Middle East

Benedict XVI invites the young people of World Youth Day to follow Jesus and discover "the heights" of humanity, accepting the gift of communion with Him and with the Church, without "conceit", bringing His peace to the world. A call to make pilgrimages to the Holy Land. At the Angelus a mandate to young people and a prayer for Jerusalem and the continuing Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

Allawi’s secular party takes 91 seats against 89 for Maliki. The UN declares the elections "a success" and "credible." Open discussions on alliances for the majority. The security challenge: twin attack yesterday in Diyala, with 42 deaths. Withdrawal of U.S. forces by years end.

No "cover up" by the Vatican and the Pope (then Cardinal. Ratzinger) on the story of an American paedophile priest prosecuted by the police in the 70s. L'O. R. speaks of “vile intent" to involve and affect the pope and his collaborators.

The testimony of Fr Adriano Pelosin, in Bangkok, who cares for street children, saved from the grips of prostitution and slavery. Abuse must be reported but compassion is also needed for the abusers and their victims. It is a time of purification for the Church and an examination of conscience for the world: abortion, poverty, infant mortality due to lack of care, there are so many abuses before which the rich world seems completely indifferent.

Arab countries are concerned about the new Israeli settlements and the U.S. failure to stop the colonization. Netanyahu: Israel pursues the same policy on Jerusalem for 42 years.

New funds come partly from Abu Dhabi. Debt restructuring will leave creditors waiting seven to eight years before getting their money back. News boosts Dubai stock exchange, up 4.3 per cent.

Formation of seminarians, priests and religious reconciliation between official and underground Catholics, greater unity with the pope for all the bishops, avoiding participation in actions against communion, prayers for bishops and priests deprived of liberty. The full text of the communiqué at the end of the work of the Vatican Commission on the Catholic Church in China, released this morning by the Holy See Press Office.

Lebanon celebrates for the first time a national Christian-Muslim holiday. Schools, banks and public buildings are closed. Prime Minister Hariri says the day is a spiritual occasion for everyone. For Muslim leader, it is a tangible sign of dialogue between the two religions.

Among most salient points, the stress on communion with the pope, avoiding participation in contradictory meetings, reference to bishops and priests still in prison, the responsibility of Chinese bishops in forming church personnel. Accord and integration among the different members of the Commission.

In the general audience, Benedict XVI illustrates the figure of Saint Albert the Great, a man of "prodigious" culture. The memory of Enrico Medi and scientists who "have pursued their research inspired by wonder and gratitude" to the Creator.

Talks in the White House are held in two sessions. No press release is issued. Israelis say the meeting was conducted in a “good atmosphere”. The Washington Post says the US has a limited leeway over Israel. Netanyahu appears to have been able to sidetrack the Palestinian issue in favour of the Iran question.

On the anniversary of the assassination of Mgr. Romero, we should remember all martyrs, to renew the faith. In the past, the "martyrs for social justice” were remembered, today those caused by Islam. And the Chinese bishops in jail or Vietnamese Catholics, are forgotten, victims of a state that wants to control the lives of individuals (as is the temptation in the West). The cult of the martyrs must call us to mission and pilgrimage. States must guarantee religious freedom, the basis for peace.