Vincenzo Faccioli Pintozzi

In a few days the country is called to renew the Senate in the mid-term elections. The polls favor President Duterte's political structure: some analysts fear that, reinforced by the polls, the leader could re-introduce the death penalty. The Bishops' Conference: "Catholics must support the best candidates, but priests and bishops must not give endorsements".

The provincial police raided businesses offering food by day during the Islamic holy month dedicated to fasting and purification. Air Force conducts night exercises: "The pilots have eaten and can perform better".

In a video message, Francis recalls the first anniversary of the meeting between Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un. The Panmunjon Declaration, the fruit of that historic summit, pushes the two Koreas towards a future "based on unity, dialogue and fraternal solidarity".

Patriarch Theophilus of Jerusalem prohibits the participation of Ukrainians in the Easter celebrations in the Holy Land. Even the "schismatic" Orthodox are forbidden to pray in the Holy Places. Moscow's gratitude.

Tibetan Buddhism’s Number 2, was seized by China’s communist authorities when he was only a child after he was recognised by the Dalai Lama. A peaceful march calls for his release, while Tibetan political leaders call on Beijing to explain what happened to him.

The government is beefing up its Youth Army, with the aim of a million members by next year’s 75th Victory Day. In Putin's Russia, the union of people, church and army has replaced the old triad of party, army and people, as the path to shared happiness and personal fulfillment.

Xu Xiaohong, president of the National Commission of the Three Self Patriotic Movement speaks at the Political Consultative Conference: "Many believers lack a true national conscience. That's why we say 'one more Christian, one less Chinese'. We fight foreign infiltration".

At Mass in Santa Marta, the pontiff recalls that "the mercy of God is there, but so is His anger". "Do not think – he warns – that we can get away with it forever. Do not wait to be converted to the Lord and do not delay from day to day because suddenly the wrath of the Lord will break out".

The sovereign will leave office on April 30th, passing the Chrysanthemum's Throne to his son Naruhito. Even the empress will be "emeritus".

Francis receives the participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life, meeting in plenary to discuss "Roboethics. People, machines and health ". Technology is useful if at the service of man, machines are used for the development of society and the planet ".

The case of a student in Harbin who used a device to copy texts hundreds of times sparks controversy. The issue has been read 13 million times in social media in a country caught between innovation and tradition.

The American president will be in the Asian country in May, for the coronation of the new emperor, and at the end of June for the G20 summit. In this way the White House rebalances the Asian allies and dilutes the fears of those who see "too much dialogue" with North Korea.