Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi*

The bishop of Niigata and President of Caritas Asia comments on the "mercy" killing of 19 people with disabilities in Sagamihara: "All of us can become weak in society. That's why we need to see God's reflection in every human being and work to create a real human family. "

I want really cry for victims of terrorists attacks, not only for these 7 Japanese victims but also for all other innocent souls of such incidents all over the world. But I want cry much more for people in Bangladesh who lost at least seven good brothers and sisters from Japan who compassionately thought of betterment of lives of people of the country.

The US president and the world must understand that when we talk about an atomic holocaust we are not talking about numbers, but human lives, stories, and tears. The president should be praised for his commitment to disarmament, but “Out of respect for human life and human dignity granted to us by the Creator, we should aim for a nuclear weapon-free world”.

The bishop, Msgr. Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, opened the Holy Door along with dozens of priests and about 120 faithful. The Holy Year should "push the faithful to stop living in mutual distrust, learning to be sparks of hope for today’s world." In the midst of wars, terrorism and natural disasters, "the Father's mercy is an essential balm".

The president of Caritas Asia talks to AsiaNews about the revolution desired by the Abe government, which effectively eliminates the pacifism of the Japanese Constitution. "It made me sad most of all to see the absence of moral principles among our politicians. We hope that they learn from the events of recent days to listen humbly to the voice of the people".

According to Msgr. Kikuchi, those who gave their lives for the faith can teach the true purpose of contemporary society. Along with Pope Francis’ “Laudato sì”, these witnesses of Christ show that God has created man to be companion and caretaker of Creation.

According to government figures, the percentage of the population under 15 years of age fell for the 41st consecutive year. Today young people represent only 12% of the total. The economic crisis is a major cause, and the most affected are rural areas where there are small Catholic communities. Msgr. Kikuchi tells AsiaNews: "By 2040, 80% of rural communities will disappear. As the Catholic Church we are doing too little to prevent it".