East Asia

The painting portrays the 120 martyrs canonized by John Paul II in 2000. They include Saint Alberico Crescitelli, PIME missionary, killed in 1900 during the Boxer revolution. The altarpiece is the work of Gary Chu Kar-kui. Card. Zen praised the martyrs who courageously stood firm in the truth, sacrificing their lives.

More and more Kazakhs flee Xinjiang and forced labour camps, and are welcomed by Nur-Sultan as refugees. The crossroads between "nationalism" and "cultural expansionism". Enthusiasm cools for the “Belt and Road Initiative”, the New Silk Road.

Pope Francis prays the Angelus and asks us to entrust " our anxieties and our torments " to the Mother of God. Today we celebrate the 54th World Day of Peace, which this year has as its theme "A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace". "Developing a mentality and a culture of “care taking” so that indifference, rejection and rivalry – which unfortunately prevail – will be defeated ". Prayer for the children of Yemen and for the bishop of Owerri (Nigeria), kidnapped a few days ago together with his driver.

Sciatica has forced Pope Francis to delegate the celebration of the Mass on the solemnity of the Mother of God and 54th World Day of Peace, on the theme "The culture of care as a path to peace". “Speaking badly corrupts and decays, whereas blessing restores life and gives the strength needed to begin anew”. “We are not in the world to die, but to give life”. “This will be a good year if we take care of others, as Our Lady does with us”.

Commentary on the Gospel on the Solemnity of the Mother of God (Luke 2: 16-21).

Due to a “painful sciatica” Francis did not celebrate Vespers nor recite the end-of-year thanksgiving Te Deum. Cardinal Re read the Pope’s homily, which highlights the acts of “closeness” of many people working for the common good in healthcare, education and public service.

The Court of Final Appeal rescinded his bail. Accused of violating the security law and fraud, Lai was released on 23 December by a High Court judge. For Hong Kong’s Department of Justice, the threshold for national security violations is the same as in murder cases. Meanwhile, pressures from mainland China continue.

A great scholar, he spent 27 years in a forced labour camp, and later taught at a university. He was also appreciated by prison authorities. Upon becoming bishop in 1982, he divided his time between academic and pastoral work. After 1997 he was under constant police surveillance. He was a supporter of the Legions of Mary and founder of the Women's Congregation of Mount Calvary.

After seven years of negotiations, the two sides are ready to strike deal that would guarantee reciprocity of treatment for European and Chinese investors. Germany’s Merkel pushed for the deal, but some EU lawmakers remain highly critical. China makes some vague commitments on forced labour; cooperation with US President Biden is at risk.

Judge Alex Lee released the pro-democracy magnate because he expressed opinions and did not make any requests to foreign governments. The ruling is an indirect blow against Beijing's meddling, and provides Lai’s lawyers with a defensive strategy. Hong Kong lawyers urge the local government to respond to pressure from Chinese state media.

"To live is above all to have received" is the first of a long series of debts of gratitude to people who have cared for us "for free". A "thank you" that "we must say continuously, that the “gratitude” that Christians share with everyone, grows in meeting Jesus".

Convicted of violating Chinese territorial waters. The last two of the group, both minors, will be tried in Hong Kong. The verdict made public two days after the trial. Guangdong judges: the hearing was public. Families of prisoners and diplomats claim otherwise.