| VATICAN

Francis’s conditions are stable at the Rome hospital where he has been treated since 14 February. “I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me,” he says in today’s Angelus. He devotes once more thoughts to “countries wounded by war”.


The Chinese government has introduced a series of new measures against obesity, including specialised clinics in hospitals and Olympic athletes’ testimonials to raise awareness. By 2030, 65 per cent of Chinese adults are at risk of being overweight, with serious consequences for public health and the country's economy.

| 15/03/2025
| CHINA
by Stefano Caprio

Although some Russian Orthodox priests have spoken out against “war liturgies,” they don’t all hold the same positions. Some have tried to stick with the patriarchal Church, others have turned to other Orthodox jurisdictions; some have limited themselves to passive resistance, while others have openly criticised the patriarch himself, such as the theologian and Deacon Andrey Kuraev.

| 15/03/2025
| RUSSIAN WORLD

Established by the FABC, the commission is tasked with facilitating collaboration among Asian Churches to translate the path indicated by Pope Francis in their own context. It includes religious and lay people who took part in the Synod in Rome.

| 14/03/2025
| ASIA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an “enhanced strategic partnership” with Mauritius during a state visit to the Indian Ocean nation, with investments, maritime security agreements, and Indian support for Mauritian sovereignty over the UK-administered Chagos Islands. The visit is part of India’s competition with China for influence in the Indian Ocean.

| 14/03/2025
| INDIAN MANDALA
by Melani Manel Perera

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the island nation is among 63 countries with the lowest level. No attacks have been reported in the last five years. In South Asia, Pakistan ranks first, followed by Afghanistan and Myanmar.

| 14/03/2025
| SRI LANKA
by Fady Noun

Kurdish and Druze conditional reintegration is an important sign for Ahmed al-Sharaa's Syria, despite great fragility. However, the draft constitution recognises Islamic law as the basis of legislation. Meanwhile, Israel tries to temp Druze in Suwayda. Alawite massacres cast a dark shadow.

| 14/03/2025
| LEBANON – ISRAEL – SYRIA
Editor's choices
 
by Melani Manel Perera
According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the island nation is among 63 countries with the lowest level. No attacks have been reported in the last five years. In South Asia, Pakistan ranks ...
| 14/03/2025
| SRI LANKA
 
Called "space oil” because it makes people feel as if they were in space, the substance is taken through electronic cigarettes. Its basic ingredient is an anaesthetic, etomidate. It is increasingly popular among youth in Hong Kong, but also mainland ...
| 13/03/2025
| RED LANTERNS
 
by Stefano Vecchia
The former president was flown overnight to be arraigned before the International Criminal Court for “crimes against humanity”. His lawyers, family members and supporters tried to stop his departure. The trial risks further widening the gap ...
| 12/03/2025
| PHILIPPINES
 
by Fr. Bajat Barakash *
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights speaks of over 500 victims in the last two days. The testimony of the Franciscan parish priest of Aleppo: ‘Despite the countless voices calling for a government that represents all components of Syrian ...
| 08/03/2025
| SYRIA
 
by Dario Salvi
AsiaNews interviewed the only woman, a Catholic, on the Committee of Seven set up by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Amid sanctions and economic crisis, the challenges of reconstruction affect the country and its people. For her, “Syria is not a single ...
| 04/03/2025
| GATEWAY TO THE EAST
 
The gesture took place a few days ago during a visit to Shanghai by a delegation from the diocese of Hong Kong. Card. Chow said: ‘The shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan is of immense importance for the Church in China and it was significant to pray ...
| 03/03/2025
| CHINA
 
While world attention is focused on the synthetic drug from China, a market for illegally produced opioids in India is fuelling a health emergency in Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Indian authorities have launched searches and imposed restrictions on ...
| 28/02/2025
| INDIAN MANDALA
 
by Nirmala Carvalho
Robert Naorem presented his collection, which uses the local tradition of hand-weaving to promote indigenous embroidery. He also offered a message of peace for the Indian state shaken by violence between Meitei and Kukis in the past two years. He calls ...
| 27/02/2025
| INDIA – ITALY
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”