Tajikistan

The Holy See is attacked for its position on the conflict between Israel and Hamas; others try to get the Holy See to support one side or the other. But they do not understand the Vatican's specific mission.

The World Report 2009 lists violations in more than 90 countries. The Bush administration is accused of “hypocrisy; the European Union of having abdicated its responsibilities in defending human rights. The report also slams countries like China, India and Russia that use the language of human rights to support dictatorships and oppressors.

Benedict XVI wants to "participate," even from Rome, in the appointment, although he has already chosen Cardinal Bertone as his legate. The pope asks all to pray for the meeting, in its fourth edition.

The award ceremony took place Saturday morning, at the Milan offices of Avvenire. The honor was given in recognition of his "passionate, incisive, and thorough attention to events in Asia," and his missionary contribution to delicate topics "like the relationship between Church and China."

The importation and distribution of its religious material and its practice of worship have been outlawed. The fundamentalist origin of the movement could "threaten" order and national security. Political experts see its faithful as the true opposition to the central government.

The Middle East and Asia come first in the examination of the situation in the world made by Benedict XVI, with diplomats. Restoring the ceasefire in Gaza. New leaders for peace needed. Anti-Christian violence in India and Iraq. The lack of religious freedom. The economic crisis means trust must be restored.

On the solemnity of the Epiphany, Benedict XVI said that the Magi were astronomers, scientists whose studies of the stars led them to discover God made man. Jesus’ birth is a “cosmological revolution”. Man does not depend upon cosmic forces but on the relationship to the Author of Creation, source of hope even in the darkest moments of history, like now. The Church, modelled on the persona of Saint Paul, is the Magi’s star, leading the nations to God.

Benedict XVI asks all to participate in the Day of prayer scheduled for today by patriarchs and Christian leaders of the Holy Land, for justice and peace in Gaza and in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Solidarity with the victims, against hatred and war, which do not resolve any problems. The apostle John, "witness" of the "Word made flesh."

Beijing has launched the experiment of using the yuan as a reserve currency in relations with 8 countries. Chinese exporters are asking to charge in yuan instead of dollars, because the U.S. currency is losing value. But China needs to revise its model of development, too much inspired by eighteenth century mercantilism.

Benedict XVI reiterates what he said in his Message for World Day of Peace. God is against poverty when it humiliates our dignity, offends justice and threatens peaceful society. The evangelical way towards peace is based on moderation and solidarity; it is a “spiritual, not an ideological revolution; one that is real, not utopian”, one that stirs people. He makes a new appeal for peace among Israelis and Palestinians, against violence in the Gaza Strip.

Only with the grace of the Lord can we hope in a better future, of which we are also responsible. The Papal Message on World Day of Peace calls for “global solidarity.” The Gospel redeems from moral and material deprivation.

Benedict XVI also recalls all of those kidnapped in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Stephen's forgiveness contributed to the conversion of Paul. Still today, many Christians respond to persecution with truth and love.