Hong Kong, security law: public officials and students brought to order

Celebrating mass on the seventh anniversary of his visit to Lampedusa, Francis again decries "globalization of indifference". “War, of course, is bad, we know it, but we can't imagine the hell people live there, in those detention camps. And these people only came with hope to cross the sea."

At a press conference titled “Preparing the future, building peace in the time of COVID-19,” Card Turkson said: “As the world takes emergency measures to address a global pandemic and a global economic recession, both underpinned by a global climate emergency, we must also consider the implications for peace of these interconnected crises.”

"The "solace" that Christ offers to the weary and oppressed is not only psychological relief or almsgiving, but the joy of the poor to be evangelized and builders of the new humanity. It is a message for all men of good will, which Jesus still addresses today in a world that exalts those who make themselves rich and powerful.”

The Financial Intelligence Authority (AIF), the agency of the Holy See and Vatican City State charged with fighting money laundering and terrorist financing, received 64 suspicious activity reports, took action in four cases, and froze one IOR account.

His destination is unknown. A few hours earlier he had testified by videoconference before the US Congress. City authorities: Slogans in favor of democracy or independence violate the law. The fears of democracy groups.

Secretary of State Card Pietro Parolin met with the US and Israeli ambassadors yesterday. Israel and Palestine have the right to exist and live in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.

At least 370 people arrested in Hong Kong yesterday; several of them are victims of the new law. The US House of Representatives unanimously votes for a law that provides for sanctions on people, companies and banks that undermine Hong Kong's freedom. The criticism of the EU, Australia, Great Britain, Japan. Concerns about the "universal" sovereignty expressed by law.

By 2 pm, hundreds of people had gathered in Causeway Bay and Times Square, eventually becoming thousands at the intersection with Hennessy Road. Some 4,000 police agents in riot gear with water cannons charge the crowd and arrest protesters.

According to the deputy head of the Office for Hong Kong and Macao, many businessmen expressed gratitude to him for saving the "stability" of the territory. In the new law, the definitions of four crimes - secession, subversion, terrorism, collaboration with foreign forces - are so broad that they include situations created this year in Hong Kong with pro-democracy demonstrations. The law is drawn up in six chapters and 66 articles. Crimes committed abroad are also punishable. National education.

In the message to the Catholic Press Association during the Catholic Media Conference, Francis writes that “Only with that gaze can we effectively work to overcome the diseases of racism, injustice and indifference that disfigure the face of our common family.”

Civil Human Rights Front calls on Hongkongers to protest against the security law and for the "five demands". For Figo Chan, “if we stay silent because of fear, our freedoms will be undermined for sure.” Organisers urge participant to protest peacefully. Some 4,000 police agents will be deployed.

It was voted on in 15 minutes by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Hong Kong people don't know the text. Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow leave the Demosisto party: they will engage only on a personal level. It is reasonable "to fear for one's life and security in the commitment to democratic resistance". Amnesty: "The greatest betrayal of human rights in the recent history of the city".

For Francis, “we often go to him only in times of need to ask for help. But God sees further and invites us to go further, to seek not only his gifts but [also] Him”. Above all, “the most important thing in life is to make life a gift”.

Unity and prophecy are the themes of Francis' homily on the day dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. “It is pointless, even tedious, for Christians to waste their time complaining about the world, about society, about everything that is not right,” said Francis. “Today we need prophecy, but real prophecy: not fast talkers who promise the impossible, but testimonies that the Gospel is possible. What is needed are not miraculous shows. [. . .] We need lives that show the miracle of God’s love.”