For the first time in the history of the church in China, a Catholic seminary on the mainland is offering a program to train pastoral workers and catechists.

Christians are not seen as integral members of society, “as citizens, with the same rights and duties” as the majority but as “a people apart.”

Protesters opposed to the ouster of President Manuel Zelaya have reportedly been jailed, beaten and raped by the country’s security forces.

Catholic presence in Afghanistan is limited to aid workers. Preaching Christianity is strictly forbidden.

Supporters of the initiative see minarets as political symbols and signs of an increasing Islamic presence in Switzerland.

Vatican media have presented the pope as a trained diplomat who followed the international events carefully.