Japan

A tribute to the founder of AsiaNews monthly magazine: as a priest and an evangeliser through journalism, rather than the mission's worldwide reach, he opened Catholic hearts.

New diplomatic tensions between Beijing - which sends 8 ships to the territorial waters of the contested archipelago - and Tokyo, which returns to the Yasukuni shrine honoring the final resting place of some war criminals from the period of the invasion of China. Analysts: "The situation is worsening because nobody wants to take a step back."

At the general audience Francis talks about the return of Jesus for the final judgment. "In this time of crisis, do not forget the poor and the little ones," because "we shall be judged by our charity." "What is asked of us is to be prepared for the encounter: prepare yourself for the encounter, a beautiful encounter, our encounter with Jesus." Appeal for the bishops kidnapped in Syria, "let the bloodshed cease", provide “humanitarian assistance to the population" and work on a "political solution to the crisis."

Celebrating the Mass this morning, Francis says that the Church is not a bureaucratic organization, is a story of love, it is "something more": “the disciples do not the Church make, they are only the messengers sent by Jesus. And Christ was sent by the Father". "So, you see that the Church begins there, in the heart of the Father."

Marking his name day, Pope Francis celebrates Mass with the cardinals. The Acts of the Apostles show that " the missionary expansion of the Church began precisely at a time of persecution." "Christian identity is not an identity card: Christian identity is belonging to the Church." "It is not possible to find Jesus outside the Church".

Commenting on the parable of the Good Shepherd at Mass this morning, Francis recalls that "the gate is Jesus." "I am not a fundamentalist," this is the Gospel of the Beatitudes that tells us to be humble, poor, meek, just.

In a letter to the bishops of Argentina currently meeting at their plenary assembly, Francis calls on them to "come out of yourself to go into the outskirts of existence and grow in parrhesia," adding that "recent commitments" have prevented the former archbishop of Buenos Aires from attending.

Family’s permission to disclose the victim’s identity still needed. The other two victims were an 8 year old boy and a young woman of 29. The authorities think that the bombs were pressure cookers full of shards of metal and nails, left in two bags on the ground. Several injuries have resulted in amputations. Pope Francis appeals to the city of Boston to stay united and "fight evil with good." The message of Card. O'Malley: In the darkness of the attack, one sees the light of Christ in those who immediately turned to help those in need.

The Taliban in Pakistan have denied any involvement. Manmohan Singh sends condolences from India. Indians in America condemn terrorism with religious roots. The Council on American-Islamic Relations asks for prayers for the victims and promises to help capture the perpetrators. China news of massacre is widely broadcast without filters or censorship. Others criticize American policy in the Middle East, "the cause" of this violence. In Boston, the death toll grows: three dead, including a child of 8 years. Hundreds of wounded dozens are critical; several need amputations.

Francis dedicated this morning's Mass to Benedict XVI, who turns 86 today. "The Council was a beautiful work of the Holy Spirit," but "after 50 years, have we have done everything the Holy Spirit told us in the Council? In the continuity of growth of the Church that was the Council?"

North Korea takes to the streets to celebrate the birthday of the deceased father of the nation and grandfather of the current dictator. Seoul warns: "They are ready to launch the missile," while Kerry opens to the direct dialogue with the regime.

Francis talks about the story of Stephen, the first martyr, a victim of calumny, which is not only a sin, but "comes from a very evil thing; it is born from hatred. And hate is Satan's work. [. . .] The Church has many men and women who are maligned through calumny, who are persecuted, who are killed in hatred of Jesus, in hatred of the faith."