South East Asia

Sister Jensi and Brother Basil, from India, and Vincent and Ziqian, from Singapore, attended the ceremony of the opening of the Holy Door. "As soon as I arrived I realised I was part of something special." For Brother Basil, "Everyone thinks that if one avoids terrorism at home that is enough. Instead, the pope understood that the real solution is mercy”. For Sister Jensi, “The abuse and violence that dominate the world do not matter: there is God’s love and forgiveness.”

Pope Francis recited a prayer to Mary, which he composed for the occasion. His thoughts are for families, children, seniors and the sick and prisoners. He greeted Propaganda Fide officials. In Saint Mary Major, he remained in silence before Mary’s icon.

The Pukat Kaj initiative focused on theme of love (in action), peace and harmony. It was attended by hundreds of professionals, artists and faithful. The proceeds go to charity projects for the diocese of Agats-Asmat (Papua), focused on the education sector.

In the message for the next 53th World Day for Vocations, Francis urges "all the faithful to assume their responsibility for the care and discernment of vocations", as "the call of God by means of a mediation which is communal. God calls us to become a part of the Church and, after we have reached a certain maturity within it, he bestows on us a specific vocation".

The homily of Msgr. Olivier Schmitthaeusler at Mass for the 25 years of mission in Cambodia. The prelate recalls that priests are "the many branches of the great tree that the Lord has planted in our land" and that "each of us is called to fulfill the mission of life that the Lord has entrusted to his disciples to go around the world to proclaim the Gospel". In the Church in Cambodia, still not fully formed, missionary institutes are "essential is planting deep roots".

The “Vatican City State has its own legal order, entirely autonomous and separate from the Italian legal system”. it has its own judicial bodies, criminal legislation, and “procedural guarantees characteristic of the most advanced contemporary legal systems.” Freedom of the press is not questioned. The goal is “to prosecute an offence under Vatican criminal law. This is not unique because many legislations impose penalties when classified state documents are taken.”

​A source talks to AsiaNews about Friday’s meeting between the retired "generalissimo" and the pro-democracy leader, at the former junta leader’s private residence in Naypyidaw. Shwe acknowledges the NLD’s win and offers his earnest support to Suu Kyi for the greater good of the nation.

“We must never stop converting; this is what the Holy Year of Mercy is for,” the pope said. “Let us remember in our prayers the dear Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the other leaders of the Orthodox Churches, and let us ask the Lord that relations between Catholics and Orthodox be always inspired by brotherly love."

In a pastoral letter for the beginning of the Jubilee Year, Mgr Goh calls for action against the notion of “utility” that dominates our lives. He encourages us to look to Christ as the source of love and reconciliation, and urges us to pray the Rosary, make pilgrimages, confess and receive the Eucharist.

“The pope feels that the Holy Year is a matter of urgency for the Church of our time, which is called to go out into the edges of existence,” said Cardinal Parolin. ‘Il Giubileo. La misericordia. Francesco’ by Angelo Scelzo “is a good guide to follow the Jubilee, understand what it means, and keep full track of events.”

Speaking to the Association of Italian Catholic Parents, Francis called for an “education to the fullness of humanity.” He told parents that they “are the custodians with the duty and the primary and inalienable right to educate children,” who have the “delicate task of building bridges between school and territory, school and home, and school and civic institutions”.

In a message to the International Workshop on ‘Women and Work’ sponsored by the Pontifical Council for the Laity in Rome, Francis calls for "concrete suggestions and positive role models to harmonise work commitments and family needs".