Syria

The new institution is expected to collect, check and release information on violations of religious freedom in the world. It will be helped in its task by Italian and Vatican diplomats. Dangers to religious freedom are not only found in countries like Nigeria or Pakistan but also in Western nations where a dominant laicism has expelled God from society.

Caritas Lebanon chief says actual refugee numbers higher than official figures. Caritas and other international organisations could run out of supplies. Cor Unum announces fundraiser during Holy Thursday Mass in Rome's St John Lateran Cathedral.

Government leaders fear dividing the country. Tunisia is the most secular Arab country; introducing Sharia would represent a total reversal. For Fr Samir Khalil Samir, Ennahda's move is a positive development and could serve as a model for other countries changed by the Arab spring.

For former UN secretary general, Syrian president's agreement is a first step towards peace between government and rebels. Opposition groups push for military intervention and a buffer zone on Turkish border.

Russian president backs former UN general secretary's plan, but does not say how it can be implemented. US president and Turkish prime minister talk about providing "non-lethal" aid to Syrian rebels. Human Rights Watch accuses Syrian forces of using human shields in front of soldiers and tanks.

Benedict XVI concludes his visit to Mexico with greetings to the authorities and thousands of enthusiastic faithful. The Pope stresses faith in Christ and devotion to Our Lady, that he encountered among Christians and asks them to "not be intimidated by the powers of evil ", but to work with courage in society against the utilitarian mentality and for "a worthy life , just and at peace with everyone. " The "worrying signs " and Christians as "good citizens". The thanks of President Felipe Calderon.

The village of al-Qaa is hit, wounding one person. The UN Security Council adopts a statement with Russia and China voting in favour.

In its latest report, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows that Asia bought 44 per cent of all conventional weapons exports. China drops from first to fourth largest importer by improving domestic production and increasing exports.

The two car bombs exploded outside a police headquarters and a center of aviation. Yesterday from Geneva Kofi Annan held a videoconference with the UN Security Council. So far the answers to his Syrian mediation are "disappointing". Annan hopes to involve all the Security Council in an attempt to pacify the country by stopping the violence on both sides - the army and rebels - and creating a process of democratization in Syria.

In an interview with AsiaNews, Mgr. Mario Zenari, for the past three years nuncio in Damascus, described all the elements that make up the tangled skein of Syria. The deep division between Sunnis and Alawites (Shiites) and the growing hatred. The too fearful Christians must commit themselves to building a society where there is respect for man and his rights, equality for women, equality among all citizens, freedom of religion and of conscience. Being in Syria is a mission. At Homs a priest talks with the rebels and with the army to provide aid to the poor, to save the lives of the inhabitants, to bury the dead that nobody wants to touch. In a year of violence at least 800-900 children have been killed. The majority were shot in the streets by unknown snipers. Syria is changing and there's no turning back.

With Iran delivering medical aid and Saudi Arabia and Qatar willing to arm the rebels, Syria appears to be breaking up. A witness to the events, a Catholic priest describes the situation of communal hatred and fear but also the action of Christians and Muslims, working together to help the victims. The country's Churches are divided between blind support for Assad and non-violent opposition in favour of the rule of law and a state where Christians and Muslims are equal before the law.

The content has not yet been announced. Immediate ceasefire and the opening of a humanitarian corridor to protect the wounded in question. Assad announces parliamentary elections for next May 7. Borders with Turkey and Lebanon mined.