09/18/2010VATICAN- GREAT BRITAIN Pope in Britain: "Shame" and "humiliation" over priest’s abuse of children The "immense suffering" of victims of paedophile priests mentioned alongside those who suffer discrimination and persecution for their faith. Celebrating Mass in Westminster Cathedral, Benedict XVI again underlines the Church and society’s "need" for "witnesses" of Christ. London (AsiaNews) – The " immense suffering caused by the abuse of children, especially within the Church and by her ministers " have caused "shame" and "humiliation" in "all": they are part of the many pains that Christians offer daily to God, be it when they suffer "discrimination and persecution for their faith," be it when they suffer...
09/18/2010MYANMAR Burmese junta bans elections in areas dominated by ethnic minorities Claims there would be “no guarantees of justice and impartiality" in Nov. 7 general election. Commission decision involves citizens of the Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Shan states. Critics and opponents say the move is motivated by "fear of losing seats" and "threats from insurgents."
09/18/2010AFGHANISTAN Afghans turnout to vote despite sporadic attacks Some rockets were fired in Kabul, Jalalabad and Balkh. So far there are three dead and four wounded. Yesterday 18 people were abducted. UN representative: "Elections are not perfect, but better than last year."
09/18/2010SRI LANKA A book in every home to spread the Christian literature in the Archdiocese of Colombo by Melani Manel Perera The initiative launched in parallel with the national book fair in Colombo will involve all the parishes from September 19 to 26. Over 34 thousand theological, spiritual and historical texts inspired by Christian tradition donated by individuals, to be sold by volunteers into the various realities of the archdiocese.
09/18/2010KOREA Seoul and Pyongyang ready to restart family reunifications The meeting between the two governments facilitated by the Red Cross. The next meetings of families divided by civil war since 1950 could be between October 21 and 27.
09/17/2010VATICAN – GREAT BRITAIN Respect and reciprocity among religions needed, Pope says In meeting with representatives of Great Britain’s main religions, Benedict XVI called for respect for the right to religious freedom. The ecumenical dialogue with Anglicans has made great strides, notwithstanding some difficulties. Police announce that they arrested five individuals who were planning an attack to “coincide” with the papal visit.
09/17/2010PAKISTAN More money needed in Punjab to avoid leaving flood victims in the hands of the Taliban by Jibran Khan Corruption, bad management and discrimination in aid distribution are slowing down fund raising efforts in donor countries and helping Muslim extremists among flood victims. Punjab’s chief minister urges donors to send more aid, assures them that transparency informs the efforts of local authorities. In his province alone, more than six million people are affected by the catastrophe.
09/17/2010VATICAN - GREAT BRITAIN Pope in Britain, integral formation must be the goal of every school Addressing the students of all Catholic schools in the country, Benedict XVI emphasizes that "the world needs good scientists, but scientific perspective becomes dangerously narrow, if it ignores the ethical and religious dimension of life, just as religion becomes narrow, if rejects the legitimate contribution of science to our understanding of the world. "
09/17/2010CHINA Torture in China continues As China prepares its fifth periodic report to the Committee against Torture, Chinese Human Rights Defenders charges Beijing of formally banning violence in prisons, when in fact they continue and are getting worse.
09/17/2010AFGHANISTAN Afghans vote for new parliament with less fear but also fewer hopes Tight security and 280,000 police officers and soldiers are protecting more than 6,000 polling stations across the country. The Taliban have threatened vengeance on voters, but few expect a bloodbath. However, voters have been disappointed by five years of government. Sources speak to AsiaNews about the situation.
09/17/2010PAKISTAN - G. BRITAIN Imran Farooq, Pakistani politician in exile, murdered in London, A high profile member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, he was stabbed yesterday afternoon in front of his home. The motive and identity of the murderer still unknown. Originally from Karachi and wanted in Pakistan for the violent activities of his party, Farooq has been in London since 1992. In Karachi, hundreds gather outside the family residence.
Books
Missione Bengala 155 anni del Pime in India e Bangladesh EMI
di Piero Gheddo La Cina di Mao processa la Chiesa di Angelo S.Lazzarotto pp. 528
Il rovescio delle medaglie di Bernardo Cervellera pp. 240