• CHINA - Sichuan: five years in jail for investigating quake collapsed buildings
Tan Zuoren received the maximum sentence in a trial that lasted less than ten minutes. Officially accused of "subversion" for writing inherent to Tiananmen Square. Human rights groups contend that the real reasons are documents collected on "poor" quality materials used to build schools.
• PHILIPPINES - Manila: young Taizé community members pray in silence
Titled ‘Trust on earth’, the fifth pilgrimage organised by the Taizé community took place in Makaty City (Manila). More than 3,000 people from around the world participated in the event, which began on 3 February. Some Muslims were also present.
• VATICAN - Pope: a guidebook for engaged couples preparing for marriage
Greeting participants at the plenary of the Pontifical Council for the Family, Pope Benedict XVI again condemns priests who have violated the commitment to respect for children, repeating the "hard words of Jesus against those who offend one of these little ones."
• KOREA - Cross-border tours to resume to save North Korea’s economy
Tours were stopped in 2008 after a South Korean tourist was killed by a North Korean border guard. The United Nations calls for nuclear talks to be included in negotiations.
• INDIA - Commemorating the 75th anniversary of Bandra’s consecration to Christ the King
More than 5,000 faithful attend the commemoration ceremony led by Cardinal Gracias. In his address, the prelate stressed the tasks Christians must fulfil and the importance of the family.
• PAKISTAN - Christians of Shanti Nagar remember the massacre of 1997
Hundreds of faithful of all denominations gathered to commemorate the victims of the clashes, born of false accusations of blasphemy. The government has never granted compensation to victims.
• MIDDLE EAST – IRAN - For Arabs, Ahmadinejad is defying the West, and that worries them
Papers stress the president’s shift with regards to an earlier statement he made just a few days ago. This is setting off alarm bells, especially after Iran announced that it successfully tested a radar-evading aircraft. Opinions differ as to the reasons, domestic or foreign, that might be behind the Iranian president’s statements.
• THAILAND - New Bishop of Udon Thani: the proclamation of Christ is the duty of all believers
Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai, consecrated on 6 February, launches a missionary appeal to all Catholics in the diocese. The prelate pays "special thanks" to his predecessor and parents, who supported him in the choice of the priesthood. The special blessing of Benedict XVI.
• CHINA - Beijing orders local governments to prevent migrant protests over pay
The State Council orders local authorities to resolve disputes before the Lunar New Year holiday, which falls on February 14. The government fears mass protests. In China's booming economy, the situation of migrants deteriorates: killed by the employer over a few Yuan.
• ISLAM - EUROPE - An anti-burqa law to renew Islam in Europe
Wearing the all-enveloping outer garment is not a religious requirement, but a cultural tradition from Saudi Arabia. It is the symbol of an attack by extremist Islam on Europe, and this has generated contempt for a certain retrograde form of Islam. A law is needed against wearing full-face veil in public spaces, but what is even more needed is a broad dialogue between East and West that would allow Islam to be modernised and integrated into European culture, and thus have an opportunity to contribute to world civilisation.
• CHINA - VATICAN - Over twenty thousand Catholics at the funeral of the Bishop of Zhaoxian
Mgr. Raymond Wang Chonglin died February 2 at 88. He spent 21 years in prison for his loyalty to the pope. Underground bishop ordained in '83, he was accepted by the government in '88.
• INDONESIA - Bekasi, anti-Christian persecution continues. A Protestant church targeted
A crowd of 200 Muslims launches intimidating messages at the faithful and prohibits the use of a local church for Sunday services. The attackers claim to be residents of the area. Protestant pastor denies this: “definitely strangers". From 2009 to now at least 17 Christian churches targeted.
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