For the city’s Chaldean archbishop, Iraq’s southern metropolis is facing a major environmental crisis. Half of the population has no access to water, whilst oil wells poison the air. Hospitals are overcrowded and drugs are in short supply. The river that runs through the city is the sick child of the country. Local leaders are not "in step" with science and modernity, relying instead on religious decrees.

Editorial writer Anil Netto looks at 'Old vs New politics' in Malaysia. Parties that represent the past emphasise identity. But it is in economic inequalities that threaten national unity.

In his meeting with the delegations of missionary institutes of Italian foundation, Francis, said: “Do not be afraid to bear witness to Jesus even where it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. Witness Him with your whole life.”

The Civil Human Rights Front warns that ban on peaceful demonstrations could lead to even greater violence. Yesterday, protests were held to commemorate Occupy Central. For Xinhua, the latter was the starting point of the collapse of the rule of law in Hong Kong. Protesters and police clashed violently. A plainclothes officer fired lived ammunition.

With the People's Republic of China getting ready for its 70th anniversary, Xi this morning honoured the Monument of Heroes, in Tiananmen Square, scene of the 1989 massacre. A spectacular military parade will take place tomorrow with new, Made-in-China weapons on display. Symbols of the one-party state are shown at St Paul’s Church in Macau. The national flag is waved and anthem is sung in the cathedral in Heilongjiang.

The children are cared for by the Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation, which, together with the Archdiocese, want to dispel the false belief that Catholics must pay for the sacraments. “Being simple and poor are never obstacles to receiving the grace of God,” said the archbishop.