by Giuseppe Caffulli | JORDAN

Amidst the red mountains of southern Jordan, archaeologists have unearthed Ayn Abu Nukhayla, one of the most important Neolithic settlements in the Middle East. The research tells the story of the emergence of the first settled communities, revealing a history far more fascinating than the legends that have fuelled the desert’s imagination for centuries.


Leo XIV spoke at the "Les Raíces" centre in Tenerife. “God’s love knows no borders, makes no distinctions,” he said, adding that, “all of us are migrants.” The pontiff led the Mass on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at the port of Santa Cruz, a "privileged place" for the poor in the Church's mission.

| 12/06/2026
| VATICAN – SPAIN

Born online as satire following a controversial statement by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the movement has brought into the streets millions of supporters, including students and young people with no job security. At the core of its complaint are unemployment, public exam scandals, and the growing disconnect from traditional parties. Analysts urge caution, but see the phenomenon as a sign of widespread dissatisfaction.

| 12/06/2026
| INDIAN MANDALA
by Mathias Hariyadi

Faced with a wave of share sell-off and a currency that has fallen to historic lows against the dollar, Prabowo supporters blame Singapore and turn to social media with the hashtag #buyIndonesia. Students are taking to the streets against rising fuel prices and subsidy cuts, riled by the president's costly free school lunch programme.

| 12/06/2026
| INDONESIA

Three Indian nationals died in a US attack on a tanker carrying Iranian oil. Despite the public outrage, New Delhi is keeping a low profile to avoid angering Washington: in the background, a possible meeting between Trump and Modi on the sidelines of the G7. Meanwhile, the White House announced a deal with Tehran. Saudi Arabia reboots trade with Lebanon.

| 12/06/2026
| GULF – INDIA – UNITED STATES
by Steve Suwannarat

Among the ASEAN countries, Thailand is the most reluctant to impose sanctions on Myanmar, where the general who led the coup five years ago has become president. This ambiguity also brings with it many uncertainties regarding the plight of the tens of thousands of Burmese refugees currently in the country. Meanwhile, Beijing has invited Min for a “state visit” next week.

| 12/06/2026
| THAILAND - MYANMAR
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

Services have been cut by 50% due to protests within the sector. The discontent is fuelled by rising costs and the government’s failure to grant fare concessions. 25% of vehicles had already voluntarily ceased operations earlier due to financial difficulties. The crisis for commuters, who describe the operators’ decision as “a severe blow”.

| 12/06/2026
| SRI LANKA
Editor's choices
 
by Andrea Ferrario
Once classified by the Communist Party as “spiritual pollution”, this genre now generates billions of yuan in revenue and has become part of the state's cultural promotion strategy, within a clear geopolitical vision. "The Wandering Earth" ...
| 11/06/2026
| RED LANTERNS
 
by fr. Gabriel Romanelli *
On the Feast of Corpus Christi, the small community of the Holy Family performed the Eucharistic blessing towards the four cardinal points from the church square. The parish priest said: “From here we also blessed the towns that no longer exist: ...
| 09/06/2026
| GAZA
 
by Gregory
Stored gelignite reportedly caused a massive explosion that killed at least 55 people in a village in Shan State. The catastrophe has put the spotlight on the TNLA, a controversial militia that struck a deal with China. Meanwhile, according to the United ...
| 02/06/2026
| MYANMAR
 
by Chow Hang-tung *
In a message written from prison, the lawyer on trial alongside Lee Cheuk-yan and Albert Ho for the 4 June vigils in Victoria Park speaks of the importance of resilience in remembering the 1989 massacre in Beijing, whilst the Hong Kong authorities cover ...
| 01/06/2026
| HONG KONG - CHINA
 
by Shafique Khokhar
In his encyclical, Pope Leo XIV singles out Pakistan's first female prime minister as a public figure who promoted the greatness of humanity. A Muslim, she was assassinated in 2007 in Rawalpindi. Pakistani Catholics expressed gratitude towards her ...
| 28/05/2026
| PAKISTAN – VATICAN
 
by Alessandra De Poli
In May 1956, the hospital near the factory reported an “unknown illness” that was later found to be caused by mercury discharges from the Chisso Corporation. Decades later, the wound remains open in this Japanese city. PIME missionary Fr. ...
| 27/05/2026
| JAPAN
 
by A priest in China
A priest living in the People's Republic of China writes a letter on the "administrative regulations" that prevent people under 18 from participating in religious activities. China’s constitution protects religious freedom, with no reference ...
| 26/05/2026
| CHINA
 
by Giorgio Bernardelli
Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical letter, presented today at the Vatican, represents a comprehensive reflection on the "new paradigm" that technological transformations are bringing to today's world. For the pontiff, it is not enough to dictate ...
| 25/05/2026
| VATICAN
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”