Maddalena Tomassini

The new government body will be operational next April. The 2020 Olympics will need workers. Catholic migrants provide an opportunity for the Catholic Church to reshape its role in Japanese society.

An unidentified plane bombed a forested area on the border killing eight Taliban. The strike follows a clash that left two Tajiks dead. Both Russia and Tajikistan have denied any involvement. Although clashes are rate on the Afghan-Tajik border, the security situation has worsened with dozens of checkpoints attacked and a dozen police officers killed over the past month

Those with "strong religious beliefs" must be re-educated or expelled. Spreading "political rumours" and distorting the country’s history are banned.

Tomoyuki Sugimoto was detained for videotaping a military facility in Nampo. Talks between Japan and North Korea remain difficult. Tokyo wants the truth about the Japanese abducted in the 1970s and 1980s, but for Pyongyang the question is settled. Talks with Washington suffer a setback after Mike Pompeo cancels visit, a step that also undermines the inter-Korean dialogue.

Only five Israeli families were able to come, along with Mgr Marcuzzo. Nazareth Christians represented the Holy Land. Many topics were discussed, including refugee families.

About a hundred young people took part in the third edition of the World Youth Pilgrimage for Peace organised by the Archdiocese of Seoul. “In our youth, we want to be peace makers and agents of peace, not only in the future, but now as well, in every corner of the Earth," they said. Card Yeom and Nuncio Mgr Xuareb celebrated Mass during the pilgrimage. Unification Minister said that if the wind of peace is blowing on the peninsula it is thanks to prayers by Catholics.

The Caravan of Peace started from Kabul last August 10th. 42 people walked 700 km, 25 barefoot with wounded feet. But peace still seems far away.

She finished her training two days ago. Today she will be named a combat pilot. He admiration for jet pilots born as a child with the film "Top Gun". In Japan, women make up 6.4% of the troops.

The rosaries will be handed out at next year’s World Youth Day. Some 250 men and women are involved in the project, improving their economic situation. The goal is “to create a future that is secure and free from poverty” and “encourage the youth to pray the rosary for peace, love and justice.”

He had written an open letter to the authorities to denounce the corruption of some officials. Arrested last year, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison in July. Now he will have to pay a fine and carry out community service. First time for Tajik court to release a dissident, after months of international campaigns and pressure. He will appeal again: "I have not committed any crime".

The prosecution calls for the death penalty for Israa al-Ghomgham, a 29-year-old Shiite, and four other activists. They are accused of having manifested in the eastern provinces. Israa risks becoming a dangerous precedent, in the context of the crackdown in the realm against activists. HRW: the "fairy tale" of Saudi reforms.

The end of August and the beginning of September sees a peak in suicides. The first day of September is the deadliest of the year: almost three times the average. "Futoko" are the kids who refuse to go back to school out of fear. The problem is widespread. For Fr Villa, listening is the most important thing, but establishing a bond of trust is the most difficult. Kids are deeply wounded by bullying.