The head of the private hospitals association sounds the alarm, warning that “Hospitals are completely full. We don’t know where to put patients any more.” The country’s 127 private hospitals have made available so far only 400 beds for patients affected by the novel coronavirus, including a hundred intensive care beds. Lockdown is once again the only solution to reduce the burden on the health care system.

Kim Jong-un's call for self-sufficiency comes after the country was brought to its knees by the pandemic and a series of floods. The policy is a veiled attack on China. About 40 per cent of the population is malnourished, but the regime is wasting resources on new ballistic missiles.

The logo illustrates the theme “Mary arose and went with haste” (Lk, 1,39) chosen by Pope Francis. The passage is the theme of the WYD Lisbon 2023 and indicates that Mary was ready to live according to God’s will to serve Elizabeth. This highlights the call to young people to renew their vitality, dreams, enthusiasm, optimism and generosity (Christus Vivit 20).

Catholics number 1.328.993.000, 17.73 % of the global population. Archbishop Rugambwa: "The mission touches and transforms all sectors and areas of life in order to save humanity and creation". Msgr. Dal Toso: the fund to help local Churches cope with this period of pandemic to date has financed 250 projects for a total of 1, 299, 700 US Dollars and 473,410 Euros.

India’s most populous state leads in terms of religious intolerance and ranks first for anti-Christian violence. Radical Hindu groups have stormed private homes, interrupted liturgical services, and called in the police after accusing pastors and faithful of "forced conversions".

The Thai prime minister is under pressure from the country’s pro-democracy movement and the pandemic-related economic crisis. Wang Yi wants Thailand to maintain its "social stability". China announces more investments in Thailand. The new Silk Road conundrum. The US needs its Thai ally in Southeast Asia to contain China.