South East Asia

Freedom of expression is not an end in itself. Opposite extremes of violent fundamentalism and absolute freedom must give way to the "will to live together". The West is becoming a multi-religious society. As in the case of the Holocaust, we must limit anti-religious "negationism". Lebanon is a model. Secularism is dead.

It is still unknown whether there was any response from Xi Jinping. The state agency publishes only bad news-stories related to the Philippines, coinciding with the papal visit. Instead the Global Times instead publishes editorials and extensive photo coverage on yesterday’s Mass.

Before he left, Pope Francis met with the parents of the volunteer who died in Tacloban. Evangelical leader Eddie Villanueva urged the members of his church to attend the meetings with the pope. Muslim and indigenous leaders ask the pope for his help in peace talks in Mindanao.

On the flight back to the Vatican, Pope Francis spoke with reporters about the family and "ideological colonisation", about responsible fatherhood and Humane Vitae, as well as Neo-Malthusianism, corruption, Islamic terrorism and prudence in freedom of expression (Charlie Hebdo). He also answered questions about China and the Dalai Lama, saying that he did not reject the Buddhist leader nor did he fear China.

The testimony of young people, survivors of drugs and prostitution, pushes Francis to leave aside his prepared text and talk for over half an hour off the cuff: "Only if we are able to cry over what we have just heard, can find we an answer to why children have to suffer. "

Celebrating Mass concluding his seventh international apostolic pilgrimage, in Sri Lanka and the Philippines, Francis recalls how "Filipinos are called to be outstanding missionaries of the faith in Asia. God chose and blessed us for a purpose: to be holy and blameless in his sight ". An appeal to the world: "Sadly, in our day, the family all too often needs to be protected against insidious attacks and programs contrary to all that we hold true and sacred, all that is most beautiful and noble in our culture."

Francis nevertheless sought to keep to his schedule , albeit shortening events. He blesses the care center for the elderly and orphans named after him, visits the small home of a fishing family, greets people and has a quick lunch with 30 survivors of typhoon Yolanda. The poor and needy "be treated fairly – that their dignity be respected, that political and economic policies be just and inclusive, that opportunities for employment and education be developed, and that obstacles to the delivery of social services be removed".

Pope Francis celebrates Mass with the survivors of the Yolanda typhoon (November 2013), which resulted in the deaths of more than 6 thousand people. Because of an approaching storm, strong winds and rain, and faithful and celebrants wear waterproof plastic ponchos. The visit to Tacloban is the reason for the trip to the Philippines, "When I saw this catastrophe from Rome, I felt I had to come here." In front of those who lost everything (family, home, property) the Pope confesses: "I do not know what to say to you. But the Lord knows what to say to you." A minute of silence and prayer. "We are not alone. We We have a Mother, we have Jesus, our elder brother. And we also have many brothers and sisters who at the time of the catastrophe came to help us."

The example and testimony of PIME missionaries, the catechesis on the radio by Fr. Piero Gheddo and especially the vitality of the Catholic communities of China and Korea push a young Italian to put aside old prejudices and rediscover the joy of the Gospel.

At Mass in Manila cathedral with bishops, priests, religious, seminarians, Pope Francis asks consecrated persons to be " ambassadors for Christ". The Gospel heals "our broken world" and inspires "the building of a truly just and redeemed social order". Convert from pride, complacency, materialism and live a life of continual prayer. Support young people "confused and despondent"; proclaiming "the beauty and truth of the Christian message to a society which is tempted by confusing presentations of sexuality, marriage and the family." "Powerful forces … threaten to disfigure God’s plan for creation and betray the very values which have inspired and shaped all that is best in your culture."

The archbishop of Manila greets Francis after Mass in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception: "This cathedral has been raised to the ground many times but refuses to vanish, It boldly rises from the ruins. You bring fire not to destroy but to purify. You bring an earthquake not to shatter, but to awaken, you bring weapons to assure, to encourage". The full text of the Cardinal’s address.

The executions will be carried out at the weekend. A confirmation of the hard line imposed by the reformist president Jokowi. For the general attorney this is a "strong message" to the drug lords. Criticism from the Catholic Church, which asks for forms of punishment that respect the human person.