Sunni-Shia relations must be turned. Iran’s extremist confessional policies are criticised. What is needed is a return to an Islam that is open to the world and other religions.

Interview with Ryu Seung-Min, South Korea's gold medalist involved in inter-Korean initiatives and member of Peace and Sport. He was moved by the women’s hockey players, the first joint Korean team. Younger people should be involved.

The traditional Kokki no Gi ceremony, the second of a long series, was held yesterday with the betrothed agreeing on the wedding date of 29 October. The groom is an advocate for children in developing countries. When she enters her new home, the princess will do so as a commoner.

Moon returns to Seoul after having made history: he is the first South Korean leader to address the people of the North: "Koreans are one people". Korea free of nuclear weapons. Before leaving, the two Korean leaders visited Mount Baekdu. The Church celebrates the feast of the Korean martyrs. Fr. Hammond: "An answer to our prayers, now more humanitarian aid".

Mgr You speaks about today's agreements between Kim and Moon, including the decision to decommission missile test site. The goal is to eliminate all the risks of war. Separated families will be able to communicate via video chats and letters. The two Koreas are set to present a joint bid for the 2032 Olympic Games.