China

Mgr Thaddeus Daqin quit the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association the day of his ordination as a token of obedience to the pope. He also refused to share communion with an excommunicated bishop. The government-sanctioned Bishops' Conference, which stripped him of his title, is not recognised by the Holy See. Xi Jinping's leadership elicits hopes and brings disappointments.

At the Angelus, Benedict XVI presents the figure of the precursor of Jesus. The Birth of Jesus, a historical event that "dispels every mythical interpretation". His contemporaries did not notice His birth, but "for God, the great men of history act as frame to the least." In his greetings to pilgrims in French, a reminder of the plight of migrants, marked by war or poverty. The call for a "fraternal and joyful solidarity."

Chinese researchers announce the successful trials during which four kinds of vegetables were grown in a 300 cubic metre cabin that could be built and used on extraterrestrial bases. China is planning a mission to the moon as well.

The 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index report indicates all three nations are worse off this year. In Vietnam, uncertainty prevails amid scandals and bad management. North Korea continues to be at the bottom of the ranking. Myanmar and Cambodia are still in negative territory but have improved a bit.

In the act of veneration of the Immaculate in Piazza di Spagna, Benedict XVI said that big things, like Mary's Annunciation, occur in silence and go unnoticed in the "frenzy that characterise our cities." Through grace, Mary reminds us that the "power of God's love is stronger than evil, that it can fill the void that selfishness creates in the history of people," which "can become hell". For the pope, "Christianity" is a religion of joy, "good tidings," even if some believe it is an obstacle to joy because they see in it an ensemble of prohibitions and rules. [. . .] Jesus is the joy of Mary and the Church."

"Uncertainties" in Europe and the United States and slowing development of the Indian economy. New Delhi records a drop in production and a negative balance in exports. Recovery in China and very positive indices for the nations of Southeast Asia (excluding Singapore), a driving force for the entire continent.

Taking advantage of guards' lunch break, Associated Press journalists get to speak with Liu Xia, who is under arrest. In the tape, she talks about her Kafkaesque situation. Chinese authorities refuse to release Liu Xiaobo but praise Mo Yan, who just won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Mo refuses to answer questions about Liu, backs the party's censorship.

Speaking to the International Theological Commission, Benedict XVI denies the claim that religions are bearers of violence because they assert the existence of a universal truth. "Without openness to the transcendent, which allows us to find answers to questions on the meaning of life and how to live a moral life, mankind becomes unable to act in accordance with justice and work for peace."

The disciplinary authorities have removed Wu Hong, a communist official of the law enforcement bureau, involved in a series of compromising photographs with a naked woman in a hotel room. It is the second case in a week, but the problems do not stop at Chongqing similar cases also in Heilongjiang and Hunan.

The outgoing prime minister has done many good things, but none of them will go down in the annals of history. Now, however, he has the opportunity to remain in the collective memory as the man who saved China. That is if he passes a real anti-corruption law, the most serious problem that plagues our nation. If he fails to do so, he is likely to witness the collapse of the Party and the state. The analysis of the great dissident.

News about the release of "tens of thousands" of inmates from illegal prisons was met with great joy. A day later, reality struck with reports that only a few hundreds were let go to make room for new arrivals.

The Committee for the release of Liu is led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nobel Laureate in medicine Sir Richard Roberts. Intellectual freedom and creative inspiration "are important for the advancement of the human condition. The Nobel Peace Laureate Liu Xiaobo was sentenced to 11 years in prison for" inciting subversion of state power. "His wife is under forced house arrest without conviction. Hu Jia appeals for governments, human rights groups, Chinese at home and abroad support the release of dissident writer and freedom of speech in China. "by freeing Liu Xiaobo and Liu Xia, China can demonstrate its strength. "