China

In the Greek Melkite Basilica of Saint Paul, Benedict XVI meets Catholic and Orthodox patriarchs and bishops, Sunni and Shia Muslims and Druze, as well as politicians and representatives of civil society. Ecclesia in Medio Oriente is a response of faith to the region's problems and the desperation of so many, "a path for rediscovering what is essential". Without fears or concerns, Christians are called to shine in the dark.

Fr. Rafic Greiche underlines the extreme importance of the Pope's trip as a bearer of peace to a Middle East victim of hatred and war. For the priest the attacks sparked by satirical film about Muhammad are against the United States, not against Christians. The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood launches a major protest for September 14 in Cairo and other cities of the country. The Egyptian Copts criticize the film.

Obama and Clinton express outrage and shock. The attack on the consulate in Benghazi, may have been premeditated. The U.S. ambassador died of suffocation. With him three US staff and 10 Libyans were killed. The director of the film against Muhammad goes into hiding and describes Islam as a "cancer." Arabic translator of the film unknown. The tensions in Libya (and Egypt) add to those between Obama and Netanyahu on Iranian nuclear issue.

After almost two weeks missing, the Guangxi Daily quotes him along with other Communist leaders recalling the late General Huang Rong. Willy Lam, "A sign from the top: nothing too bad happened to the vice president. But suspicions about his health remain. "

The PLA's daily publishes a long article on its all-weather military drills in the Nanjing Military Command, which is in charge of the area where the disputed islands are located. Japan's new ambassador to China collapses and his hospitalised before taking up his post.

For the head of the Maronite Church, Benedict XVI comes as a witness of peace in the Middle East, demanding governments, interested parties and mercenaries to stop buying and using weapons. Together, Christians and Muslims can build for a real Arab Spring. The movie that denigrates Muhammad is an insult to all religions. It is unclear who the director and producer are.

For about a month, 41 young people helped missionaries in an African hospital and a shelter for street kids. They saw what AIDS, tuberculosis, a lack of medical staff and poor health facilities can do compared to Taiwan's advanced society.

The great dissident, who fled to the United States, appeals to the US-based giant who is launching its newest iPhone today. "There's a huge social responsibility" for corporations like Apple that employ thousands of people in China, Chen said. It should help end the one-child policy and stop forced abortions. His visit to Taiwan is confirmed.

Sources near the Communist leadership are saying that the vice president is in hospital for a minor back problem caused by "swimming". On micro blogging websites, speculation abound about the "crown prince," term used to get around Chinese censorship. Government spokespersons refuse to answer media questions.

The head of the Vatican Press Office condemns the "unjustified offense and provocations against the sensibilities" of Muslims caused by a movie mocking Muhammad. Such actions "nourish tension and hatred, unleashing unacceptable violence." In Lebanon, Benedict XVI wants to build coexistence among believers. A meeting in Beirut's Museum Square is held to welcome the pope.

The future president "in pectore" did not show up to meetings with foreign dignitaries and party meeting. Rumors of leadership tensions and even a possible attempt on his life by Bo Xilai supporters. Internet searchers blocked.

Despite the tensions in neighboring Syria and the winds of war between Israel and Iran, the journey to Lebanon was not postponed. Christians and Muslims are waiting for him. The exhortation to promote the relationship between clergy and laity, ecumenism between Christians and relations with Muslims, the commitment to the poor, education. Lebanon can be a model for the Arab Spring: common citizenship between Christians and Muslims, freedom of conscience (and conversion from one religion to another), beyond the excesses of Western permissiveness and Islamic fundamentalism.