Tens of thousands of Catholic faithful flocked to a football stadium in Brazil Sunday to celebrate the Vatican's canonization into sainthood of Sister Dulce Lopes Pontes, dubbed the "mother of the poor."&nbsp;

Sister Dulce, as she is affectionately known in the world's biggest mostly Catholic country, was one of five people elevated by the pope to the highest position within the church on October 13.

But for many devotees in hot and humid Salvador, where Sister Dulce was born in Brazil's northeast in 1914, the nun was a saint long before the Vatican recognized her two "miracles". &nbsp; &nbsp;

"Now, everyone sees her as a saint. But for all the work that she did, for us, she was always a saint," Creusa Costa, 59, told AFP, as she decorated a statue of Sister Dulce with flowers at the entrance of her sanctuary in a poor neighborhood of the capital of Bahia state.&nbsp;

Most new saints must have two "miracles" to their names, usually, scientifically inexplicable healings, attributed to prayers.

Sister Dulce, who died in 1992, is the first Brazilian-born female saint.

She is credited with stopping a woman from haemorrhaging after giving birth and returning the vision of a man who had been blind for years.&nbsp;

In the week since the Vatican ceremony, the number of people paying homage to Sister Dulce at her shrine in the coastal city has surged.&nbsp;

Believers from across the country take pictures of the white and blue habit worn by the nun when she was buried or talk to her in the room where her remains are kept beneath a ceramic replica of her body.&nbsp;

"She is in heaven, but she's looking after us even more than when she was here," said Maria Silva de Oliveira, who along with Creusa, was involved in decorating the Fonte Nova football stadium, one of the venues for the 2014 World Cup, for a special ceremony organized by the Salvador Archdiocese.&nbsp;

De Oliveira had planned to attend the Vatican sainthood event, but changed her mind after suffering indigestion, which she says "was a message from Sister Dulce."&nbsp;

Born into an upper-middle-class family in Salvador, Sister Dulce started a health clinic for poor workers and opened a school, a hospital, and an orphanage, as well as care centres for the elderly and disabled.

The nun, dubbed the "good angel of Bahia", was a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.

She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

The year before her death she was visited in hospital by Pope John Paul II, who called her work "an example for humanity".

Since her rise to sainthood, Sister Dulce's face has been plastered all over Salvador, a popular tourist destination.

It appears on signs, T-shirts, hats, rosaries, cups and even the wrapping of sweet Christmas bread.&nbsp;

Multicoloured ribbons that usually pay homage to Senhor do Bomfim, or Lord of the Good End, a representation of Christ revered by Catholics as well as practitioners of the African-rooted Candomble religion, now also carries the name of "Saint Dulce of the Poor."

Tens of thousands of Catholic faithful flocked to a football stadium in Brazil Sunday to celebrate the Vatican's canonization into sainthood of Sister Dulce Lopes Pontes, dubbed the "mother of the poor.

Tens of thousands of Catholic faithful flocked to a football stadium in Brazil Sunday to celebrate the Vatican's canonization into sainthood of Sister Dulce Lopes Pontes, dubbed the "mother of the poor." Sister Dulce, as she is affectionately known in the world's biggest mostly Catholic country, was one of five people elevated by the pope to the highest position within the church on October 13. But for many devotees in hot and humid Salvador, where Sister Dulce was born in Brazil's northeast in 1914, the nun was a saint long before the Vatican recognized her two "miracles". "Now, everyone sees her as a saint. But for all the work that she did, for us, she was always a saint," Creusa Costa, 59, told AFP, as she decorated a statue of Sister Dulce with flowers at the entrance of her sanctuary in a poor neighborhood of the capital of Bahia state. Most new saints must have two "miracles" to their names, usually, scientifically inexplicable healings, attributed to prayers. Sister Dulce, who died in 1992, is the first Brazilian-born female saint. She is credited with stopping a woman from haemorrhaging after giving birth and returning the vision of a man who had been blind for years. In the week since the Vatican ceremony, the number of people paying homage to Sister Dulce at her shrine in the coastal city has surged. Believers from across the country take pictures of the white and blue habit worn by the nun when she was buried or talk to her in the room where her remains are kept beneath a ceramic replica of her body. "She is in heaven, but she's looking after us even more than when she was here," said Maria Silva de Oliveira, who along with Creusa, was involved in decorating the Fonte Nova football stadium, one of the venues for the 2014 World Cup, for a special ceremony organized by the Salvador Archdiocese. De Oliveira had planned to attend the Vatican sainthood event, but changed her mind after suffering indigestion, which she says "was a message from Sister Dulce." Born into an upper-middle-class family in Salvador, Sister Dulce started a health clinic for poor workers and opened a school, a hospital, and an orphanage, as well as care centres for the elderly and disabled. The nun, dubbed the "good angel of Bahia", was a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988. The year before her death she was visited in hospital by Pope John Paul II, who called her work "an example for humanity". Since her rise to sainthood, Sister Dulce's face has been plastered all over Salvador, a popular tourist destination. It appears on signs, T-shirts, hats, rosaries, cups and even the wrapping of sweet Christmas bread. Multicoloured ribbons that usually pay homage to Senhor do Bomfim, or Lord of the Good End, a representation of Christ revered by Catholics as well as practitioners of the African-rooted Candomble religion, now also carries the name of "Saint Dulce of the Poor."

Thousands of Catholic faithful in Brazil celebrate first female saint

Pope Francis creates five new saints on Sunday, including Britain's Cardinal John Henry Newman -- one of the Catholic Church's most renowned converts -- and a nun dubbed the "Mother Teresa of Brazil".

Heads of state from across the world are expected at the Vatican ceremony, which will also raise a Swiss laywoman, an Indian nun and an Italian nun to the highest position within the centuries-old institution.

Prince Charles -- the future head of the Church of England -- will lead the British delegation in honouring Newman, a 19th-century Anglican theologian who went on to become one of the Catholic Church's leading thinkers.

Born in 1801, Newman attempted to "renew" the Anglican Church, before becoming convinced that Catholicism was the only true faith and converting aged 44, rising through the hierarchy to become a cardinal.

Despite now paying him the highest honour, the Catholic Church was accused in 2008 of defying Newman's dying wish by trying to move his body from a small English cemetery to the grand Oratory church in Birmingham.

Newman, who died in 1890, had said he wished "with all my heart" to be buried alongside lifelong friend and fellow convert Ambrose St. John.

The men had lived together for 32 years, though it is not clear whether their relationship was a sexually active one.

The Church's bid to separate them failed when Newman's coffin was found empty, his body having decomposed.

'Miracles'

Most new saints must have two "miracles" to their names -- usually scientifically inexplicable healings, attributed to prayers made to the late candidate.

Newman is credited with curing an American man from Boston with a debilitating spinal disorder, who claimed in 2001 he could suddenly walk again after praying to the British cardinal.

His second "miracle" -- the inexplicable healing of a woman with a "life-threatening pregnancy" -- was approved this year.

Giant portraits of the new saints were hung from Saint Peter's Basilica for the ceremony, set to draw tens of thousands of pilgrims.

Among them is Marguerite Bays, a laywoman from Switzerland known for bearing the stigmata -- wounds corresponding to the injuries Christ suffered on the cross -- on her hands, feet and chest.

Born in 1815, the second of seven children, Buys showed an intense faith from very early on, often breaking off from playing with other village youngsters in order to pray quietly, according to the Vatican.

'Mother of the poor'

Despite suggestions, she should become a nun, she instead began an apprenticeship as a seamstress aged 15, before later becoming a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order -- a layperson who spread the Catholic faith.

Bays underwent surgery for bowel cancer in 1853, and prayed to the Virgin Mary to heal her, offering to swap her disease for the pains experienced by Jesus. The Church says she was cured, but given the stigmata in exchange.

Every Friday at 3pm she would be immobilised in "ecstasy" as she relived the suffering in body and mind, it says.

She will be canonised alongside Brazilian Sister Dulce Lopes Pontes, who was a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and considered a "mother of the poor".

Born in 1914 into an upper-middle-class family in Salvador, she started a health clinic for poor workers and opened a school, a hospital, and an orphanage, as well as care centres for the elderly and disabled.

Sister Dulce, dubbed the "good angel of Bahia", was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

She was visited in hospital the year before her death by Pope John Paul II, who called her work "an example for humanity".

Tens of thousands of people attended her funeral in 1992.

Pope Francis creates five new saints on Sunday, including Britain's Cardinal John Henry Newman -- one of the Catholic Church's most renowned converts -- and a nun dubbed the "Mother Teresa of Brazil".

Pope Francis creates five new saints on Sunday, including Britain's Cardinal John Henry Newman -- one of the Catholic Church's most renowned converts -- and a nun dubbed the "Mother Teresa of Brazil". Heads of state from across the world are expected at the Vatican ceremony, which will also raise a Swiss laywoman, an Indian nun and an Italian nun to the highest position within the centuries-old institution. Prince Charles -- the future head of the Church of England -- will lead the British delegation in honouring Newman, a 19th-century Anglican theologian who went on to become one of the Catholic Church's leading thinkers. Born in 1801, Newman attempted to "renew" the Anglican Church, before becoming convinced that Catholicism was the only true faith and converting aged 44, rising through the hierarchy to become a cardinal. Despite now paying him the highest honour, the Catholic Church was accused in 2008 of defying Newman's dying wish by trying to move his body from a small English cemetery to the grand Oratory church in Birmingham. Newman, who died in 1890, had said he wished "with all my heart" to be buried alongside lifelong friend and fellow convert Ambrose St. John. The men had lived together for 32 years, though it is not clear whether their relationship was a sexually active one. The Church's bid to separate them failed when Newman's coffin was found empty, his body having decomposed. 'Miracles' Most new saints must have two "miracles" to their names -- usually scientifically inexplicable healings, attributed to prayers made to the late candidate. Newman is credited with curing an American man from Boston with a debilitating spinal disorder, who claimed in 2001 he could suddenly walk again after praying to the British cardinal. His second "miracle" -- the inexplicable healing of a woman with a "life-threatening pregnancy" -- was approved this year. Giant portraits of the new saints were hung from Saint Peter's Basilica for the ceremony, set to draw tens of thousands of pilgrims. Among them is Marguerite Bays, a laywoman from Switzerland known for bearing the stigmata -- wounds corresponding to the injuries Christ suffered on the cross -- on her hands, feet and chest. Born in 1815, the second of seven children, Buys showed an intense faith from very early on, often breaking off from playing with other village youngsters in order to pray quietly, according to the Vatican. 'Mother of the poor' Despite suggestions, she should become a nun, she instead began an apprenticeship as a seamstress aged 15, before later becoming a professed member of the Secular Franciscan Order -- a layperson who spread the Catholic faith. Bays underwent surgery for bowel cancer in 1853, and prayed to the Virgin Mary to heal her, offering to swap her disease for the pains experienced by Jesus. The Church says she was cured, but given the stigmata in exchange. Every Friday at 3pm she would be immobilised in "ecstasy" as she relived the suffering in body and mind, it says. She will be canonised alongside Brazilian Sister Dulce Lopes Pontes, who was a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception and considered a "mother of the poor". Born in 1914 into an upper-middle-class family in Salvador, she started a health clinic for poor workers and opened a school, a hospital, and an orphanage, as well as care centres for the elderly and disabled. Sister Dulce, dubbed the "good angel of Bahia", was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988. She was visited in hospital the year before her death by Pope John Paul II, who called her work "an example for humanity". Tens of thousands of people attended her funeral in 1992.

Pope Francis to elevate British convert Newman to sainthood

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-installs-new-cardinals-puts-another-stamp-on-church-future-253982">Pope Francis opened a synod Sunday</a> to champion the Amazon's poverty-stricken and isolated indigenous communities by condemning the destructive "interests" he blamed for the fires that devastated the region.

"The fire set by interests that destroy, like the fire that recently devastated Amazonia, is not the fire of the Gospel," he said before the bishops from the nine countries of the pan-Amazonian region and representatives of indigenous peoples.

"The fire of God is the warmth that attracts and gathers into unity. It is fed by sharing, not by profits... The fire that destroys, on the other hand, blazes up when people want to promote only their own ideas, form their own group, wipe out differences in the attempt to make everyone and everything uniform", he added.

The global spotlight has recently been on the world's largest rainforest, which is vital for the planet but is suffering from its worst outbreak of fires in years, due in part to an acceleration in deforestation.

The working document for the synod denounced in scathing terms social injustices and crimes, including murders, and suggested a Church action plan.

"Listen to the cry of 'Mother Earth', assaulted and seriously wounded by the economic model of predatory and ecocidal development... which kills and plunders, destroys and devastates, expels and discards," the 80-page document said.

The run-up to the three-week synod, or assembly, saw some 260 events held in the Amazon region involving 80,000 people, in a bid to give the local populations a voice in the document.

Among those attending the synod as an observer was Sister Laura Vincuna, a missionary trying to protect the territories of the Caripuna indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon.

"Help us defend our motherland, we have no other home!" she said on Saturday.

"Earth, water, forest: without these three elements nobody can do anything," she said on the eve of the synod.

'New forms of colonialism'

Sunday's gathering comes as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a climate-change sceptic, told the United Nations that the world's media were lying about the Amazon, and attacked indigenous leaders as tools of foreign governments.

In his 2015 encyclical on ecology and climate change "Laudato Si", Francis denounced the destruction of the Amazonian rainforest in the name of "enormous international economic interests".

Last year, the world's first Latin American pope visited Puerto Maldonado, a village in southeastern Peru surrounded by the Amazon jungle, to meet thousands of indigenous Peruvians, Brazilians and Bolivians.

That trip was the first step towards the synod which opened Sunday.

"So many of our brothers and sisters in Amazonia are bearing heavy crosses and awaiting the liberating consolation of the Gospel, the Church's caress of love," the pope said in his homily. "For them, and with them, let us journey together."

He also warned against "the greed of new forms of colonialism".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-to-visit-thailand-japan-in-november-249418">Francis' hopes of bringing the Catholic faith to far-flung populations</a> will also see the bishops gathered in Rome debate a highly controversial proposal -&nbsp;allowing married men to become priests.

The issue deeply upsets some traditionalists, who argue that making an exception for the Amazon would open the door to the end of celibacy for priests, which is not a Church law and only dates back to the 11th century.

The German Catholic Church in particular, which has an influential progressive wing, has been hotly debating the subject.

The synod, which runs until October 27, will also reflect on making official roles for women, who already play a central part in the Amazonian Church.

Of the 184 prelates at the synod, 113 hail from the Amazonian region, including 57 from Brazil.

Others taking part include 17 representatives of Amazonian indigenous peoples and ethnic groups, and 35 women - who will not have the right to vote on the final document.

Pope Francis opened a synod Sunday to champion the Amazon's poverty-stricken and isolated indigenous communities by condemning the destructive "interests" he blamed for the fires that devastated the region.

Pope Francis opened a synod Sunday to champion the Amazon's poverty-stricken and isolated indigenous communities by condemning the destructive "interests" he blamed for the fires that devastated the region. "The fire set by interests that destroy, like the fire that recently devastated Amazonia, is not the fire of the Gospel," he said before the bishops from the nine countries of the pan-Amazonian region and representatives of indigenous peoples. "The fire of God is the warmth that attracts and gathers into unity. It is fed by sharing, not by profits... The fire that destroys, on the other hand, blazes up when people want to promote only their own ideas, form their own group, wipe out differences in the attempt to make everyone and everything uniform", he added. The global spotlight has recently been on the world's largest rainforest, which is vital for the planet but is suffering from its worst outbreak of fires in years, due in part to an acceleration in deforestation. The working document for the synod denounced in scathing terms social injustices and crimes, including murders, and suggested a Church action plan. "Listen to the cry of 'Mother Earth', assaulted and seriously wounded by the economic model of predatory and ecocidal development... which kills and plunders, destroys and devastates, expels and discards," the 80-page document said. The run-up to the three-week synod, or assembly, saw some 260 events held in the Amazon region involving 80,000 people, in a bid to give the local populations a voice in the document. Among those attending the synod as an observer was Sister Laura Vincuna, a missionary trying to protect the territories of the Caripuna indigenous people in the Brazilian Amazon. "Help us defend our motherland, we have no other home!" she said on Saturday. "Earth, water, forest: without these three elements nobody can do anything," she said on the eve of the synod. 'New forms of colonialism' Sunday's gathering comes as Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a climate-change sceptic, told the United Nations that the world's media were lying about the Amazon, and attacked indigenous leaders as tools of foreign governments. In his 2015 encyclical on ecology and climate change "Laudato Si", Francis denounced the destruction of the Amazonian rainforest in the name of "enormous international economic interests". Last year, the world's first Latin American pope visited Puerto Maldonado, a village in southeastern Peru surrounded by the Amazon jungle, to meet thousands of indigenous Peruvians, Brazilians and Bolivians. That trip was the first step towards the synod which opened Sunday. "So many of our brothers and sisters in Amazonia are bearing heavy crosses and awaiting the liberating consolation of the Gospel, the Church's caress of love," the pope said in his homily. "For them, and with them, let us journey together." He also warned against "the greed of new forms of colonialism". Francis' hopes of bringing the Catholic faith to far-flung populations will also see the bishops gathered in Rome debate a highly controversial proposal - allowing married men to become priests. The issue deeply upsets some traditionalists, who argue that making an exception for the Amazon would open the door to the end of celibacy for priests, which is not a Church law and only dates back to the 11th century. The German Catholic Church in particular, which has an influential progressive wing, has been hotly debating the subject. The synod, which runs until October 27, will also reflect on making official roles for women, who already play a central part in the Amazonian Church. Of the 184 prelates at the synod, 113 hail from the Amazonian region, including 57 from Brazil. Others taking part include 17 representatives of Amazonian indigenous peoples and ethnic groups, and 35 women - who will not have the right to vote on the final document.

Pope blames Amazon fires on destructive 'interests'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">Pope Francis</a> on Thursday told his ambassadors around the world, some of whom have been involved in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/priests-bishops-sexually-abused-nuns-pope-francis-admits-publicly-195459">sexual and financial scandals</a>, to live humble, exemplary lives and be closer to the poor than to the elite.

In a document handed to more than 100 ambassadors in Rome for meetings with top Vatican officials, Francis told the envoys that they-they had to "live for the things of God and not for those of the world".

The Vatican is a sovereign state as well as the headquarters of the 1.3-billion-member Roman Catholic Church, and it has diplomatic relations with more than 180 countries. Its ambassadors, known as nuncios, are often the highest ranking and most visible diplomats in a given country.

In recent years, some nuncios or other Vatican diplomats have been mired in scandal.

The nuncio in France, Archbishop Luigi Ventura, is under investigation in Paris over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/church-should-admit-history-of-abuse-of-women-male-domination-pope-francis-207525">accusations of sexual molestation</a>.

In 2013, Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, the ambassador in the Dominican Republic, was charged with paying boys for sex. He was recalled, kept in detention in the Vatican and dismissed from the priesthood, but died in 2015 before his trial.

Last year, a Vatican court sentenced an Italian priest, Carlo Alberto Capella, to five years in jail for possessing child pornography while he was a diplomat in Washington.

"A man of God does not deceive or defraud others, does not give in to gossip or bad-mouthing others. He conserves a pure mind and heart, not allowing his eyes and ears to be contaminated by the filth of the world," the pope said.

Nuncios who "go off the rails damage even the Church," he told them.

Some Vatican ambassadors have also come under fire for lavish lifestyles.

"It is ugly to see a nuncio looking for luxury, for designer clothes, in the midst of people who are deprived of life's necessities," Francis said.

He instructed them to reject gifts by the powerful who wanted to influence them and to spend time with the poor and others on the margins of society.

As the Church under Francis has become more polarised, some nuncios have taken to social media to criticise directly some of the pope's decisions or draw attention to criticism by conservative groups.

Francis pointedly told the envoys that it was incompatible with their role to "criticise the pope behind his back".

Pope Francis on Thursday told his ambassadors around the world, some of whom have been involved in sexual and financial scandals, to live humble, exemplary lives and be closer to the poor than to the elite.

Pope Francis on Thursday told his ambassadors around the world, some of whom have been involved in sexual and financial scandals, to live humble, exemplary lives and be closer to the poor than to the elite. In a document handed to more than 100 ambassadors in Rome for meetings with top Vatican officials, Francis told the envoys that they-they had to "live for the things of God and not for those of the world". The Vatican is a sovereign state as well as the headquarters of the 1.3-billion-member Roman Catholic Church, and it has diplomatic relations with more than 180 countries. Its ambassadors, known as nuncios, are often the highest ranking and most visible diplomats in a given country. In recent years, some nuncios or other Vatican diplomats have been mired in scandal. The nuncio in France, Archbishop Luigi Ventura, is under investigation in Paris over accusations of sexual molestation. In 2013, Archbishop Jozef Wesolowski, the ambassador in the Dominican Republic, was charged with paying boys for sex. He was recalled, kept in detention in the Vatican and dismissed from the priesthood, but died in 2015 before his trial. Last year, a Vatican court sentenced an Italian priest, Carlo Alberto Capella, to five years in jail for possessing child pornography while he was a diplomat in Washington. "A man of God does not deceive or defraud others, does not give in to gossip or bad-mouthing others. He conserves a pure mind and heart, not allowing his eyes and ears to be contaminated by the filth of the world," the pope said. Nuncios who "go off the rails damage even the Church," he told them. Some Vatican ambassadors have also come under fire for lavish lifestyles. "It is ugly to see a nuncio looking for luxury, for designer clothes, in the midst of people who are deprived of life's necessities," Francis said. He instructed them to reject gifts by the powerful who wanted to influence them and to spend time with the poor and others on the margins of society. As the Church under Francis has become more polarised, some nuncios have taken to social media to criticise directly some of the pope's decisions or draw attention to criticism by conservative groups. Francis pointedly told the envoys that it was incompatible with their role to "criticise the pope behind his back".

After scandals, Pope orders his diplomats to toe the line

Sri Lanka's bombed Catholic church was reconsecrated Wednesday with a prayer for a strong national leader to punish those responsible for the Easter attacks that killed 258 people.

Church in Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bomb attacks reopens after renovation

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-issues-sweeping-decree-holding-bishops-accountable-for-sex-abuse-or-cover-ups-217263">Pope Francis</a> apologised to the Roma people on Sunday for the Roman Catholic Church's "discrimination" against them as he wrapped up a visit to Romania.

Making up around 10 per cent of Romania's 20 million people, many Roma are marginalised and live in poverty and have suffered centuries of discrimination and insults.

"I ask forgiveness – in the name of the Church and of the Lord – and I ask forgiveness of you. For all those times in history when we have discriminated, mistreated or looked askance at you," the pope said in a speech to the Roma community in the central town of Blaj.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sexual-revolution-of-1960s-led-to-church-abuse-crisis-ex-pope-says-209656">Sexual revolution of 1960s led to Church abuse crisis, ex-pope says</a>

"My heart, however, is heavy. It is weighed down by the many experiences of discrimination, segregation and mistreatment experienced by your communities. History tells us that Christians too, including Catholics, are not strangers to such evil," he said.

"Indifference breeds prejudices and fosters anger and resentment. How many times do we judge rashly, with words that sting, with attitudes that sow hatred and division!"

Earlier, the pontiff beatified seven Greco-Catholic bishops jailed and tortured during the Communist era.

"The new blessed ones suffered and sacrificed their lives, opposing a system of totalitarian and coercive ideology," he told some 60,000 worshippers attending mass on a "Field of Liberty" in Blaj.

"These shepherds, martyrs of faith, garnered for and left the Romanian people a precious heritage which we can sum up in two words: freedom and mercy," added Francis, while praising the "diversity of religious expression" in mainly Orthodox Romania.

Regime officials detained the beatified bishops overnight on October 28, 1948, accusing them of "high treason" after they refused to convert to Orthodoxy.

The Greek-Catholic Church was outlawed under 1948-89 Communist rule.&nbsp;

Buried in secret

The bishops died of maltreatment, some still in jail, others in confinement in an Orthodox monastery. They were then buried in secret -- to this day the whereabouts of four of their graves is unknown.

The bars of the cells where they were held were symbolically incorporated into the throne built specially for the papal visit.

The bishops followed the Eastern Rite Catholic Church which emerged from an Orthodox schism at the end of the 17th century when the central region of Transylvania was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

While retaining Orthodox practices they recognised Roman Catholic papal authority -- unacceptable for the Communist regime which took power following World War II. Under a 1948 decree formally abolishing the Eastern Catholic churches, Greco-Catholics were forcibly obliged to return to the Orthodox fold.

Under such stark political repression, most Romanian Catholics -- who numbered more than 1.5 million in 1948, abandoned their faith and their community has shrunk to around 200,000 today in a country of 20 million, almost nine in 10 of whom profess Orthodoxy.

The politics which has seeped through Romania's modern religious history has poisoned inter-faith relations -- even if the papal visit has softened feelings to a degree.

"No matter where we go, to the town hall, to the police or to school, doors get closed," a 72-year-old Roma, who gave his name as Ion, told AFP.

Roma, originating from northern India, suffered around five centuries of slavery before the practice was formally abolished in 1856.

But they remain a mainly poor and marginalised community -- even if recent years have seen roads paved and homes getting running water and electricity.

Seeking inclusiveness

Francis's arrival in Blaj to wind up his visit was part of his attempt at inclusiveness on his three-day visit to one of what remains Europe's poorest states.

Although Romania has developed apace since obtaining EU membership in 2007 there remain some "urban or rural ghettos where nothing has changed," according to sociologist Gelu Duminica, who heads the anti-discrimination Impreuna (Together) association.

Duminica and others in Blaj saw it as no coincidence that Francis, often seen as a defender of the rights of the most marginalised, chose the Barbu Lautaru district of Blaj, whose inhabitants are mainly Roma, to launch his appeal for tolerance and social inclusion.

"The pope's visit is a message for those who are marginalised, disregarded or not accepted by others," said Mihai Gherghel, an eastern Catholic priest, who supervised the construction of the Blaj church where Francis celebrated Sunday mass.

Pope Francis apologised to the Roma people on Sunday for the Roman Catholic Church's "discrimination" against them as he wrapped up a visit to Romania. Making up around 10 per cent of Romania's 20 million people, many Roma are marginalised and live in poverty and have suffered centuries of discrimination and insults.

Pope Francis apologised to the Roma people on Sunday for the Roman Catholic Church's "discrimination" against them as he wrapped up a visit to Romania. Making up around 10 per cent of Romania's 20 million people, many Roma are marginalised and live in poverty and have suffered centuries of discrimination and insults. "I ask forgiveness – in the name of the Church and of the Lord – and I ask forgiveness of you. For all those times in history when we have discriminated, mistreated or looked askance at you," the pope said in a speech to the Roma community in the central town of Blaj. Also read: Sexual revolution of 1960s led to Church abuse crisis, ex-pope says "My heart, however, is heavy. It is weighed down by the many experiences of discrimination, segregation and mistreatment experienced by your communities. History tells us that Christians too, including Catholics, are not strangers to such evil," he said. "Indifference breeds prejudices and fosters anger and resentment. How many times do we judge rashly, with words that sting, with attitudes that sow hatred and division!" Earlier, the pontiff beatified seven Greco-Catholic bishops jailed and tortured during the Communist era. "The new blessed ones suffered and sacrificed their lives, opposing a system of totalitarian and coercive ideology," he told some 60,000 worshippers attending mass on a "Field of Liberty" in Blaj. "These shepherds, martyrs of faith, garnered for and left the Romanian people a precious heritage which we can sum up in two words: freedom and mercy," added Francis, while praising the "diversity of religious expression" in mainly Orthodox Romania. Regime officials detained the beatified bishops overnight on October 28, 1948, accusing them of "high treason" after they refused to convert to Orthodoxy. The Greek-Catholic Church was outlawed under 1948-89 Communist rule. Buried in secret The bishops died of maltreatment, some still in jail, others in confinement in an Orthodox monastery. They were then buried in secret -- to this day the whereabouts of four of their graves is unknown. The bars of the cells where they were held were symbolically incorporated into the throne built specially for the papal visit. The bishops followed the Eastern Rite Catholic Church which emerged from an Orthodox schism at the end of the 17th century when the central region of Transylvania was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. While retaining Orthodox practices they recognised Roman Catholic papal authority -- unacceptable for the Communist regime which took power following World War II. Under a 1948 decree formally abolishing the Eastern Catholic churches, Greco-Catholics were forcibly obliged to return to the Orthodox fold. Under such stark political repression, most Romanian Catholics -- who numbered more than 1.5 million in 1948, abandoned their faith and their community has shrunk to around 200,000 today in a country of 20 million, almost nine in 10 of whom profess Orthodoxy. The politics which has seeped through Romania's modern religious history has poisoned inter-faith relations -- even if the papal visit has softened feelings to a degree. "No matter where we go, to the town hall, to the police or to school, doors get closed," a 72-year-old Roma, who gave his name as Ion, told AFP. Roma, originating from northern India, suffered around five centuries of slavery before the practice was formally abolished in 1856. But they remain a mainly poor and marginalised community -- even if recent years have seen roads paved and homes getting running water and electricity. Seeking inclusiveness Francis's arrival in Blaj to wind up his visit was part of his attempt at inclusiveness on his three-day visit to one of what remains Europe's poorest states. Although Romania has developed apace since obtaining EU membership in 2007 there remain some "urban or rural ghettos where nothing has changed," according to sociologist Gelu Duminica, who heads the anti-discrimination Impreuna (Together) association. Duminica and others in Blaj saw it as no coincidence that Francis, often seen as a defender of the rights of the most marginalised, chose the Barbu Lautaru district of Blaj, whose inhabitants are mainly Roma, to launch his appeal for tolerance and social inclusion. "The pope's visit is a message for those who are marginalised, disregarded or not accepted by others," said Mihai Gherghel, an eastern Catholic priest, who supervised the construction of the Blaj church where Francis celebrated Sunday mass.

Pope apologises to Roma for Catholic Church's 'discrimination'

The Catholic church in Sri Lanka has held the first regular Sunday mass since the Easter suicide bombings of churches and hotels killed more than 250 people on April 21.

Sri Lanka's Catholics hold first Sunday mass since Easter attacks

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church said public mass will resume on Sunday, two weeks after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-plotters-planning-more-attacks-us-ambassador-teplitz-214704">Easter Sunday bombings killed 253 people</a> at three churches and three luxury hotels.

"On the 5th of May we are going to begin Masses," Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told AFP on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"But we will start with a smaller number of Masses and see if we can slowly increase it depending on how the situation develops," Rajith added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-blasts-sri-lankan-police-chief-sent-on-leave-after-a-week-of-blasts-214632/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US government on Tuesday warned Sri Lanka and said that some of the Islamist militants involved in the Easter Sunday bombing were likely still at large and could be planning fresh attacks.

Sri Lankan security forces also said they were maintaining a high level of alert amid intelligence reports that the militants were likely to strike before the start of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-governments-lifts-ban-on-social-media-platforms-214678">Sri Lankan government has lifted the ban on social media platforms</a> WhatsApp, Viber and Facebook with immediate effect.

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church said public mass will resume on Sunday, two weeks after Easter Sunday bombings killed 253 people at three churches and three luxury hotels.

Sri Lanka's Catholic Church said public mass will resume on Sunday, two weeks after Easter Sunday bombings killed 253 people at three churches and three luxury hotels. "On the 5th of May we are going to begin Masses," Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith told AFP on Tuesday. "But we will start with a smaller number of Masses and see if we can slowly increase it depending on how the situation develops," Rajith added. The US government on Tuesday warned Sri Lanka and said that some of the Islamist militants involved in the Easter Sunday bombing were likely still at large and could be planning fresh attacks. Sri Lankan security forces also said they were maintaining a high level of alert amid intelligence reports that the militants were likely to strike before the start of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan. The Sri Lankan government has lifted the ban on social media platforms WhatsApp, Viber and Facebook with immediate effect.

Sri Lanka to resume public mass on Sunday: Cardinal

There was still no claim of responsibility for the attacks on three churches and four hotels, mostly in and around the capital Colombo. One of the explosions was at St. Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic church and a tourist landmark.

Nearly 300 killed in Sri Lanka bombings, candlelight vigil in Paris for victims

Holy Men, Unholy Act: How sex abuse scandals have shaken the Church

Pope Francis said on Tuesday the Catholic Church had to acknowledge a history of male domination and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">sexual abuse of women</a> and children and repair its reputation among young people or risk becoming "a museum".

But, in a major document in which he mentioned an array of scandals and again admitted significant failings by clergy, he also said the Church "could not agree with everything some feminist groups propose," a clear reference to the Church's ban on a female priesthood.

The pope is grappling with criticism over the Church's response to a decades-long clerical sexual abuse crisis that has gravely damaged its standing around the globe and seen it pay out billions of dollars in compensation.

Francis made his comment in a 50-page "Apostolic Exhortation" about a month-long meeting of bishops in October on the role of young people in the 1.3 billion-member Church.

Francis, 82, urged young people not to be disillusioned by the sexual abuse scandal, but to work with the overwhelming majority of priests and other clergy faithful to their vocation.

He said clergy sexual abuse was "a tragedy" and asked young people to help the Church in "this dark moment".

"A living Church can look back on history and acknowledge a fair share of male authoritarianism, domination, various forms of enslavement, abuse and sexist violence," the pontiff said.

"With this outlook, she can support the call to respect women's rights, and offer convinced support for greater reciprocity between males and females, while not agreeing with everything some feminist groups propose," he said.

Some women's groups seek a female priesthood. The Church has ruled this out, arguing Jesus chose only men as his apostles.

This month the all-female staff of the Vatican newspaper's monthly magazine on women's issues resigned, saying a new editor sought to put them "under direct male control". [uL8N21D34Q]

Recent stories in the magazine include one on sexual abuse of nuns by priests. The editor has denied their accusations.

WINNING BACK TRUST

Francis acknowledged the Church had to win back many young people who see it as insignificant in their lives or a nuisance.

He said such a view of the Church can "have serious and understandable reasons: sexual and financial scandals; a clergy ill-prepared to engage effectively with the sensitivities of the young."

The Church had to keep and attract young people by better explaining its doctrine, he said.

"A Church always on the defensive, which loses her humility and stops listening to others, which leaves no room for questions, loses her youth and turns into a museum," he said.

The pope did not mention demands by women participants at the synod that they be allowed to vote in future synods.

But while he said the Church should be "attentive to the legitimate claims of those women who seek greater justice and equality" and that young people had complained of a "lack of leading female role models," he offered no new ideas. Only a handful of women hold positions of authority in the Vatican.

The pope did not expand on homosexuality, saying only that the synod discussed it.

Pope Francis said on Tuesday the Catholic Church had to acknowledge a history of male domination and sexual abuse of women and children and repair its reputation among young people or risk becoming "a museum".

Pope Francis said on Tuesday the Catholic Church had to acknowledge a history of male domination and sexual abuse of women and children and repair its reputation among young people or risk becoming "a museum". But, in a major document in which he mentioned an array of scandals and again admitted significant failings by clergy, he also said the Church "could not agree with everything some feminist groups propose," a clear reference to the Church's ban on a female priesthood. The pope is grappling with criticism over the Church's response to a decades-long clerical sexual abuse crisis that has gravely damaged its standing around the globe and seen it pay out billions of dollars in compensation. Francis made his comment in a 50-page "Apostolic Exhortation" about a month-long meeting of bishops in October on the role of young people in the 1.3 billion-member Church. Francis, 82, urged young people not to be disillusioned by the sexual abuse scandal, but to work with the overwhelming majority of priests and other clergy faithful to their vocation. He said clergy sexual abuse was "a tragedy" and asked young people to help the Church in "this dark moment". "A living Church can look back on history and acknowledge a fair share of male authoritarianism, domination, various forms of enslavement, abuse and sexist violence," the pontiff said. "With this outlook, she can support the call to respect women's rights, and offer convinced support for greater reciprocity between males and females, while not agreeing with everything some feminist groups propose," he said. Some women's groups seek a female priesthood. The Church has ruled this out, arguing Jesus chose only men as his apostles. This month the all-female staff of the Vatican newspaper's monthly magazine on women's issues resigned, saying a new editor sought to put them "under direct male control". [uL8N21D34Q] Recent stories in the magazine include one on sexual abuse of nuns by priests. The editor has denied their accusations. WINNING BACK TRUST Francis acknowledged the Church had to win back many young people who see it as insignificant in their lives or a nuisance. He said such a view of the Church can "have serious and understandable reasons: sexual and financial scandals; a clergy ill-prepared to engage effectively with the sensitivities of the young." The Church had to keep and attract young people by better explaining its doctrine, he said. "A Church always on the defensive, which loses her humility and stops listening to others, which leaves no room for questions, loses her youth and turns into a museum," he said. The pope did not mention demands by women participants at the synod that they be allowed to vote in future synods. But while he said the Church should be "attentive to the legitimate claims of those women who seek greater justice and equality" and that young people had complained of a "lack of leading female role models," he offered no new ideas. Only a handful of women hold positions of authority in the Vatican. The pope did not expand on homosexuality, saying only that the synod discussed it.

Church should admit history of abuse of women, male domination: Pope Francis

Pope Francis has rejected the resignation of French cardinal Philippe Barbarin who was handed a six-month suspended jail sentence this month for failing to report <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-to-open-probe-into-australian-cardinal-pell-over-child-sex-abuse-200072">sex abuse by a priest </a>under his authority, prompting surprise among Church leaders and condemnation from victims.

The pope's decision, announced by Barbarin in a statement and confirmed by the Vatican, comes ahead of a judicial appeal of the case.

But it also comes against the background of the Roman Catholic Church's struggle to restore trust in its efforts to fight child abuse, with the pope saying last month that "no abuse must ever be covered up, as has happened in the past".

In a statement issued from his see in the French southeastern city of Lyon, Barbarin said: "Monday morning, I handed over my mission to the Holy Father. He spoke of the presumption of innocence and did not accept this resignation."

Barbarin, the most senior French cleric caught up in the global paedophilia scandal, said he would remain in Lyon pending the court appeal, but added that "for a little while" he would step back from his job, allowing, at the pope's "suggestion", the local vicar general Yves Baumgarten to run day-to-day affairs.&nbsp;

The chairman of the Bishops' Conference of France -- which represents top French Catholic clerics -- expressed surprise at the decision which creates an "unheard of" situation.

"I did not expect this scenario which falls between the two outcomes that we expected," bishop Georges Pontier told AFP.

This "unheard of" situation results from the difficulty of "respecting the judicial process" along with the need to "look after the Lyon diocese".

On March 7, a Lyon court had ruled that Barbarin, a cardinal since 2003, was guilty of failing to report allegations of abuse of boy scouts committed by a priest, Bernard Preynat, in the 1980s and 1990s.

Barbarin's lawyer said he would appeal the guilty ruling which was hailed by abuse victims as ushering in a new period of accountability in the French Church.

The pope, who met 68-year-old Barbarin on Monday, had previously also defended him, saying in 2016 that his resignation before a trial would be "an error, imprudent".

Victims of the sex abuse at the heart of the case Tuesday reacted with anger to news that Barbarin was staying put.

'A mistake too many'

Francois Devaux, a co-founder of a victims' organisation, said the pope has made "one mistake too many".

"I think that man (the pope) is going to manage to kill off the church. It's a mistake too many. It just shows how right we are and how this whole problem is part of the dogma," he added.

Another member of the victims' association, Pierre-Emmanuel Germain-Thill, termed the pope's decision "shocking", stressing that the initial condemnation by a court could not simply be ignored.

"We shall continue to fight," he said, saying the situation was all the more difficult for the victims as Preynat, the priest at the heart of the abuse scandal, had not yet been judged,

He is expected to be tried later this year.

A slew of abuse scandals tainting the church has spanned the globe, from Australia to Chile and the United States.

Less than a week after Barbarin's conviction, the Vatican's former number three, Australian Cardinal George Pell, was sentenced to six years in prison by a Melbourne court for the "brazen" sexual abuse of two choirboys.

Pope Francis has rejected the resignation of French cardinal Philippe Barbarin who was handed a six-month suspended jail sentence this month for failing to report sex abuse by a priest under his authority, prompting surprise among Church leaders and condemnation from victims.

Pope Francis has rejected the resignation of French cardinal Philippe Barbarin who was handed a six-month suspended jail sentence this month for failing to report sex abuse by a priest under his authority, prompting surprise among Church leaders and condemnation from victims. The pope's decision, announced by Barbarin in a statement and confirmed by the Vatican, comes ahead of a judicial appeal of the case. But it also comes against the background of the Roman Catholic Church's struggle to restore trust in its efforts to fight child abuse, with the pope saying last month that "no abuse must ever be covered up, as has happened in the past". In a statement issued from his see in the French southeastern city of Lyon, Barbarin said: "Monday morning, I handed over my mission to the Holy Father. He spoke of the presumption of innocence and did not accept this resignation." Barbarin, the most senior French cleric caught up in the global paedophilia scandal, said he would remain in Lyon pending the court appeal, but added that "for a little while" he would step back from his job, allowing, at the pope's "suggestion", the local vicar general Yves Baumgarten to run day-to-day affairs. The chairman of the Bishops' Conference of France -- which represents top French Catholic clerics -- expressed surprise at the decision which creates an "unheard of" situation. "I did not expect this scenario which falls between the two outcomes that we expected," bishop Georges Pontier told AFP. This "unheard of" situation results from the difficulty of "respecting the judicial process" along with the need to "look after the Lyon diocese". On March 7, a Lyon court had ruled that Barbarin, a cardinal since 2003, was guilty of failing to report allegations of abuse of boy scouts committed by a priest, Bernard Preynat, in the 1980s and 1990s. Barbarin's lawyer said he would appeal the guilty ruling which was hailed by abuse victims as ushering in a new period of accountability in the French Church. The pope, who met 68-year-old Barbarin on Monday, had previously also defended him, saying in 2016 that his resignation before a trial would be "an error, imprudent". Victims of the sex abuse at the heart of the case Tuesday reacted with anger to news that Barbarin was staying put. 'A mistake too many' Francois Devaux, a co-founder of a victims' organisation, said the pope has made "one mistake too many". "I think that man (the pope) is going to manage to kill off the church. It's a mistake too many. It just shows how right we are and how this whole problem is part of the dogma," he added. Another member of the victims' association, Pierre-Emmanuel Germain-Thill, termed the pope's decision "shocking", stressing that the initial condemnation by a court could not simply be ignored. "We shall continue to fight," he said, saying the situation was all the more difficult for the victims as Preynat, the priest at the heart of the abuse scandal, had not yet been judged, He is expected to be tried later this year. A slew of abuse scandals tainting the church has spanned the globe, from Australia to Chile and the United States. Less than a week after Barbarin's conviction, the Vatican's former number three, Australian Cardinal George Pell, was sentenced to six years in prison by a Melbourne court for the "brazen" sexual abuse of two choirboys.

Pope Francis rejects resignation of French cardinal in sex abuse cover-up

A French court on Thursday found a senior Roman Catholic cleric guilty of covering up sexual abuse committed by a paedophile priest in his Archdiocese.&nbsp;

A court in Lyon handed Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, 68, who is the Archbishop of the city in southwestern France, a six month suspended sentence for failing to report accusations brought by the alleged victims of priest Bernard Preynat.&nbsp;

"This victory sends a strong signal to lots of victims and allows them to understand that they are heard, listened to and recognized," Francois Devaux, a plaintiff, and co-founder of the La Parole Liberée, an association for survivors of child abuse in the Catholic Church, told the press.

The allegations of child abuse dating back to a period between 1970-90, although the court found Barbarin helped silence controversy in a period between 2014/15.&nbsp;

The sentencing came as a surprise as even the prosecution did not recommend punishment, citing a lack of evidence.&nbsp;

Furthermore, some of the accusations were outside the given statute of limitations.&nbsp;

Barbarin will not serve time unless he is found to have re-offended.&nbsp;

He was also ordered to pay a symbolic settlement fee of one euro ($1.13) to each of the eight complainants, according to France Info.&nbsp;

Barbarin's lawyers said they would appeal the ruling. Barbarin has maintained that he never tried to cover up the abuse, which he has described as "horrible," and said that he had only heard rumours until 2014 when one of the alleged victims approached him directly.&nbsp;

"The court's motivation did not convince me. We will, therefore, challenge this decision using all legal avenues," Jean-Félix Luciano, a defence lawyer for Barbarin, said.&nbsp;

In 2015, he asked the Vatican for advice on how to handle the case. The heart of the Catholic Church suggested he punish the priest but avoid a public scandal, although the cardinal delayed taking the measure until August of that year.&nbsp;

La Parole Liberée suggested the symbolic one euro payment, saying the trial against the cardinal had already been a public victory.&nbsp;

Five other senior officials who were summoned to the trial were acquitted.&nbsp;

Preynat has admitted to molesting children in the Boy Scouts in the 1970/80s.

A French court on Thursday found a senior Roman Catholic cleric guilty of covering up sexual abuse committed by a paedophile priest in his Archdiocese. A court in Lyon handed Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, 68, who is the Archbishop of the city in southwestern France, a six month suspended sentence for failing to report accusations brought by the alleged victims of priest Bernard Preynat.

A French court on Thursday found a senior Roman Catholic cleric guilty of covering up sexual abuse committed by a paedophile priest in his Archdiocese. A court in Lyon handed Cardinal Philippe Barbarin, 68, who is the Archbishop of the city in southwestern France, a six month suspended sentence for failing to report accusations brought by the alleged victims of priest Bernard Preynat. "This victory sends a strong signal to lots of victims and allows them to understand that they are heard, listened to and recognized," Francois Devaux, a plaintiff, and co-founder of the La Parole Liberée, an association for survivors of child abuse in the Catholic Church, told the press. The allegations of child abuse dating back to a period between 1970-90, although the court found Barbarin helped silence controversy in a period between 2014/15. The sentencing came as a surprise as even the prosecution did not recommend punishment, citing a lack of evidence. Furthermore, some of the accusations were outside the given statute of limitations. Barbarin will not serve time unless he is found to have re-offended. He was also ordered to pay a symbolic settlement fee of one euro ($1.13) to each of the eight complainants, according to France Info. Barbarin's lawyers said they would appeal the ruling. Barbarin has maintained that he never tried to cover up the abuse, which he has described as "horrible," and said that he had only heard rumours until 2014 when one of the alleged victims approached him directly. "The court's motivation did not convince me. We will, therefore, challenge this decision using all legal avenues," Jean-Félix Luciano, a defence lawyer for Barbarin, said. In 2015, he asked the Vatican for advice on how to handle the case. The heart of the Catholic Church suggested he punish the priest but avoid a public scandal, although the cardinal delayed taking the measure until August of that year. La Parole Liberée suggested the symbolic one euro payment, saying the trial against the cardinal had already been a public victory. Five other senior officials who were summoned to the trial were acquitted. Preynat has admitted to molesting children in the Boy Scouts in the 1970/80s.

French cardinal found guilty of covering up child abuse

Pope Francis on Monday called for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-maduro-writes-to-pope-francis-for-help-195155">an end to wars in the Middle East</a> during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam -- the Arabian Peninsula.

Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, is on a historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates.

He is scheduled to hold an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents, set to be the largest ever public gathering in the Gulf state.

On Monday, the pope held talks in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb -- imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning -- before delivering an address at an interfaith meeting.

In his address, the pontiff pushed the need for justice, equality of citizens' rights and an end to all wars, including in Yemen.

The United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Saudi Arabia are key allies of the Yemeni government, which is locked in a war against Iran-backed rebels that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine.

The pope said all religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the world war".

"I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said at the interfaith meeting attended by Sheikh Ahmed and UAE leaders.

Yemen is the scene of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels.

More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation.

The UAE, which prides itself on its religious diversity in the Gulf, is also a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq.

Sheikh Ahmed, who stressed in a speech that religion must never be used to justify violence, and the pope signed on Monday a document that Al-Azhar and the Vatican will work together to fight extremism.

Citizenship rights&nbsp;

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, one of the most powerful rulers in the seven emirates, on Monday gifted the pope a deed for the plot of land on which the first church in the UAE was built.

Pope Francis, in turn, gave the crown prince a framed medallion of the meeting between St. Francis Assisi -- the pope's namesake -- and the Sultan of Egypt Malek al-Kamel, in 1219.

While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of rights for people across the Middle East, a potential reference to communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees and migrants, stateless peoples and other minorities.

The pontiff called for "concrete opportunities for (interfaith) meeting, not only here but in the entire beloved region, a focal point of the Middle East".

"I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said.

'Year of tolerance'&nbsp;

The UAE has dubbed 2019 it's "year of tolerance", but rights groups have criticised the country for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance including the UAE joined the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015.

Rights groups, which have slammed the UAE over its intolerance of dissent, have also urged the pope to raise the issue of Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati activist serving a 10-year prison term.

Muslims make up nearly four-fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia.

Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 per cent of the population.

The UAE has pushed itself as an open society in a conservative region. The country is home to churches, Hindu temples and a place of prayer that serves as a synagogue.

Bahrain, the only Gulf state with a Shiite majority, has been gripped by protests demanding an elected government. It has been ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty.

Hundreds of protestors have been arrested, jailed and had their citizenship revoked over what the government says is "terrorism" linked to Iran.

Bahrain and Qatar are home to one Catholic church each while Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four and the UAE has eight Catholic churches.

Ultra-conservative Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship.

Pope Francis on Monday called for an end to wars in the Middle East during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam -- the Arabian Peninsula.

Pope Francis on Monday called for an end to wars in the Middle East during the first visit by the head of the Catholic church to the birthplace of Islam -- the Arabian Peninsula. Francis, who has made outreach to Muslim communities a cornerstone of his papacy, is on a historic three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. He is scheduled to hold an open-air mass on Tuesday for 135,000 of the Muslim country's million Catholic residents, set to be the largest ever public gathering in the Gulf state. On Monday, the pope held talks in Abu Dhabi with Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb -- imam of Cairo's Al-Azhar, Sunni Islam's prestigious seat of learning -- before delivering an address at an interfaith meeting. In his address, the pontiff pushed the need for justice, equality of citizens' rights and an end to all wars, including in Yemen. The United Arab Emirates and neighbouring Saudi Arabia are key allies of the Yemeni government, which is locked in a war against Iran-backed rebels that has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine. The pope said all religious leaders had a "duty to reject every nuance of approval from the world war". "I am thinking in particular of Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya," he said at the interfaith meeting attended by Sheikh Ahmed and UAE leaders. Yemen is the scene of what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, triggered by the intervention of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and their allies in a war between the government and Huthi rebels. More than 10 million Yemenis now risk imminent starvation. The UAE, which prides itself on its religious diversity in the Gulf, is also a member of the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State group in both Syria and Iraq. Sheikh Ahmed, who stressed in a speech that religion must never be used to justify violence, and the pope signed on Monday a document that Al-Azhar and the Vatican will work together to fight extremism. Citizenship rights Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, one of the most powerful rulers in the seven emirates, on Monday gifted the pope a deed for the plot of land on which the first church in the UAE was built. Pope Francis, in turn, gave the crown prince a framed medallion of the meeting between St. Francis Assisi -- the pope's namesake -- and the Sultan of Egypt Malek al-Kamel, in 1219. While the pope did not openly discuss politics, he called for "the full recognition" of rights for people across the Middle East, a potential reference to communities including Shiites in Saudi Arabia, refugees and migrants, stateless peoples and other minorities. The pontiff called for "concrete opportunities for (interfaith) meeting, not only here but in the entire beloved region, a focal point of the Middle East". "I look forward to societies where people of different beliefs have the same right of citizenship and where only in the case of violence in any of its forms is that right removed," he said. 'Year of tolerance' The UAE has dubbed 2019 it's "year of tolerance", but rights groups have criticised the country for its role in Yemen, where an estimated 10,000 people have been killed since the Saudi-led alliance including the UAE joined the government's fight against the Huthis in 2015. Rights groups, which have slammed the UAE over its intolerance of dissent, have also urged the pope to raise the issue of Ahmed Mansoor, an Emirati activist serving a 10-year prison term. Muslims make up nearly four-fifths of the UAE's population, but the country is also home to nearly a million Catholics, according to the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia. Migrants from Asian countries make up about 65 per cent of the population. The UAE has pushed itself as an open society in a conservative region. The country is home to churches, Hindu temples and a place of prayer that serves as a synagogue. Bahrain, the only Gulf state with a Shiite majority, has been gripped by protests demanding an elected government. It has been ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty. Hundreds of protestors have been arrested, jailed and had their citizenship revoked over what the government says is "terrorism" linked to Iran. Bahrain and Qatar are home to one Catholic church each while Oman, Kuwait and Yemen each have four and the UAE has eight Catholic churches. Ultra-conservative Sunni powerhouse Saudi Arabia bans all non-Muslim places of worship.

Pope Francis, on trip to Gulf, calls for end to wars in Middle East

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">Venezuela military attache to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034"> urges </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034">army</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-military-attache-to-us-urges-army-to-back-maduro-opponent-193034"> to back Maduro opponent</a>

Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-says-church-hasnt-known-how-to-listen-193036">On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin'</a>

Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-asia-bibis-lawyer-returns-to-pakistan-to-aid-in-appeal-193043">Asia Bibi's lawyer returns to Pakistan to 'hopefully assist client for last time'</a>

The Pakistani lawyer of a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy jetted out of the Netherlands Saturday to "hopefully assist his client for the last time" in a Pakistani court hearing, a Dutch MP said.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">PM Narendra Modi to address </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050">nation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-to-address-nation-in-first-mann-ki-baat-of-2019-193050"> in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2019</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation in the 52nd episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme on Sunday.&nbsp;

The radio podcast, his first of 2019, will be broadcast&nbsp;on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 am.&nbsp;

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052">Banksy artwork </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052">stolen</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/banksy-artwork-stolen-from-bataclan-music-hall-in-paris-193052"> from Bataclan music hall in Paris</a>

An artwork by the British artist Banksy has been stolen from the Bataclan music hall in Paris.&nbsp;

The mural — which depicted a young girl with a mournful expression — had been painted onto one of the Bataclan's emergency doors. It was cut out.&nbsp;

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP.

Venezuela military attache to US urges army to back Maduro opponent Venezuela's military attache to Washington broke ranks with Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, urging his "brothers in the military" to back the head of the National Assembly Juan Guaido as interim president, he told AFP. On sex abuse scandals, Pope says Catholic Church 'wounded by sin' Pope Francis acknowledged Saturday that the Catholic Church was "wounded by sin" in a message addressed to priests and seminarians reeling from sexual abuse scandals and coverups. Asia Bibi's lawyer returns to Pakistan to 'hopefully assist client for last time' The Pakistani lawyer of a Christian woman acquitted of blasphemy jetted out of the Netherlands Saturday to "hopefully assist his client for the last time" in a Pakistani court hearing, a Dutch MP said. PM Narendra Modi to address nation in first 'Mann Ki Baat' of 2019 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to address the nation in the 52nd episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” radio programme on Sunday. The radio podcast, his first of 2019, will be broadcast on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan at 11 am. Banksy artwork stolen from Bataclan music hall in Paris An artwork by the British artist Banksy has been stolen from the Bataclan music hall in Paris. The mural — which depicted a young girl with a mournful expression — had been painted onto one of the Bataclan's emergency doors. It was cut out.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Hailed as a chance for the Catholic Church to reconnect with today's young, a month-long meeting at the Vatican has ended with a whimper as bishops from across continents fail to see eye to eye.

The 267 prelates attending the meet had been tasked with finding a way to breathe fresh life into a centuries-old institution suffering from both a damaging global sex abuse crisis and widespread secularity in the West.

The synod's concluding document, to be published later Saturday, "looks like an Ikea catalogue", one exasperated bishop told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"You have everything you need for the bathroom and the kitchen, in all styles, so everyone can identify with it," he said.

"One Eastern European bishop ventured to say that the church's rule about 'no sex before marriage' had become untenable. We moved on to the next issue and didn't talk about it again," the bishop said.

"The conservatives later joined the fray by demanding a reminder of church morals," he said.

Another bishop told AFP that "consensus on the digital (world) is possible, but not on sexual morality. The difference in opinions is too great".

There were rumblings of discontent among some present that the text being debated and voted was only available in Italian.

'Bold proposals' fall flat&nbsp;

Cardinal Oswald Gracias of India said that some bishops from the developing world were concerned the final document would not fairly reflect the issues discussed, with some subjects, such as the sex abuse crisis, stealing centre stage.

The paedophilia crisis, which has shaken the church from Germany to Chile and the United States, was discussed during the first week but took a back seat when clerics from countries spared the scandal so far shifted the focus to other matters.

As Vatican watcher, John Allen put it: "there is arguably no higher priority in Catholicism right now than dealing with the abuse crisis, but that doesn't mean other important issues have gone on holiday while the church sorts it all out".

But some complained there was no progress elsewhere either.

"Some bold proposals, likely to make newspaper headlines, were not taken up," said French bishop Emmanuel Gobillard, one of the few to have talked about sexuality.

'Signs of the times'&nbsp;

He insisted however that the synod, bringing together the elements of a universal church in all its diversity, had been a remarkable one -- just one that was "untranslatable" for the media.

The 34 youngsters called to share their stories moved many bishops, particularly an Iraqi who spoke of the war, he said.

Women invited to participate also said they felt their calls for a greater female role within the church had not gone unheard -- though progressive Catholic lay groups slammed the lack of voting rights for the women religious superiors present.

As well as the bishops, two non-ordained religious men will be able to vote.

Attempts by young Catholics at the synod to get the LGBT acronym into the final text were strongly rebuffed, with German Cardinal Reinhard Marx saying it was "not a synod on sexuality, but on young people".

Bishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya from Cameroon said the church had to "understand the signs of the times".

If he used the acronym "LGBT" on his return, "Ninety-nine per cent of people would ask 'what are we talking about?'," he said.

Hailed as a chance for the Catholic Church to reconnect with today's young, a month-long meeting at the Vatican has ended with a whimper as bishops from across continents fail to see eye to eye.

Hailed as a chance for the Catholic Church to reconnect with today's young, a month-long meeting at the Vatican has ended with a whimper as bishops from across continents fail to see eye to eye. The 267 prelates attending the meet had been tasked with finding a way to breathe fresh life into a centuries-old institution suffering from both a damaging global sex abuse crisis and widespread secularity in the West. The synod's concluding document, to be published later Saturday, "looks like an Ikea catalogue", one exasperated bishop told AFP on condition of anonymity. "You have everything you need for the bathroom and the kitchen, in all styles, so everyone can identify with it," he said. "One Eastern European bishop ventured to say that the church's rule about 'no sex before marriage' had become untenable. We moved on to the next issue and didn't talk about it again," the bishop said. "The conservatives later joined the fray by demanding a reminder of church morals," he said. Another bishop told AFP that "consensus on the digital (world) is possible, but not on sexual morality. The difference in opinions is too great". There were rumblings of discontent among some present that the text being debated and voted was only available in Italian. 'Bold proposals' fall flat Cardinal Oswald Gracias of India said that some bishops from the developing world were concerned the final document would not fairly reflect the issues discussed, with some subjects, such as the sex abuse crisis, stealing centre stage. The paedophilia crisis, which has shaken the church from Germany to Chile and the United States, was discussed during the first week but took a back seat when clerics from countries spared the scandal so far shifted the focus to other matters. As Vatican watcher, John Allen put it: "there is arguably no higher priority in Catholicism right now than dealing with the abuse crisis, but that doesn't mean other important issues have gone on holiday while the church sorts it all out". But some complained there was no progress elsewhere either. "Some bold proposals, likely to make newspaper headlines, were not taken up," said French bishop Emmanuel Gobillard, one of the few to have talked about sexuality. 'Signs of the times' He insisted however that the synod, bringing together the elements of a universal church in all its diversity, had been a remarkable one -- just one that was "untranslatable" for the media. The 34 youngsters called to share their stories moved many bishops, particularly an Iraqi who spoke of the war, he said. Women invited to participate also said they felt their calls for a greater female role within the church had not gone unheard -- though progressive Catholic lay groups slammed the lack of voting rights for the women religious superiors present. As well as the bishops, two non-ordained religious men will be able to vote. Attempts by young Catholics at the synod to get the LGBT acronym into the final text were strongly rebuffed, with German Cardinal Reinhard Marx saying it was "not a synod on sexuality, but on young people". Bishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya from Cameroon said the church had to "understand the signs of the times". If he used the acronym "LGBT" on his return, "Ninety-nine per cent of people would ask 'what are we talking about?'," he said.

Catholic Church fails to get on youth wavelength

Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of Washington DC Archbishop Donald Wuerl, who has been blamed for not doing enough to deal with paedophile priests.

Cardinal Wuerl, 77, had offered to resign on September 21 after facing strong criticism over a report detailing mass sexual abuse cases when he was a bishop in Pennsylvania.

Francis finally accepted his resignation on Friday in a letter in which he praised Wuerl's "nobility" and said the cardinal would stay on until his successor is appointed.

Wuerl said in a statement that he was "deeply touched" by the pope's letter and that his replacement would "allow all of the faithful, clergy, religious and lay, to focus on healing and the future".

He also apologised for "any past errors in judgement".

A sweeping US grand jury report released in August revealed credible allegations against more than 300 predator priests and identified over 1,000 victims of child sex abuse covered up for decades by the Catholic Church in the state of Pennsylvania.

The report is thought to be the most comprehensive to date into abuse in the US church, but while prosecutors have filed charges against two priests, the vast majority of crimes happened too long ago to prosecute under current laws.

In the report, Wuerl, who was bishop of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2006, is repeatedly cited as one of the church leaders who helped cover up the scandal.

Despite facing numerous calls for his resignation, including from his own clergy, Wuerl said at the time the report confirmed he had acted with "diligence, with concern for the victims and to prevent future acts of abuse".

The Catholic Church in the United States had already been shaken by the resignation of former archbishop of Washington Theodore McCarrick in July.

The case triggered a storm in August when Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican envoy to Washington, accused the pope of ignoring allegations that McCarrick had abused a teenager decades ago.

On Saturday, Francis ordered an investigation into the Vatican archives over the allegations.&nbsp;

Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of Washington DC Archbishop Donald Wuerl, who has been blamed for not doing enough to deal with paedophile priests.

Pope Francis on Friday accepted the resignation of Washington DC Archbishop Donald Wuerl, who has been blamed for not doing enough to deal with paedophile priests. Cardinal Wuerl, 77, had offered to resign on September 21 after facing strong criticism over a report detailing mass sexual abuse cases when he was a bishop in Pennsylvania. Francis finally accepted his resignation on Friday in a letter in which he praised Wuerl's "nobility" and said the cardinal would stay on until his successor is appointed. Wuerl said in a statement that he was "deeply touched" by the pope's letter and that his replacement would "allow all of the faithful, clergy, religious and lay, to focus on healing and the future". He also apologised for "any past errors in judgement". A sweeping US grand jury report released in August revealed credible allegations against more than 300 predator priests and identified over 1,000 victims of child sex abuse covered up for decades by the Catholic Church in the state of Pennsylvania. The report is thought to be the most comprehensive to date into abuse in the US church, but while prosecutors have filed charges against two priests, the vast majority of crimes happened too long ago to prosecute under current laws. In the report, Wuerl, who was bishop of Pittsburgh from 1988 to 2006, is repeatedly cited as one of the church leaders who helped cover up the scandal. Despite facing numerous calls for his resignation, including from his own clergy, Wuerl said at the time the report confirmed he had acted with "diligence, with concern for the victims and to prevent future acts of abuse". The Catholic Church in the United States had already been shaken by the resignation of former archbishop of Washington Theodore McCarrick in July. The case triggered a storm in August when Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican envoy to Washington, accused the pope of ignoring allegations that McCarrick had abused a teenager decades ago. On Saturday, Francis ordered an investigation into the Vatican archives over the allegations.

Pope accepts resignation of US cardinal over abuse cover-up claim

Hundreds of people in Warsaw of Poland took streets on Sunday to protest against child sex abuse in the Catholic Church -- a first major such rally in Catholic Poland.

The protestors marched through the capital with banners reading "Bishop, protecting paedophiles is a crime" and "We are fed up with the clergy's cowardice".

The protestors also carried a country's map with the black crosses to mark places where complaints about child sex abuse have been made against clerics.

They also stopped in front of four churches in Warsaw to read out victims' accounts.&nbsp;

Before the archbishop's seat, a long list of Polish cities and towns with documented paedophilia cases was read out to the sound of drums and with the crowd shouting "Shame!" in between.

There are no official statistics on the number of Polish priests convicted of child sex abuse, but a Polish association that helps victims estimates there were around 56 over nearly two decades, including clergy convicted of possessing child pornography.

Protests also took place in other Polish cities including in Poznan where an appeal court on Tuesday upheld a verdict ordering a Catholic priests' society to pay out record damages to a former child victim of a paedophile priest.

The ruling was the first of its kind in a country where the Church still wields considerable influence.&nbsp;

It is under increasing scrutiny worldwide over clerical sex abuse claims.

Pope Francis has called for a meeting of all the heads of Catholic bishops' conferences worldwide at the Vatican next February to discuss the issue of the "protection of minors".

In Poland, the recently released film "Kler" (The Clergy) about abuses and corruption in the Catholic Church drew close to two million spectators within a week -- a record in the country of 38 million.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of people in Warsaw of Poland took streets on Sunday to protest against child sex abuse in the Catholic Church -- a first major such rally in Catholic Poland.

Hundreds of people in Warsaw of Poland took streets on Sunday to protest against child sex abuse in the Catholic Church -- a first major such rally in Catholic Poland. The protestors marched through the capital with banners reading "Bishop, protecting paedophiles is a crime" and "We are fed up with the clergy's cowardice". The protestors also carried a country's map with the black crosses to mark places where complaints about child sex abuse have been made against clerics. They also stopped in front of four churches in Warsaw to read out victims' accounts. Before the archbishop's seat, a long list of Polish cities and towns with documented paedophilia cases was read out to the sound of drums and with the crowd shouting "Shame!" in between. There are no official statistics on the number of Polish priests convicted of child sex abuse, but a Polish association that helps victims estimates there were around 56 over nearly two decades, including clergy convicted of possessing child pornography. Protests also took place in other Polish cities including in Poznan where an appeal court on Tuesday upheld a verdict ordering a Catholic priests' society to pay out record damages to a former child victim of a paedophile priest. The ruling was the first of its kind in a country where the Church still wields considerable influence. It is under increasing scrutiny worldwide over clerical sex abuse claims. Pope Francis has called for a meeting of all the heads of Catholic bishops' conferences worldwide at the Vatican next February to discuss the issue of the "protection of minors". In Poland, the recently released film "Kler" (The Clergy) about abuses and corruption in the Catholic Church drew close to two million spectators within a week -- a record in the country of 38 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Poland sees first anti-paedophilia rally against Catholic Church

Spain was set Monday for the verdict in the first trial linked to thousands of suspected cases of newborns stolen from their mothers during and after Francisco Franco's dictatorship.

The scandal saw babies taken away from their mothers, who were told they had suddenly died after birth, and adopted by infertile couples, preferably close to the far-right regime, often with the help of the Catholic Church.

Eduardo Vela, an 85-year-old former gynaecologist who used to run a clinic, is the first to stand trial for alleged involvement in the baby trafficking.

Prosecutors want him jailed for 11 years.

Vela is accused of having taken Ines Madrigal, now 49, from her biological mother in 1969 and given her to another woman who was falsely certified as her birth mother.

Madrigal hopes that her case will help open "thousands of cases that are closed" even if she will never know who her real mother was.

"In this country, a person who played God... cannot remain unpunished," she said in September at the end of the hearings.

Both sides have been summoned to the Madrid court trying the case at 11:00 am (0900 GMT) on Monday to hear the verdict.

The baby-stealing practice began after Franco came to power following the 1936-39 civil war.

'Plot'

Initially, newborns were taken from left-wing opponents of the regime.

Later, the practice was expanded to illegitimate babies and those from poor families.

The guiding principle was that the child would be better off raised by an affluent, conservative and devout Roman Catholic family.

Even after Spain transitioned to democracy following Franco's death in 1975, the lucrative practice went on as an illegal trafficking network, up to at least 1987.

Campaigners estimate tens of thousands of babies may have been stolen from their parents over the decades.

Vila is accused of falsifying official documents, illegal adoption, unlawful detention and certifying a non-existent birth.

During questioning in the opening session of the trial, Vela said he could not remember details of how the clinic, which he ran for 20 years up to 1982, operated.

A policeman who probed the case and testified in court said the clinic was a centre for baby trafficking.

He added Vela had burnt his clinic's archives.

But the policeman insisted "there was a plot to which Mr Vela probably belonged" that involved taking babies from single mothers in shelters often run by religious orders.

Emilie Helmbacher, a French journalist, also testified by video conference.

In an investigation in Madrid in December 2013, she used a hidden camera to record Vela as he appeared to confess to having given Madrigal away as a "gift" in June 1969.

In the recording, he said "Ines Madrigal's mother did not pay" for her.

Vela's lawyer Rafael Casas criticised the hidden camera recording and said his client had "nothing to do" with what had been alleged.

Spain was set Monday for the verdict in the first trial linked to thousands of suspected cases of newborns stolen from their mothers during and after Francisco Franco's dictatorship.

Spain was set Monday for the verdict in the first trial linked to thousands of suspected cases of newborns stolen from their mothers during and after Francisco Franco's dictatorship. The scandal saw babies taken away from their mothers, who were told they had suddenly died after birth, and adopted by infertile couples, preferably close to the far-right regime, often with the help of the Catholic Church. Eduardo Vela, an 85-year-old former gynaecologist who used to run a clinic, is the first to stand trial for alleged involvement in the baby trafficking. Prosecutors want him jailed for 11 years. Vela is accused of having taken Ines Madrigal, now 49, from her biological mother in 1969 and given her to another woman who was falsely certified as her birth mother. Madrigal hopes that her case will help open "thousands of cases that are closed" even if she will never know who her real mother was. "In this country, a person who played God... cannot remain unpunished," she said in September at the end of the hearings. Both sides have been summoned to the Madrid court trying the case at 11:00 am (0900 GMT) on Monday to hear the verdict. The baby-stealing practice began after Franco came to power following the 1936-39 civil war. 'Plot' Initially, newborns were taken from left-wing opponents of the regime. Later, the practice was expanded to illegitimate babies and those from poor families. The guiding principle was that the child would be better off raised by an affluent, conservative and devout Roman Catholic family. Even after Spain transitioned to democracy following Franco's death in 1975, the lucrative practice went on as an illegal trafficking network, up to at least 1987. Campaigners estimate tens of thousands of babies may have been stolen from their parents over the decades. Vila is accused of falsifying official documents, illegal adoption, unlawful detention and certifying a non-existent birth. During questioning in the opening session of the trial, Vela said he could not remember details of how the clinic, which he ran for 20 years up to 1982, operated. A policeman who probed the case and testified in court said the clinic was a centre for baby trafficking. He added Vela had burnt his clinic's archives. But the policeman insisted "there was a plot to which Mr Vela probably belonged" that involved taking babies from single mothers in shelters often run by religious orders. Emilie Helmbacher, a French journalist, also testified by video conference. In an investigation in Madrid in December 2013, she used a hidden camera to record Vela as he appeared to confess to having given Madrigal away as a "gift" in June 1969. In the recording, he said "Ines Madrigal's mother did not pay" for her. Vela's lawyer Rafael Casas criticised the hidden camera recording and said his client had "nothing to do" with what had been alleged.

Spain set for verdict in first 'stolen babies' trial

A landmark deal between China's leaders and the Vatican over the appointment of bishops has been struck without Beijing taking action on long-held Church concerns over clerics in detention, Catholic Church sources familiar with the matter say.

The agreement, which gives the Vatican a long-desired say in the appointment of bishops in China, was signed last Saturday, but details have not been made public.

Three sources aware of the substance of the provisional deal say the plight of a dozen or so detained priests and bishops, some elderly, remains unresolved and will be subject to on-going Vatican efforts. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate despite repeated Vatican requests in recent years, the sources said.

A senior Vatican source said the precise number still believed to be in detention was not clear.

Some of those held are feared to have died in detention, according to Catholic priests and activists who monitor the situation on the mainland.

Neither China's Foreign Ministry, which has been leading the talks with the Vatican, nor the Ministry of Public Security immediately responded to requests for comment.

A Vatican spokesman said he had no immediate comment.

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese issued a statement in June protesting the renewed detention of Bishop Cui Tai from Hebei province in April, urging the release of all "unreasonably and illegally detained clergy".

They also highlighted the detention of Baoding Bishop James Su Zhimin. Now 86, Su has been held since his arrest in October, 1997 but no details of his whereabouts or condition are known.

"The reality is this deal is a small step, a very small step...there is much hard work ahead on unresolved issues," said one cleric familiar with the pact.

Hong Kong priests say a total figure of clerics under detention or house arrest in China is hard to pin down given official opacity. Beyond long-term detentions, some are held briefly by local authorities.

China's approximately 12 million Catholics have been split between an underground church loyal to the pope and the state-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association.

While some critics have slammed this month's agreement as a betrayal that could finally crush the underground Church, Vatican officials said failure to strike the deal could have led to a fatal schism between Chinese Catholics.

"There are many other points and concrete matters that pertain to the life of the Church that can now be put forward," said Father Federico Lombardi, a former papal spokesman who followed the negotiations closely.

"The fact that a positive result has been achieved leaves hope that others can follow, that there can be development," he told Italy's Catholic SIR news agency.

ROLE OF BISHOPS

Another issue still to be finalised, according to the same three Catholic sources, is the future roles and responsibilities of some of the seven bishops ordained by Beijing's state-backed church without Vatican approval but legitimised by Pope Francis to clear the way for the deal.

Two of the seven had faced earlier Vatican investigations into allegations they had wives or girlfriends, according to Catholic sources - contravening the vow of celibacy taken by Catholic priests.

They are expected to take up administrative or symbolic roles, keeping the title of bishop without carrying out full responsibilities, including the ordination of priests, the sources said. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the personal status of these two bishops.

Under the deal, the government will no longer appoint bishops without the approval of the Vatican, which will be given candidates chosen by Catholic communities and Chinese authorities.

But uncertainty is already mounting among some Chinese faithful over how their underground body will integrate with the government-linked Church.

Father Bernardo Cervellera, editor of Rome-based Catholic news agency AsiaNews, said that underground bishops were still restricted. They can say Mass but not move around their dioceses as freely as they wanted.

Missionary priests in contact with underground counterparts in recent days say the pressure on them has intensified in recent months.

"I think of the endurance of the Catholics who suffered. It is true that they will suffer. There is always suffering in an accord, but they have great faith," Pope Francis said on Tuesday. He has repeatedly defended the deal, which he said would give him, and not Beijing, the final say.

RESERVATIONS IN HONG KONG

The Bishop of Hong Kong - for decades a vital Catholic beachhead on the edge of officially atheist China - on Saturday expressed his reservations over the pact, saying time and more details were needed before it could be fully judged, or even called an agreement.

Quoted in this weekend's edition of the Sunday Examiner, the city's Catholic newspaper, Bishop Michael Yeung referenced lyrics from the 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA: "The winner takes it all, the loser's standing small."

"Catholics in China are neither radicals nor revolutionaries, instead they are really poor people," he was quoted as saying. "It is unfortunate that the Communist government targets the Catholic Church more than any other religious group in China."

Bishop Yeung, who told the paper he was not yet aware of the content of the accord, did not respond to Reuters' questions.

A Hong Kong-based Vatican envoy was also quoted in the Examiner saying that the deal was of "great importance", but more negotiations were needed to ensure more freedom and autonomy for the Church.

"I hope the agreement may also bring more trust between the two parties and will inspire other solutions for the benefit of our Catholic Church in China," said Monsignor Ante Jozic, one of only two semi-official Vatican representatives in greater China under Communist Party control.

Jozic confirmed his remarks to Reuters, but said he could not comment further.

Hong Kong is one of the most important Catholic cities in Asia, home to an extensive network of aid agencies, missions, scholars and media that have supported Catholics in China and elsewhere.

While the Vatican instituted similar accords with Communist authorities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, the situation in China differs because Beijing created a rival brand of Catholicism through the Patriotic Association.

A landmark deal between China's leaders and the Vatican over the appointment of bishops has been struck without Beijing taking action on long-held Church concerns over clerics in detention, Catholic Church sources familiar with the matter say.

A landmark deal between China's leaders and the Vatican over the appointment of bishops has been struck without Beijing taking action on long-held Church concerns over clerics in detention, Catholic Church sources familiar with the matter say. The agreement, which gives the Vatican a long-desired say in the appointment of bishops in China, was signed last Saturday, but details have not been made public. Three sources aware of the substance of the provisional deal say the plight of a dozen or so detained priests and bishops, some elderly, remains unresolved and will be subject to on-going Vatican efforts. Beijing has provided little clear information about their fate despite repeated Vatican requests in recent years, the sources said. A senior Vatican source said the precise number still believed to be in detention was not clear. Some of those held are feared to have died in detention, according to Catholic priests and activists who monitor the situation on the mainland. Neither China's Foreign Ministry, which has been leading the talks with the Vatican, nor the Ministry of Public Security immediately responded to requests for comment. A Vatican spokesman said he had no immediate comment. The Justice and Peace Commission of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocese issued a statement in June protesting the renewed detention of Bishop Cui Tai from Hebei province in April, urging the release of all "unreasonably and illegally detained clergy". They also highlighted the detention of Baoding Bishop James Su Zhimin. Now 86, Su has been held since his arrest in October, 1997 but no details of his whereabouts or condition are known. "The reality is this deal is a small step, a very small step...there is much hard work ahead on unresolved issues," said one cleric familiar with the pact. Hong Kong priests say a total figure of clerics under detention or house arrest in China is hard to pin down given official opacity. Beyond long-term detentions, some are held briefly by local authorities. China's approximately 12 million Catholics have been split between an underground church loyal to the pope and the state-supervised Catholic Patriotic Association. While some critics have slammed this month's agreement as a betrayal that could finally crush the underground Church, Vatican officials said failure to strike the deal could have led to a fatal schism between Chinese Catholics. "There are many other points and concrete matters that pertain to the life of the Church that can now be put forward," said Father Federico Lombardi, a former papal spokesman who followed the negotiations closely. "The fact that a positive result has been achieved leaves hope that others can follow, that there can be development," he told Italy's Catholic SIR news agency. ROLE OF BISHOPS Another issue still to be finalised, according to the same three Catholic sources, is the future roles and responsibilities of some of the seven bishops ordained by Beijing's state-backed church without Vatican approval but legitimised by Pope Francis to clear the way for the deal. Two of the seven had faced earlier Vatican investigations into allegations they had wives or girlfriends, according to Catholic sources - contravening the vow of celibacy taken by Catholic priests. They are expected to take up administrative or symbolic roles, keeping the title of bishop without carrying out full responsibilities, including the ordination of priests, the sources said. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm the personal status of these two bishops. Under the deal, the government will no longer appoint bishops without the approval of the Vatican, which will be given candidates chosen by Catholic communities and Chinese authorities. But uncertainty is already mounting among some Chinese faithful over how their underground body will integrate with the government-linked Church. Father Bernardo Cervellera, editor of Rome-based Catholic news agency AsiaNews, said that underground bishops were still restricted. They can say Mass but not move around their dioceses as freely as they wanted. Missionary priests in contact with underground counterparts in recent days say the pressure on them has intensified in recent months. "I think of the endurance of the Catholics who suffered. It is true that they will suffer. There is always suffering in an accord, but they have great faith," Pope Francis said on Tuesday. He has repeatedly defended the deal, which he said would give him, and not Beijing, the final say. RESERVATIONS IN HONG KONG The Bishop of Hong Kong - for decades a vital Catholic beachhead on the edge of officially atheist China - on Saturday expressed his reservations over the pact, saying time and more details were needed before it could be fully judged, or even called an agreement. Quoted in this weekend's edition of the Sunday Examiner, the city's Catholic newspaper, Bishop Michael Yeung referenced lyrics from the 1970s Swedish pop group ABBA: "The winner takes it all, the loser's standing small." "Catholics in China are neither radicals nor revolutionaries, instead they are really poor people," he was quoted as saying. "It is unfortunate that the Communist government targets the Catholic Church more than any other religious group in China." Bishop Yeung, who told the paper he was not yet aware of the content of the accord, did not respond to Reuters' questions. A Hong Kong-based Vatican envoy was also quoted in the Examiner saying that the deal was of "great importance", but more negotiations were needed to ensure more freedom and autonomy for the Church. "I hope the agreement may also bring more trust between the two parties and will inspire other solutions for the benefit of our Catholic Church in China," said Monsignor Ante Jozic, one of only two semi-official Vatican representatives in greater China under Communist Party control. Jozic confirmed his remarks to Reuters, but said he could not comment further. Hong Kong is one of the most important Catholic cities in Asia, home to an extensive network of aid agencies, missions, scholars and media that have supported Catholics in China and elsewhere. While the Vatican instituted similar accords with Communist authorities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union during the Cold War, the situation in China differs because Beijing created a rival brand of Catholicism through the Patriotic Association.

Vatican deal with Beijing leaves some key questions unresolved

Lawmakers in conservative Argentina prepared to vote Wednesday on a decisive bill to legalize abortion which if passed, would make it the most populous Latin American country to do so.

The debate has divided Argentinian society. Though it became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010, it remains strongly influenced by the Catholic Church and by its native son, Pope Francis.

The session in the lower house Chamber of Deputies was expected to continue into the night before a vote is taken, likely in the early hours of Thursday.

Ahead of the session, 122 deputies in the 257-seat Chamber said they would vote against the bill, with 117 in favor. Around 30 undecided lawmakers were likely to determine the outcome.

Many lawmakers have said they would put their religious convictions aside to support the bill.

"Our function is to listen. It is not a personal decision, but it's about who we represent. Listening to different sectors of the province of Buenos Aires, I made the decision to vote in favor," said Fernando Espinoza of ex-president Cristina Kirchner's Citizen's Unity Party.

Espinoza spoke minutes after the session opened, as several previously undecided lawmakers indicated how they intended to vote, but it was as yet unclear how the shifting positions would affect the overall result.

As in most Latin American countries, abortion is currently illegal in Argentina, except in cases of rape or when the life or health of the woman is at risk.

Putting religion aside

The Church has campaigned fiercely against the new bill and the pope sent a letter to Argentine bishops calling on them to "defend life and justice."

The bill would decriminalize abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and beyond that in cases where the fetus suffers from conditions not compatible with life outside the womb.

If passed, it faces another hurdle at the Senate.

The leader of the pro-abortion rights bloc, Daniel Lipovetzky, told the Chamber there were valid "public health reasons" why they should adopt the bill.

"We had three health ministers, with distinct visions because they belonged to distinct governments, and in this they agreed: the legalization of abortion improved healthcare for Argentinian women," he said.

But Horacio Goicoechea, an MP with the pro-government Radical Civil Union, countered that "beyond good intentions, (the bill) subverts a biological, biomedical, legal and historical order of the nation."

According to official health ministry statistics, over 17 percent of the 245 recorded deaths of pregnant women and girls in 2016 were due to abortion. NGOs say some 500,000 clandestine abortions a year are carried out every year.

First debate

Argentina overcame strong Church opposition to legalize gay marriage eight years ago, but the issue of abortion has never before been discussed in parliament.

Center-right President Mauricio Macri made it clear from the outset he was "in favor of life" but nevertheless encouraged open debate in Congress.

Argentines are as divided over the issue in the streets as in Congress.

Noisy pro- and anti-abortion protests were being held outside Congress from early Wednesday, with protesters saying they would remain until the vote result was known.

"Since democracy we have been fighting for this right, but they systematically denied us," activist Vilma Ripo told AFP, referring to the end of military rule in 1983.

A few blocks away, anti-abortion campaigners waved signs that said: "Defend the two lives."

Meanwhile, high-school students have taken over several Buenos Aires schools to support the decriminalization of abortion.

Deaths due to abortion&nbsp

Human Rights Watch said the vote was a landmark opportunity to end a harmful policy.

Jose Miguel Vivanco, the group's Americas director, said Argentina could join "the global trend toward expanding legal grounds to allow abortion and affirming the rights and dignity of women and girls."

In Latin America, unrestricted abortion is legal in Uruguay, Cuba and Mexico City. In almost all countries, it is available in case of a risk to a woman's life or in cases of rape. However, a blanket prohibition exists in the Central American states of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010, it remains strongly influenced by the Catholic Church and by its native son, Pope Francis

Lawmakers in conservative Argentina prepared to vote Wednesday on a decisive bill to legalize abortion which if passed, would make it the most populous Latin American country to do so. The debate has divided Argentinian society. Though it became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010, it remains strongly influenced by the Catholic Church and by its native son, Pope Francis. The session in the lower house Chamber of Deputies was expected to continue into the night before a vote is taken, likely in the early hours of Thursday. Ahead of the session, 122 deputies in the 257-seat Chamber said they would vote against the bill, with 117 in favor. Around 30 undecided lawmakers were likely to determine the outcome. Many lawmakers have said they would put their religious convictions aside to support the bill. "Our function is to listen. It is not a personal decision, but it's about who we represent. Listening to different sectors of the province of Buenos Aires, I made the decision to vote in favor," said Fernando Espinoza of ex-president Cristina Kirchner's Citizen's Unity Party. Espinoza spoke minutes after the session opened, as several previously undecided lawmakers indicated how they intended to vote, but it was as yet unclear how the shifting positions would affect the overall result. As in most Latin American countries, abortion is currently illegal in Argentina, except in cases of rape or when the life or health of the woman is at risk. Putting religion aside The Church has campaigned fiercely against the new bill and the pope sent a letter to Argentine bishops calling on them to "defend life and justice." The bill would decriminalize abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and beyond that in cases where the fetus suffers from conditions not compatible with life outside the womb. If passed, it faces another hurdle at the Senate. The leader of the pro-abortion rights bloc, Daniel Lipovetzky, told the Chamber there were valid "public health reasons" why they should adopt the bill. "We had three health ministers, with distinct visions because they belonged to distinct governments, and in this they agreed: the legalization of abortion improved healthcare for Argentinian women," he said. But Horacio Goicoechea, an MP with the pro-government Radical Civil Union, countered that "beyond good intentions, (the bill) subverts a biological, biomedical, legal and historical order of the nation." According to official health ministry statistics, over 17 percent of the 245 recorded deaths of pregnant women and girls in 2016 were due to abortion. NGOs say some 500,000 clandestine abortions a year are carried out every year. First debate Argentina overcame strong Church opposition to legalize gay marriage eight years ago, but the issue of abortion has never before been discussed in parliament. Center-right President Mauricio Macri made it clear from the outset he was "in favor of life" but nevertheless encouraged open debate in Congress. Argentines are as divided over the issue in the streets as in Congress. Noisy pro- and anti-abortion protests were being held outside Congress from early Wednesday, with protesters saying they would remain until the vote result was known. "Since democracy we have been fighting for this right, but they systematically denied us," activist Vilma Ripo told AFP, referring to the end of military rule in 1983. A few blocks away, anti-abortion campaigners waved signs that said: "Defend the two lives." Meanwhile, high-school students have taken over several Buenos Aires schools to support the decriminalization of abortion. Deaths due to abortion Human Rights Watch said the vote was a landmark opportunity to end a harmful policy. Jose Miguel Vivanco, the group's Americas director, said Argentina could join "the global trend toward expanding legal grounds to allow abortion and affirming the rights and dignity of women and girls." In Latin America, unrestricted abortion is legal in Uruguay, Cuba and Mexico City. In almost all countries, it is available in case of a risk to a woman's life or in cases of rape. However, a blanket prohibition exists in the Central American states of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Argentine Congress prepares for historic abortion vote

At least 121 people have been killed in a wave of protests since&nbsp;April 18&nbsp;against President Daniel Ortega's government, Nicaragua's main human rights group said today.

The latest toll includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes today in the city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police, the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights said.

It said 1,300 people had been wounded in the violence. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and pro-government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 45 kilometers south of the capital Managua.

Ten people were killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya, the center said.

Residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were paramilitary forces and riot police loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades.

The Catholic Church initially tried to mediate the conflict, but called off the talks after a crackdown on a march led by victims' mothers&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;left another 16 people dead.

On Monday, Ortega's wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo -- a figure widely reviled by the protesters -- made an appeal to return to dialogue. "We all want peace, we want dialogue, we want to work together and listen to each other, discuss all issues, because there's a solution for everything," she told state media.

"Let's not keep suffering losses, pain, mourning in our families." The Church has said talks are impossible as long as "the people continue to be repressed and killed" by "groups close to the government."

Ten people were killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya

At least 121 people have been killed in a wave of protests since April 18 against President Daniel Ortega's government, Nicaragua's main human rights group said today. The latest toll includes a young boy killed by gunfire during clashes today in the city of Granada between anti-government protesters and riot police, the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights said. It said 1,300 people had been wounded in the violence. A parish priest, Wilmer Perez, earlier told the 100% news channel that the boy was killed in a confrontation between demonstrators and pro-government supporters trying to clear a barricade in the city, 45 kilometers south of the capital Managua. Ten people were killed in running battles over the weekend in the flashpoint city of Masaya, the center said. Residents armed with homemade mortars and slingshots faced off in clashes with what they said were paramilitary forces and riot police loyal to Ortega, who has dominated the Central American country's politics for four decades. The Catholic Church initially tried to mediate the conflict, but called off the talks after a crackdown on a march led by victims' mothers on Wednesday left another 16 people dead. On Monday, Ortega's wife and vice president, Rosario Murillo -- a figure widely reviled by the protesters -- made an appeal to return to dialogue. "We all want peace, we want dialogue, we want to work together and listen to each other, discuss all issues, because there's a solution for everything," she told state media. "Let's not keep suffering losses, pain, mourning in our families." The Church has said talks are impossible as long as "the people continue to be repressed and killed" by "groups close to the government."

Human rights group says 121 dead in weeks of Nicaragua protests

Pope Francis issued a warning to Catholics who criticise his calls to welcome migrants with open arms, in a much-awaited text published Monday.

The Argentine pontiff has put the plight of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty at the heart of his five-year papacy, putting him at odds with a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in many parts of the world.&nbsp

In the third apostolic exhortation of his pontificate -- a guideline on how Catholics can strive for "holiness" -- the 81-year-old unexpectedly hit out at his critics.

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"Some Catholics consider the situation of migrants to be a secondary issue," he wrote.

"That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters of ours who risk their lives to offer a future to their children."

Citing a passage from the Old Testament urging the welcoming of foreigners, Francis remarked sharply that the issue was not "a notion invented by some pope, or a momentary fad".

In April 2016, he flew to a Greek island on the frontline of the migrant crisis, Lesbos, and returned to Rome with three families of Syrian Muslims.

The pontiff also took the opportunity to reiterate his staunch opposition to abortion in the text entitled "Gaudete et exsultate" (Rejoice and be glad). &nbsp

"Our defence of the innocent unborn needs to be clear, firm and passionate," he said, adding that the "lives of the poor" were "equally sacred."

The first years of Francis' papacy were peppered with strong words against governments, which he has accused of not doing enough to welcome the millions of refugees and migrants fleeing their home countries.

But over the years, he has moderated his discourse, suggesting that host countries had the right to regulate the number of arrivals according to their capacity to accommodate and integrate foreigners.

"There are those who feel encouraged by the pope's stance on migrants and it is still a majority," Christophe Dufour, archbishop of the French city of Aix-en-Provence, told AFP.&nbsp

"And there is a small number who say: 'he is naive, let him come and live among migrants, it is not so simple'." &nbsp

The Argentine pontiff has put the plight of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty at the heart of his five-year papacy, putting him at odds with a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in many parts of the world

Pope Francis issued a warning to Catholics who criticise his calls to welcome migrants with open arms, in a much-awaited text published Monday. The Argentine pontiff has put the plight of people fleeing war, persecution and poverty at the heart of his five-year papacy, putting him at odds with a wave of anti-immigrant sentiment in many parts of the world. In the third apostolic exhortation of his pontificate -- a guideline on how Catholics can strive for "holiness" -- the 81-year-old unexpectedly hit out at his critics. In April 2016, Francis flew to a Greek island on the frontline of the migrant crisis, Lesbos, and returned to Rome with three families of Syrian Muslims × "Some Catholics consider the situation of migrants to be a secondary issue," he wrote. "That a politician looking for votes might say such a thing is understandable, but not a Christian for whom the only proper attitude is to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters of ours who risk their lives to offer a future to their children." Citing a passage from the Old Testament urging the welcoming of foreigners, Francis remarked sharply that the issue was not "a notion invented by some pope, or a momentary fad". In April 2016, he flew to a Greek island on the frontline of the migrant crisis, Lesbos, and returned to Rome with three families of Syrian Muslims. The pontiff also took the opportunity to reiterate his staunch opposition to abortion in the text entitled "Gaudete et exsultate" (Rejoice and be glad). "Our defence of the innocent unborn needs to be clear, firm and passionate," he said, adding that the "lives of the poor" were "equally sacred." The first years of Francis' papacy were peppered with strong words against governments, which he has accused of not doing enough to welcome the millions of refugees and migrants fleeing their home countries. But over the years, he has moderated his discourse, suggesting that host countries had the right to regulate the number of arrivals according to their capacity to accommodate and integrate foreigners. "There are those who feel encouraged by the pope's stance on migrants and it is still a majority," Christophe Dufour, archbishop of the French city of Aix-en-Provence, told AFP. "And there is a small number who say: 'he is naive, let him come and live among migrants, it is not so simple'."

Pope hits out at critics of his pro-migrant policy

Pubs in Ireland were open on Good Friday for the first time in almost a century after the repeal of a law banning sales of alcohol on the Christian holiday.

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The Intoxicating Liquor Act, passed in 1927, prohibited sales in shops and bars on three days a year -- Good Friday, Christmas Day and St Patrick's Day, although the latter was exempted in 1960.

A new law passed in January repealed the ban, allowing pubs and bars to open their doors between 10:30 am and 00:30 am, while local shops are also allowed to sell alcohol.

Many people have previously stocked up on alcohol in shops the day before or bought travel tickets to take advantage of exemptions for trains and ferries. Hotels were also exempt.

The change in the law underlines the loosening hold of the Catholic Church in Ireland, although it also followed lobbying by industry bodies, who claim it will boost tourism.

The Vintners'&nbsp;Federation of Ireland estimates Good Friday will generate more than 40 million euros in sales for Irish pubs.

"Tourism makes a much greater contribution to our economy and this is particularly true during holidays, such as the busy Easter period," justice and equality minister David Stanton said when he introduced the law.&nbsp;

"In addition, changing demographics and increasing diversity in our population have led to a reduction in traditional religious practice."

The Intoxicating Liquor Act, passed in 1927, prohibited sales in shops and bars on three days a year -- Good Friday, Christmas Day and St Patrick's Day, although the latter was exempted in 1960

Pubs in Ireland were open on Good Friday for the first time in almost a century after the repeal of a law banning sales of alcohol on the Christian holiday. × The Intoxicating Liquor Act, passed in 1927, prohibited sales in shops and bars on three days a year -- Good Friday, Christmas Day and St Patrick's Day, although the latter was exempted in 1960. A new law passed in January repealed the ban, allowing pubs and bars to open their doors between 10:30 am and 00:30 am, while local shops are also allowed to sell alcohol. Many people have previously stocked up on alcohol in shops the day before or bought travel tickets to take advantage of exemptions for trains and ferries. Hotels were also exempt. The change in the law underlines the loosening hold of the Catholic Church in Ireland, although it also followed lobbying by industry bodies, who claim it will boost tourism. The Vintners' Federation of Ireland estimates Good Friday will generate more than 40 million euros in sales for Irish pubs. "Tourism makes a much greater contribution to our economy and this is particularly true during holidays, such as the busy Easter period," justice and equality minister David Stanton said when he introduced the law. "In addition, changing demographics and increasing diversity in our population have led to a reduction in traditional religious practice."

Irish pubs open on Good Friday for first time in 91 years

The BJP is no stranger in Nagaland. Nor is the RSS. There are RSS functionaries who have worked for decades in that state trying to lay the foundation for the saffron party. The BJP was part of the outgoing Naga People&rsquo;s Front (NPF) led government. In fact, this time the BJP has set up twenty candidates to contest the upcoming polls on February 27. Senior RSS functionary Ram Madhav has been spending considerable time in Nagaland to prepare the field for the BJP to play a more pro-active role in the next government after having made a pre-poll alliance with the Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) led by Neiphiu Rio.

&nbsp;

But a missive from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary Dr Zelhou Kelho to all political parties, literally pointing at the anti-Christian agenda of the BJP, could spoil the carefully prepared menu of Ram Madhav. The church has never been so outspoken in the past. It has never directed its adherents to vote for a particular party or candidate. So what has suddenly prompted the NBCC to issue what is nothing short of a diktat to its followers against the BJP?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Dr Keyho pointed at the BJP&rsquo;s direct assault on Christians by declaring Christmas Day as Good Governance Day where offices had to be kept open. While this has subsequently been toned down and exempted for the North Eastern states but the damage to the Christian psyche is complete.

&nbsp;

Dr Keyhou in his letter said, &ldquo;India has experienced worst persecution ever in 2015-2017. You will be fully aware that persecutions have tripled in recent years. Pastors, evangelists and missionaries are dragged openly in the streets, harassed and insulted and many made to suffer. Their homes destroyed and children discriminated in schools. Worship places were burnt down and believers are often disturbed and harassed. God must be weeping when Naga politicians are running after those who seek to destroy Christianity in India and our land.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Such a letter coming from a church pulpit is bound to have a lasting impact on the voters&rsquo; mind. At least this is what anti-BJP forces in Nagaland hope. However, the Catholic Church which also has a significant presence in Nagaland has chosen to remain silent and let its followers make an informed choice.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Keyho also made an issue of the denial of visa to the President, Baptist World Alliance, Rev Paul Msiza was who was scheduled to attend the 150th year celebration of the Baptist Church in Garo Hills, Meghalaya last week. Since Msiza&rsquo;s status is equivalent to that of the Pope in the Catholic Church this is seen as a direct affront to the Baptist Church and on Christians in general. Whether the visa was rejected on grounds that it did not fulfill certain criteria or if the rejection is nuanced is hard to understand at this juncture. But considering that this is election time, the damage done can hardly be repaired.

&nbsp;

It is hard for the BJP to acquit itself this time around what with its so-called &ldquo;fringe&rdquo; wanting to do Saraswati Puja in a Christian school or its student wing the ABVP asking the UP Government not to allow Christmas celebrations in school in Uttar Pradesh.

&nbsp;

The beef ban and atrocities on those carrying or storing beef at home and the hyper-ventilated actions of the Gau rakshaks across the country are being viewed by Christians in the North Eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya with fear and trepidation. They are unsure what agenda other than development will be unleashed in these states.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is difficult for the BJP to allay these fears since the Party has remained a silent spectator to all the goings-on, including the latest one by the Rajput Karni Sena which stood in the way of the film Padmavat being shown in several states. That the Rajput Karni Sena was allowed to go berserk and even stone a school bus has created a general sense of apprehension about the future of India itself under the present dispensation. And it will be difficult to blame the Christian minority groups for harbouring those fears. The fears are real and present and the BJP&rsquo;s damage control machine seems to be on the back-foot.

&nbsp;

Interestingly, in 2015, when Prime Minister Modi visited Nagaland and Meghalaya there was enthusiasm that he would bring in better governance and change for the better. But the fact that the Framework Agreement signed with the Naga rebels in August 2015 is yet to be concluded has also created some resentment. On the whole, there is a general sense of dismay about this one big unkept promise of the BJP government at the Centre.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

People are apprehensive that the next government in Nagaland might concede too much or that the Framework Agreement which has been built brick by brick in consultation with several Naga civil society groups might fall apart. No one can blame the Naga people and the churches for the current antagonism they harbour against the BJP.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;

The fears of Christian minority voters are real and present and the BJP’s damage control machine seems to be on the back-foot.

The BJP is no stranger in Nagaland. Nor is the RSS. There are RSS functionaries who have worked for decades in that state trying to lay the foundation for the saffron party. The BJP was part of the outgoing Naga People’s Front (NPF) led government. In fact, this time the BJP has set up twenty candidates to contest the upcoming polls on February 27. Senior RSS functionary Ram Madhav has been spending considerable time in Nagaland to prepare the field for the BJP to play a more pro-active role in the next government after having made a pre-poll alliance with the Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) led by Neiphiu Rio. But a missive from the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) General Secretary Dr Zelhou Kelho to all political parties, literally pointing at the anti-Christian agenda of the BJP, could spoil the carefully prepared menu of Ram Madhav. The church has never been so outspoken in the past. It has never directed its adherents to vote for a particular party or candidate. So what has suddenly prompted the NBCC to issue what is nothing short of a diktat to its followers against the BJP? Dr Keyho pointed at the BJP’s direct assault on Christians by declaring Christmas Day as Good Governance Day where offices had to be kept open. While this has subsequently been toned down and exempted for the North Eastern states but the damage to the Christian psyche is complete. Dr Keyhou in his letter said, “India has experienced worst persecution ever in 2015-2017. You will be fully aware that persecutions have tripled in recent years. Pastors, evangelists and missionaries are dragged openly in the streets, harassed and insulted and many made to suffer. Their homes destroyed and children discriminated in schools. Worship places were burnt down and believers are often disturbed and harassed. God must be weeping when Naga politicians are running after those who seek to destroy Christianity in India and our land.” Such a letter coming from a church pulpit is bound to have a lasting impact on the voters’ mind. At least this is what anti-BJP forces in Nagaland hope. However, the Catholic Church which also has a significant presence in Nagaland has chosen to remain silent and let its followers make an informed choice. Keyho also made an issue of the denial of visa to the President, Baptist World Alliance, Rev Paul Msiza was who was scheduled to attend the 150th year celebration of the Baptist Church in Garo Hills, Meghalaya last week. Since Msiza’s status is equivalent to that of the Pope in the Catholic Church this is seen as a direct affront to the Baptist Church and on Christians in general. Whether the visa was rejected on grounds that it did not fulfill certain criteria or if the rejection is nuanced is hard to understand at this juncture. But considering that this is election time, the damage done can hardly be repaired. It is hard for the BJP to acquit itself this time around what with its so-called “fringe” wanting to do Saraswati Puja in a Christian school or its student wing the ABVP asking the UP Government not to allow Christmas celebrations in school in Uttar Pradesh. The beef ban and atrocities on those carrying or storing beef at home and the hyper-ventilated actions of the Gau rakshaks across the country are being viewed by Christians in the North Eastern states of Nagaland, Mizoram and Meghalaya with fear and trepidation. They are unsure what agenda other than development will be unleashed in these states. It is difficult for the BJP to allay these fears since the Party has remained a silent spectator to all the goings-on, including the latest one by the Rajput Karni Sena which stood in the way of the film Padmavat being shown in several states. That the Rajput Karni Sena was allowed to go berserk and even stone a school bus has created a general sense of apprehension about the future of India itself under the present dispensation. And it will be difficult to blame the Christian minority groups for harbouring those fears. The fears are real and present and the BJP’s damage control machine seems to be on the back-foot. Interestingly, in 2015, when Prime Minister Modi visited Nagaland and Meghalaya there was enthusiasm that he would bring in better governance and change for the better. But the fact that the Framework Agreement signed with the Naga rebels in August 2015 is yet to be concluded has also created some resentment. On the whole, there is a general sense of dismay about this one big unkept promise of the BJP government at the Centre. People are apprehensive that the next government in Nagaland might concede too much or that the Framework Agreement which has been built brick by brick in consultation with several Naga civil society groups might fall apart. No one can blame the Naga people and the churches for the current antagonism they harbour against the BJP. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Are fears of Christian voters real in Nagaland?

Italy&#39;s long-awaited, much-disputed law allowing gay civil unions took effect today after it was published in an official journal, as couples start applying for legal recognition of their same-sex relationships. 
 
In Milan, an official went on Wednesday to an intensive care unit to perform the civil union ceremony of a terminally ill 53-year-old teacher named Margherita and her partner of 28 years.&nbsp;Theirs will be the first union registered in Milan in about 10 days&#39; time, the city told the media. 
 
Throughout Italy, town halls have reported that requests for gay unions have started coming in. 
 
The Italian parliament passed the landmark legislation in May overruling opposition from the country&#39;s powerful Catholic Church.&nbsp;It introduces civil unions for the first time, but denies same sex couples equal adoption rights to their heterosexual counterparts. 
 
Italy was the last major Western country to introduce legal recognition of gay relationships, and the law&#39;s provisions do not go as far as the gay marriage legislation enacted in other European countries such as Britain, France and Spain. 
 
Some more complicated cases in Italy, such as couples of different nationalities who got married overseas, will have to wait a bit longer until a definitive decree of the new law is made by early December. 
 
(AFP)

The landmark legislation that came into effect today was passed in May, overruling opposition from the country's powerful Catholic Church

Italy's long-awaited, much-disputed law allowing gay civil unions took effect today after it was published in an official journal, as couples start applying for legal recognition of their same-sex relationships. In Milan, an official went on Wednesday to an intensive care unit to perform the civil union ceremony of a terminally ill 53-year-old teacher named Margherita and her partner of 28 years. Theirs will be the first union registered in Milan in about 10 days' time, the city told the media. Throughout Italy, town halls have reported that requests for gay unions have started coming in. The Italian parliament passed the landmark legislation in May overruling opposition from the country's powerful Catholic Church. It introduces civil unions for the first time, but denies same sex couples equal adoption rights to their heterosexual counterparts. Italy was the last major Western country to introduce legal recognition of gay relationships, and the law's provisions do not go as far as the gay marriage legislation enacted in other European countries such as Britain, France and Spain. Some more complicated cases in Italy, such as couples of different nationalities who got married overseas, will have to wait a bit longer until a definitive decree of the new law is made by early December. (AFP)

Gay civil unions become reality in Italy

To the Catholic Church, French missionary Auguste Chapdelaine is a saint, martyred for his faith 160 years ago in China. To Communist Party officials, he is a devilish rapist, bandit and spy. 
 
Finishing touches are being put to a new museum in Dingan, the village where he died, celebrating the &quot;patriotism&quot; of his execution and condemning the &quot;spiritual opium&quot; of religion.&nbsp; 
 
Inside, Catholic vestments and chalices are displayed near a life-sized diorama of a white-robed Chapdelaine kneeling before the Qing dynasty magistrate who had him tortured and killed. 
 
Outside, a six metre bronze mural shows the missionary confined in a cage designed to suffocate captives to death over several days.&nbsp; 
 
The facility is part of a local tourism drive, but also fits into the ruling party&#39;s nationalist narrative and comes as increasingly assertive authorities in Beijing decry the influence of &quot;Western values&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Chapdelaine was accused of fomenting insurrection, say independent historians&nbsp; 
 
Chapdelaine, born on a farm in Normandy, was ordained in his early twenties and sent in the early 1850s to the southern Chinese region of Guangxi, where he was known as &#39;Father Ma&#39;. 
 
In 1856, he was arrested with several Chinese believers in Dingan by the newly appointed magistrate, Zhang Mingfeng. 
 
Foreigners were banned from entering the area and official suspicion of Christians was fuelled by the bloody Taiping rebellion, begun in Guangxi by a man claiming to be Jesus&#39; brother and costing millions of lives. 
 
Independent historians say Chapdelaine was accused of fomenting insurrection, refused to pay a bribe, and died aged 42 following three days of torture. He was posthumously decapitated and his head hung from a tree. 
 
Chapdelaine&#39;s death was among the stated justifications for France&#39;s participation in the Second Opium War, which saw French and British troops loot Beijing`s Old Summer Palace and burn it to the ground, one of the national humiliations the Communist Party emphasises to support its legitimacy.&nbsp; 
 
In 2000, the Vatican canonised Chapdelaine and two of his executed followers as martyrs. 
 
In response, Chinese state media attacked the priest as a French spy and rapist of local women -- charges which scholars say have no historical grounding, but which have been given new life by the local government&#39;s publicity push. 
 
&quot;He was evil,&quot; said a middle-aged man working at the project site who refused to give his name. &quot;He was the reason you invaded us,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
&#39;Father Ma was not a simple missionary&#39;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
As well as the museum in Dingan, a dusty mountain village, local authorities mounted a poetry contest last year offering 1,000 Yuan ($150) prizes for couplets to &quot;boost patriotic spirit&quot; and praise magistrate Zhang as an &quot;iron-willed hero&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
County officials have contracted a film company to produce a two-hour documentary on Chapdelaine for 3 million Yuan ($460,000). 
 
&quot;Father Ma was not a simple missionary,&quot; the firm`s CEO Liang Shuikang told AFP. &quot;His so-called `baptism` was taking other people`s wives and sleeping with them first,&quot; he underlined.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;We are going to restore the true story of history,&quot; Shuikang&nbsp;said, adding the documentary`s goal was to have people remember China&#39;s sufferings and &quot;make the motherland into a great power&quot;.&nbsp;Some scholars worry that history is being abused.&nbsp; 
 
There is no doubt Chapdelaine`s death was exploited for imperialist gain, but Anthony Clark, China historian at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, said the ruling party&#39;s version of history was &quot;largely contrived&quot;. 
 
The ideas that Chapdelaine was &quot;a lascivious womaniser&quot; and spy in priest&#39;s robes were &quot;unsupportable in any historical records&quot;, he added.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;China&#39;s official state rhetoric has grown progressively nationalistic in recent years,&quot; Clark pointed out.&nbsp; 
 
&#39;Chapdelaine&#39;s killing violated Qing dynasty laws&#39; 
 
Other scholars note that official records suggest Chapdelaine had been confused with a bandit, Ma Zinong, who shared the same Chinese surname. 
 
Chinese historians are also concerned. Yuan Weishi, historian and retired professor at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, said Chapdelaine&#39;s killing violated Qing dynasty laws and was &quot;a shame to China&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Nationalist sentiment&quot; had risen alongside China&#39;s economic growth and some academics felt obliged to follow official propaganda, he added. &quot;They promote under the name of patriotism what they think are heroic deeds by China,&quot; he said, but doing so was &quot;wrong and ignorant&quot;. In the cliffside village of Changjing, where Chapdelaine lived and preached a few kilometres from Dingan, the residents are still mostly Catholic and say they are puzzled by the publicity drive. 
 
&quot;They believe he`s an evil man, but we don`t see him that way,&quot; said a young farmer named Yang. &quot;How could he be a spy?&quot; he questions.&nbsp; 
 
In Dingan itself, a priest named Father Wei leads a small, aging congregation of roughly 100 Catholics. Performing mass for ten believers in a church on the second floor of a building a short walk from the new museum, he offered a prayer for Chapdelaine, asking for strength to keep the faith.&nbsp; 
 
Local authorities were relentlessly hostile to the church, he said. &quot;It`s because it`s an atheist country,&quot; he said. &quot;They&#39;re tricking ordinary people.&quot; 
 
Non-Catholics refuse to enter the church because of the stigma around Chapdelaine, he added.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;How could Father Ma be that bad? People think that just because of the propaganda, but it makes life difficult for us.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Missionary Auguste Chapdelaine's death was among the stated justifications for France's participation in the Second Opium War

To the Catholic Church, French missionary Auguste Chapdelaine is a saint, martyred for his faith 160 years ago in China. To Communist Party officials, he is a devilish rapist, bandit and spy. Finishing touches are being put to a new museum in Dingan, the village where he died, celebrating the "patriotism" of his execution and condemning the "spiritual opium" of religion. Inside, Catholic vestments and chalices are displayed near a life-sized diorama of a white-robed Chapdelaine kneeling before the Qing dynasty magistrate who had him tortured and killed. Outside, a six metre bronze mural shows the missionary confined in a cage designed to suffocate captives to death over several days. The facility is part of a local tourism drive, but also fits into the ruling party's nationalist narrative and comes as increasingly assertive authorities in Beijing decry the influence of "Western values". Chapdelaine was accused of fomenting insurrection, say independent historians Chapdelaine, born on a farm in Normandy, was ordained in his early twenties and sent in the early 1850s to the southern Chinese region of Guangxi, where he was known as 'Father Ma'. In 1856, he was arrested with several Chinese believers in Dingan by the newly appointed magistrate, Zhang Mingfeng. Foreigners were banned from entering the area and official suspicion of Christians was fuelled by the bloody Taiping rebellion, begun in Guangxi by a man claiming to be Jesus' brother and costing millions of lives. Independent historians say Chapdelaine was accused of fomenting insurrection, refused to pay a bribe, and died aged 42 following three days of torture. He was posthumously decapitated and his head hung from a tree. Chapdelaine's death was among the stated justifications for France's participation in the Second Opium War, which saw French and British troops loot Beijing`s Old Summer Palace and burn it to the ground, one of the national humiliations the Communist Party emphasises to support its legitimacy. In 2000, the Vatican canonised Chapdelaine and two of his executed followers as martyrs. In response, Chinese state media attacked the priest as a French spy and rapist of local women -- charges which scholars say have no historical grounding, but which have been given new life by the local government's publicity push. "He was evil," said a middle-aged man working at the project site who refused to give his name. "He was the reason you invaded us," he added. 'Father Ma was not a simple missionary' As well as the museum in Dingan, a dusty mountain village, local authorities mounted a poetry contest last year offering 1,000 Yuan ($150) prizes for couplets to "boost patriotic spirit" and praise magistrate Zhang as an "iron-willed hero". County officials have contracted a film company to produce a two-hour documentary on Chapdelaine for 3 million Yuan ($460,000). "Father Ma was not a simple missionary," the firm`s CEO Liang Shuikang told AFP. "His so-called `baptism` was taking other people`s wives and sleeping with them first," he underlined. "We are going to restore the true story of history," Shuikang said, adding the documentary`s goal was to have people remember China's sufferings and "make the motherland into a great power". Some scholars worry that history is being abused. There is no doubt Chapdelaine`s death was exploited for imperialist gain, but Anthony Clark, China historian at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, said the ruling party's version of history was "largely contrived". The ideas that Chapdelaine was "a lascivious womaniser" and spy in priest's robes were "unsupportable in any historical records", he added. "China's official state rhetoric has grown progressively nationalistic in recent years," Clark pointed out. 'Chapdelaine's killing violated Qing dynasty laws' Other scholars note that official records suggest Chapdelaine had been confused with a bandit, Ma Zinong, who shared the same Chinese surname. Chinese historians are also concerned. Yuan Weishi, historian and retired professor at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, said Chapdelaine's killing violated Qing dynasty laws and was "a shame to China". "Nationalist sentiment" had risen alongside China's economic growth and some academics felt obliged to follow official propaganda, he added. "They promote under the name of patriotism what they think are heroic deeds by China," he said, but doing so was "wrong and ignorant". In the cliffside village of Changjing, where Chapdelaine lived and preached a few kilometres from Dingan, the residents are still mostly Catholic and say they are puzzled by the publicity drive. "They believe he`s an evil man, but we don`t see him that way," said a young farmer named Yang. "How could he be a spy?" he questions. In Dingan itself, a priest named Father Wei leads a small, aging congregation of roughly 100 Catholics. Performing mass for ten believers in a church on the second floor of a building a short walk from the new museum, he offered a prayer for Chapdelaine, asking for strength to keep the faith. Local authorities were relentlessly hostile to the church, he said. "It`s because it`s an atheist country," he said. "They're tricking ordinary people." Non-Catholics refuse to enter the church because of the stigma around Chapdelaine, he added. "How could Father Ma be that bad? People think that just because of the propaganda, but it makes life difficult for us." (AFP)

French missionary 'saint' for Catholic Church, ' rapist' for Communist China

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