From our envoy - The Vatican Secretary for Relations with other States presided over a procession which packed the city streets to mark the end of the Year of the Eucharist. Mgr Kondrusiewicz's message for the pope: "Russian Catholics live off the Eucharist in anticipation of seeing you in Russia".
M is a Catholic Afghani and a refugee in Italy. He told his story to AsiaNews, an account of discrimination and threats under the Taleban regime owing to his family faith. His father was killed because he converted, and to save his son, he did not tell him that he had been baptised. It was only when he arrived in Italy that the boy discovered he was a Christian. "Now I want to live for Jesus even when I am with my Muslim friends".
Kabul priest is happy for Clementina's liberation. Foreigners need greater security but for this to happen Afghan authorities must take greater charge and aid operations must be more transparent.
A P.I.M.E. missionary in this Muslim country tells of the difficulties and the efforts of the local Church to enhance appreciation for the Eucharist. Here, Sunday is a workday; the communities scattered in the tribal areas are not able to celebrate mass and prayer sessions are entrusted to laypeople. Beyond these difficulties, Christ's gratuitous sacrifice for man continues to give life to the Church's mission.
Msgr Tadeus Kondrusiewicz says that new conditions exist for dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox: the fight against aggressive secularism; respect for human life; the importance of the family; "no" to female priesthood.
Bishop of Kandy: "The Pontiff is praying for religious freedom in our country." Tomorrow parliament will be discussing a law which discriminates against minorities and violates freedom of conscious.
PIME missionary slams government, international NGOs and media for lack of interest in the reconstruction of the Indian archipelago. Monsoons are coming and we need real homes, not tents, he says.
Mosul Archbishop's Easter message: "Let us learn from Jesus; let us work so that the last word is not left to terrorism and death." Local priest tells of Easter preparations: packed churches, youth attending Mass despite parents' orders. Liturgy shortened during Holy Week to limit the risk of attacks.
A PIME missionary talks about how the Japanese approach the Eucharist: a close encounter with God. People convert after consulting the Internet.
Three days of reconnaissance in the country's worst-hit areas. Catholics, Buddhists and politicians will pray together for victims, in Colombo tomorrow.
Between terrorism and love stories, Ramadan and TV ratings
Interview with Father Angelo Panigati, former parish priest in Kabul. Afghans want to reassert their identity through democracy, he says.
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