by Anna Pozzi | VATICAN

The Holy See has officially announced the pontiff's trip, which includes Algeria (the capital Algiers and Annaba, Saint Augustine’s ancient city of Hippo) as well as Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. Algeria’s bishops are delighted that a pontiff will visit a country that has also seen Christian martyrs in recent years. For Bishop Carraro of Oran, a PIME missionary, this “visit encourages us”.

by Nirmala Carvalho

Originally from Kerala, he had travelled to the district of Ballia for a meeting with several families. Hindu nationalists accuse him of luring people with financial incentives, but the case is part of a wider context in which Bajrang Dal “vigilantes” are breaking into Christians' homes. Activist Dinanath Jaiswar of Alliance Defending Freedom India: “Attacks on the rise, fear in communities”.

| 25/02/2026
| INDIA

Tensions have been triggered by the new map presented to the UN by Baghdad, which redefines sovereignty in a disputed area. Two strategic areas (Fasht Al Qaid and Fasht Al A'aij) over which Kuwait exercises sovereignty are in the spotlight. At stake are economic, historical and social issues, as well as the definition of strategic trade corridors.

| 25/02/2026
| IRAQ - GULF KUWAIT
by Vladimir Rozanskij

China has not allowed itself to be drawn into the controversy surrounding Trump's ambitions for Greenland. It is aware that in order to truly realise the “Arctic corridor”, it first needs to organise the logistics, identify viable routes and strengthen relations with Russia.

| 25/02/2026
| RUSSIA - CHINA - UNITED STATES

In London, the award for Best Children and Family Film went to a Manipuri-language production directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. Filming wrapped up before the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023. The film touches upon timely topics such as migration and political tensions. In calling for peace, the filmmaker said that “forgiveness” is “humanity’s greatest strength”.

| 24/02/2026
| INDIA

Hong Kong’s Correctional Services Department is boosting Project PATH to monitor former activists after their release from prison. More than half of those arrested in the crackdown against the 2019 protest movement were under the age of 25. Ostensibly “voluntary”, the project is designed to dispel misleading images of the motherland. But as Agnes Chow explained two years ago after she was forced to visit Shenzhen, such visits are just another way of indoctrinating people.

| 24/02/2026
| HONG KONG – CHINA
by Gregory

The junta’s leader is getting ready to formally step down from his military command to assume the presidency in the new government that will take office in April. The creation of a powerful consultative council could allow him to maintain control over the regime. Meanwhile, his deputy, General Soe Win, is emerging as a key figure in relations with China.

 

| 24/02/2026
| MYANMAR
Editor's choices
 
In London, the award for Best Children and Family Film went to a Manipuri-language production directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. Filming wrapped up before the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023. The film touches upon timely topics such as migration and ...
| 24/02/2026
| INDIA
 
More than 4.7 million people were eligible to vote in yesterday’s election to the Lao National Assembly, dominated by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to. On the same day, the death of activist Bao Mo Khaen, known for his outspoken denunciations ...
| 23/02/2026
| LAOS
 
At the Milano Cortina Games, three medals bear the mark of Venerable Hosan, abbot of the Bongseon Temple. All South Korean athletes in this discipline competed at the Dalma Open Championship, a tournament launched in 2002 by the Jogye Order. Born to ...
| 17/02/2026
| SOUTH KOREA
 
by Giuseppe Caffulli
Pašinyan's government will place a sculpture dedicated to the writing created by the monk Mesrop Mashtots to translate the Bible in an area adjacent to the European Parliament headquarters. A symbol of national pride, resilience and the deep ...
| 16/02/2026
| ARMENIA - EUROPEAN UNION
 
Party leaders urge supporters to refrain from celebrations and pray "for the future of Bangladesh”. Jamaat-e-Islami acknowledges defeat but is "not satisfied" with the electoral process. India, Pakistan, and the United States have reacted. The ...
| 13/02/2026
| BANGLADESH
 
by Dario Salvi
The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation ‘destroyed and humiliated’ that must find ...
| 13/02/2026
| VATICAN - SYRIA
 
After five years, the landmark trial under the national security law ended. The founder of Apple Daily was charged with conspiracy and sedition. Chief Executive Lee praised the “severe” sentence that brings “relief to all”. Cardinal ...
| 09/02/2026
| HONG KONG – CHINA
 
by Steve Suwannarat
Defying predictions, the Bhumjaithai Party is leading in the seat count by a wide margin. Outgoing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a populist businessman who got a boost by the conflict with Cambodia, also won in Pheu Thai strongholds. The reformist ...
| 09/02/2026
| THAILAND
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”