China

In his first public address after his retreat, Benedict XVI expresses solidarity with Christians and people of Iraq and calls on the country's authorities to "ensure security" not to be dominated by "vested interests" for the support of the international community. Request for solidarity for the victims of the earthquake in Chile. During Lent, faithful and priests are invited to "constant meditation" on the Gospel. The attitude of the disciples in the transfiguration of Jesus

A questionnaire shows children under 13 also use drugs. The younger children start with cough medicine and paint thinner, but then switch to cannabis and other drugs, often given them by their classmates.

The three were convicted without evidence. Forced to confess under torture. The UN has called for the universal abolition of the death penalty, but China still holds the world record of executions.

Families accuse police of negligence. The time of death contradicts eyewitness accounts, and families believe someone is lying. Police says death is accidental.

The death sentence is suspended; prison for 24 and 16 years. The closed court trial, took place in November, news emerging only in recent days. TCHRD activist: China carries out trials “in secret" and the Tibetans are afraid to spread the news in the fear of retaliation.

Pope John Paul II appointed him cardinal in pectore in 1979 when he was purging a life sentence for “counterrevolutionary activities”. Overall, he spent almost 33 years in prison and died in exile in the United States. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on 6 March in Stamford.

The guide lists 52"unacceptable” practices from receiving bribes to being involved in business, from helping their relatives to owning shares in foreign companies. But the code is only for internal use with and without power. "It's like a patient trying to cure himself." Democracy excluded. Corruption affects about 3% of GDP.

Latest chapter in the war of nerves between the IT giant and Chinese government: the planned presentation of the Nexus in the capital cancelled. Hong Kong and Taipei confirmed instead.

Broadband connections are set to reach the record number of 551 million by 2014. China’s government is trying to find ways to identify users and eliminate anonymity from the web. Google is close to discovering who hacked its servers. Evidence points to Beijing.

Politburo yesterday decided to continue helping enterprises in order to support recovery. Beijing is not interested in adopting measures wanted by the United States and the European Union (ex, re-evaluation of yuan), but only in strengthening domestic production and economic recovery.

Government claims well-known Christian dissident, who has been missing for a year, is working in Urumqi. However, neither his family nor his attorney has had any news from him. Gao’s brother wants an answer from Beijing as to his whereabouts.

After ten years of China Church work, the representative of the Holy See is set to leave to take up the post of nuncio to Madagascar. He will be consecrated on 18 March, by Card Bertone. In this interview, he looks back at his work and the life of the Church in China. Main moments include the witness of the persecuted Christians, the unity of the Church, diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican, the appeal on behalf of imprisoned bishops and priests, and the openness of some leaders in the Chinese government.