East Asia

More than 30,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square for the Convocation of the Renewal in the Holy Spirit. “Jesus, for all of us you asked the Lord the grace of unity in this Church of yours, not ours. History has divided us,” the pope said. "If the enemy unites us in death who are we not to be united in life."

Six new Japanese coast guard vessels have reached the islands. Last week, two ships of the Chinese coast guards arrived in the area claiming it as "inherent territory of China." Economic relations and nationalism of both countries.

China wants to exploit its resources "in the seas, in space and in the polar regions." The White Paper on the Ministry of Defence provides a change in strategy of the Chinese Navy, from "defense on the high seas" to "offshore protection ". Closer scrutiny of key areas such as internet, foreign investment and information systems.

In its message for World Tourism Day, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples notes that growth in this sector represents “a challenge to all the sectors involved in this global phenomenon: tourists, businesses, governments and local communities and, of course, the Church too. The billion tourists should necessarily be considered above all in their billion opportunities.”

The law was adopted almost unanimously. It envisages a strengthening of the power of the central government on sensitive issues such as information and internet. Analysts report a possible tightening of the control of the Communist Party. The new rule officially does not apply directly to Hong Kong and Macau.

Before the rally, Catholics and Protestants held a prayer service in Victoria Park. For Cardinal Zen, political reform was rejected by pan-democrats’ votes, which safeguarded the dignity of the people, but did not advance the cause of true suffrage.

In early July, for the first time in history, the Secretary General of the Vietnamese Communist Party will make an official visit to the United States. Response to Beijing provocations in South China Sea on agenda.

Greeting participants in the conference sponsored by the International Council of Christians and Jews, Francis points out that "both faiths have their foundation in the One God, the God of the Covenant, who reveals himself through his Word. In seeking a right attitude towards God, Christians turn to Christ as the fount of new life, and Jews to the teaching of the Torah".

According to Health Minister figures, 182 people have been infected, with 2,600 people under quarantine. As of today, 13 patients remain in critical condition. Cautiously optimistic, the authorities continue to monitor the situation.

On the Feasts of St. Peter and Paul, Pope Francis blesses the pallium for 46 metropolitan archbishops appointed this year. These include six Asian archbishops. The pallium will be imposed by the nuncios in the countries of origin. Orthodox delegation sent by Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople also present. The apostles and the first Christian communities with “courage carried forward the work of evangelisation, free of fear of death and martyrdom, within the social context of a pagan empire”. “Many forces in the course of history have tried, and still do, to destroy the Church, from without as well as within, but they themselves are destroyed and the Church remains alive and fruitful". " the Church does not belong to Popes, bishops, priests, nor the lay faithful; the Church in every moment belongs solely to Christ." " A Church or a Christian who does not give witness is sterile; like a dead person who thinks they are alive; like a dried up tree that produces no fruit; an empty well that offers no water! The Church has overcome evil thanks to the courageous, concrete and humble witness of her children".

The new Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will start operating before the end of the year. China will have no right of veto. It is set to rival with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and with the US and Japan, which have not joined the new financial institution.

At the Angelus Pope Francis remembers the mission of the Church of Rome, that preserves the legacy of Peter and Paul: faith and charity. The " Romans centuries long devotion to the Virgin, especially invoked as Salus Populi Romani". The bond of communion of metropolitan archbishops with "the See of Peter" and "brotherly ties" with the Sister Church of Constantinople. The announcement of the trip to Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay 5 to 12 July.