Paolo Fossati

In his latest pastoral letter, the archbishop warns Catholics against art that offends and divides. An artist’s vocation involves social responsibilities. The letter follows government censorship of a Satanist musical group.

Water shortages have been reported in 16 Cambodian provinces. El Niño is behind higher-than-average temperatures. About 75 per cent of Cambodia is farmland, devoted mostly to growing rice. The authorities hand out fertiliser and water to affected communities.

The founder of the Early Rain Covenant Church, arrested last December, is accused of "subversion of state power". In reality, he only demands full religious freedom. His testimony is "a war against brainwashing", and to wrest the Chinese culture and people from the banality of materialism: a war for "the soul".

Akihito read a document to the imperial ancestors containing his decision to leave the Chrysanthemum Throne. There will be a total of nine ceremonies that will culminate in "taiirei seiden no gi", when the sovereign will become "emeritus emperor". The last monarch to abdicate was Kokaku in 1817.

The ritual has been held at the foot of Mount Kitanglad since 2012. For Talaandig tribal chief, this year’s ceremony is “important now, especially that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao is being implemented”. Tensions among Muslims continue. The MILF’s central role fuels disagreements. For PIME missionary, the “situation remains fluid”.

The sea lane serves as a link for major markets in Europe, the Americas and China. Local authorities expect shipping to increase by 29 pe cent by 2025. On the optimistic side, the growing demand for goods is a symptom of economic growth.

Rice farmers oppose military junta’s new rice bill. The 24 March election will mark the country’s return to democratic politics. Support for the rural north-east was fundamental to the Shinawatra family’s electoral success. The Constitutional Court disbands the Thai Raksa Chart Party for putting forward a royal princess as candidate.

The Nyepi is a day sacred to the Hindus that marks the beginning of the new year according to the Saka calendar. For 24 hours, the faithful are required to stay at home to reflect on themselves. All access to the island will remain closed, no vehicle can circulate. Even the numerous tourists are invited to take part in religious practice.

More than 5,000 species are endangered in Asia, around 800 in the Greater Mekong region alone. Plants and wildlife are used to produce traditional medicines, clothes and accessories. Hunting and poaching are practiced in about 70 pe cent of sanctuaries. In Southeast Asia and the Pacific regions, the illegal trade in wildlife is worth about US$ 19.2 billion a year.

Two US organizations confirm. Satellite images show the "rapid reconstruction". Work was also under way during the second Trump-Kim summit in Hanoi.

The archbishop of Manila urges the faithful to "leave behind unnecessary bags and baggage on our Lenten journey with Jesus,” adding that “we start preparing to journey with Jesus to Jerusalem where He will show His love for God the Father and for us”.

In a letter, the cardinal writes “we sincerely ask for forgiveness for what we did wrong and for what we failed to do,” calling for “structural renewal necessary to root out from the Church every form of abuse, not only sexual but also of power and conscience.”