South Asia

Mgr Felix Machado, chairperson of the Office for Dialogue and Ecumenism of the CBCI, releases a message for Indian Muslims. The prelate calls on believers to pray for peace, a "gift of God".

On the sidelines of a bilateral meeting, Vietnam's Foreign Minister says New Delhi has the right to explore and develop resources in Vietnam's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. A trading partnership turns into an economic alliance as India funds Vietnam's energy projects.

The rivers that flow through the tiny Himalayan kingdom promise great wealth. Large-scale power plants could light up the country and become a source of foreign exchange with neighbouring India. By 2020, more than half of GDP will come from hydro. Experts warn though of possible environmental risks.

After the rape, more than 50 stab wounds were inflicted on the body. One member of the Pontifical Academy for life: "A horrifying crime, a sign of the degradation of human dignity. Life is sacred".

Monks accuse India of failing to protect the sacred complex, but Indian Embassy in Colombo refuses to see them. The Dalai Lama tries to cool things, blaming only a "few individuals" for an act that is not very serious.

In a Motu Proprio, Pope Francis overhauls a legal system largely untouched since the Lateran Pacts. Under its new provisions, life in prison is abolished. International conventions banning torture, war crimes, and racial discrimination and those protecting the rights of children are incorporated into Vatican law.

The highest court in the country launches an ultimatum: new rules on the sale of the solvent and support to victims within a week, or "we will take hold of the situation." Each year there are at least 1000 acid victims in India.

Still unknown the authors of the nine explosions that hit the sacred complex, Bodh Gaya, but according to India they are "Islamic extremists". Tint Swe, Chairman of the Burma Center Delhi: "The attack could feed hatred for Muslims in the country, let's not point a finger against the religion." Nepal strengthens controls at Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.

The state government will discuss in parliament the application about an amendment that also involves religious leaders. In the case of a conversion, a priest must communicate the data of the person concerned to the authorities 30 days before the ceremony. Those who violate the decree are liable to a fine and up to three years in prison.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party sweeps the latest municipal elections thanks to the support of the Jamaat-e-Islami, whose anti-atheist propaganda against the ruling Awami League proves crucial.

Nine explosions have struck the sacred complex of Bodh Gaya (Bihar), where the tree is located under which Siddhartha Gautama allegedly reached enlightenment. Mild damage to the temples, two monks injured. For the police the attack is of Islamic origin. President of the Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI): "India is a land of peace, let us work together to build a more just, free and secure society".

First trip by Francis dedicated to the "gate of Europe", which for years has welcomed thousands of migrants. A wreath of flowers thrown into the sea for the many, perhaps 20,000, who have lost their lives during the "journey of hope". A young migrant: "To get here we have suffered so much. We would like help from our Holy Father, we want other countries to help us."