South East Asia

Two year old Olivia Intan Marbun did not survive her wounds and burns. She was playing with other children in front of the church when the improvised explosive device exploded. The assailant, Johanda, had already been arrested for terrorism and has ties with the Islamic State.

The Jubilee of the socially excluded celebrated on the day when the Holy Doors close across the world . "Those who follow Jesus do not listen to the prophets of doom, the vanities of horoscopes, to sermons and predictions that engender fears, distracting from what matters."

A child among the wounded. AsiaNews sources: the author was stopped by the crowd and arrested. A strategy of tension that finds its roots in a blasphemy accusation against governor of Jakarta. The real goal: to topple President Joko Widodo.

Last Saturday Jubilee Audience, the eve of the closure of all the Holy Doors, except St. Peter. No one is excluded from the love and mercy of Jesus, "even the greatest sinner. Nobody". Yesterday for the last "Friday of mercy" the Pope met seven families formed by young men who have left the priesthood.

China, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines are waiting to see where US foreign policy is going. Many are also waiting to see what the president-elect will do after promising isolationism and cuts in military commitment to the region.

"The only way to love as Jesus loved is continuously leaving behind one’s selfishness and go out to serve others". This is because Christian love "is a concrete love, because God's presence is tangible in Jesus Christ."

All the theological and ecclesiological differences that still divide Christians will be overcome only when we walk together, that is, when "we meet as brothers, pray together, and work together to proclaim the Gospel” and “serve the last.

The inhabitants of Thailand’s mountainous regions remember the benefits of the project started by the late king in 1969. He was able to convert opium production into food crops, helping the tribal economy and health. Some 14,000 families have become involved in almost 40 years.

We should not attempt "new things, revelations, messages ... God has spoken in Jesus Christ: this is the last word of God." And while we wait for is the fullness of the kingdom of God we must "keep" hope. "The kingdom of God becomes strong in hope. Let us ask ourselves: Do I have hope? Or do I go ahead as best I can without knowing how to tell the good from the bad, the darnel seed”.

The Bishops' Conference criticises the Supreme Court’s decision to move the remains of the late dictator to Manila’s national cemetery. This is “another step to build the culture of impunity in the country. [. . .] Peace can only come if there is justice.” The Order of Friars Minor issues letter listing Marcos’ offences.

PIME missionary visits the school he founded years ago. Now run by a Korean priest, it quickly became the reference point of education in the province. Its students have achieved excellent results, and were congratulated by Prime Minister Hun Sen himself.

The election of the 45th president of the United States sparks various reactions, from Trump’s friend Putin who wants to renew relations to Turkey, Egypt and Saudi Arabia who want to revive old ties. Iran is afraid for its nuclear deal. In China, the focus is on the "uncertainties" that will emerge after the vote. Card Parolin calls for action on peace in a world of “grave wounds."