On the 15th, the reflection on the role of women in the Church continued, with the participation of Sister Regina da Costa Pedro from the Brazilian Episcopal Conference. Photo: Vatican News

Israel: new attack on religious freedom: Israeli army detains young Christian woman in Palestinian area

The number of Palestinians held in prison has doubled since last October to more than 10,000. Most are being held on ‘administrative detention’ – without any charge. Conditions in prison are grim. The Defence for Children International charity, said in January that each year Israel detains between 500 – 700 children, some as young as 12.

Vatican in Vietnam, Vietnam in China: diplomacy on the move

The Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly, a likely candidate for the country’s presidency, has arrived in Beijing for a six-day visit. In a meeting with Xi Jinping, he spoke about “global peace, cooperation, and development». Meanwhile, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, landed in Hanoi today, where he will meet with the prime minister, and hold celebrations with local Catholic communities.