China

Former Chongqing party boss faces charges of corruption, abuse of power, sex crimes and complicity. Party leaders want everything wrapped up before the start of the party congress on 8 November, set to mark the rise of a 'fifth generation' of Communist leaders. Bo's son defends him (but is tight-lipped about his mother).

The Decree on the Church's mission had a difficult road to follow during the Second Vatican Council: due to organizational problems of the great ecumenical gathering, but also difficulties related to the changing global reality: decolonization, localization of the Church, or refusal of foreign missionaries. The word of a witness (Part Two).

The beatification of Franciscan who translated the Bible into Chinese took place before the Cathedral of Acireale, and not inside, because of the large number of faithful. Card. Joseph Zen and a delegation of Hong Kong present. The relic of Fr. Allegra brought by the doctor who was miraculously healed by him. The director of the museum in Taipei converted to Catholicism through the faith of the new Blessed.

The corn is the staple food for two billion people, mostly in Asia. But is devoid of retinol; vitamin A deficiency causes blindness and other serious diseases. An experiment has enabled the creation of GM variant called golden rice. Controversy over experiment in China kept secret from families. But Manila will promote the production by distributing seeds.

Nakoula was banned from using the internet and other pseudonyms, given his criminal past. But to make the film he used false names, deceiving actors and banks.

With only a few days to go to the Synod, a discreet skepticism, silence and disinterest pervades. Secularization affects the mission ad gentes. As well as new political, economic, scientific, religious scenarios. Benedict XVI urges a renewal of faith and mission. The world media has become one of the most important arenas for evangelisation.

Following the suggestion of Benedict XVI for the Year of Faith, AsiaNews offers readers reflections, testimonies, stories about the Second Vatican Council. Fr. Piero Gheddo talks about his work as an expert and the genesis of the document on the mission, the Ad Gentes.

Government-appointed commission sends course glorifying China's success without mentioning its problems back to the government. Schools should decide what to teach students. This is a victory for the diocese and Cardinal Zen, who led the protest movement against the reform plan.

Bo's "actions created grave repercussions, and massively damaged the reputation of the party and the state," Xinhua reports. Forensic scientist casts doubts on the official version of British businessman's death. Party congress set for 8 November.

The former Chongqing party chief has been expelled from the party after nine months of turmoil. By distancing itself from him, the party can blame him for deviating from its ideals. In fact, corruption, violence, disregard for human rights and mass manipulation are the essence of the Chinese Communist party. The problem is that the party's dictatorship is never questioned. Without the abolition of its monopoly on power, more Bo Xilais will appear. Here are Bao Tong's thoughts on the matter.

A court refuses (for the second time) his appeal against the fine of 15 million Yuan for tax evasion. Mounting popular support for him. Banned from leaving China.

Franciscan Fr Gabriele Maria Allegra will be beatified on 29 September at Acireale. He dedicated his entire life to the translation of the Bible in Chinese. The Dean of Hebei Catholic Major Seminary explains what impact the translation has had on China. It has allowed communication to flow between the cultures of the West and the East, reawakened the faith of the clergy and believers alike, and favoured the renewal of the liturgy and evangelisation. Translating the Bible means helping God become incarnated in a people. (Translation from the Chinese by AsiaNews)