Afghan Convert Granted Asylum in Italy

CNN, March 30 — Christian Abdul Rahman, threatened with the death penalty for renouncing Islam, was released from prison and was granted asylum in Italy, CNN reported.

Milan daily Corriere della Sera reported that Rahman, 41, was flown to Rome’s Ciampino airport aboard a Falcon jet operated by the Italian military secret service, SISMI, early March 29, when the small airport is usually closed to the public.

Rome daily La Repubblica described Rahman as repeatedly expressing gratitude to Italian authorities, even placing a hand over his heart in a sign of thanks.

Rahman had been held by Afghan authorities for his conversion 16 years ago from Islam to Christianity, punishable by death in Afghanistan, which follows shari’a (Islamic law). Many Muslim clerics in the country called for his death and said even if he were freed his life would be in danger.

China on Pope Benedict’s Travel Itinerary?

ASSOCIATED PRESS, March 28 — Saying the timing of a trip to China depends on “God’s wish,” Pope Benedict said that he will visit the communist nation, Associated Press reported.

Meeting with a delegation from Hong Kong, the Holy Father was asked by Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai, “Please come to China to bring us love and democracy,” to which the Pope responded, “I will come.”

Pope John Paul II, the most-traveled pope in history, was unable to visit China during his 26-year papacy. Pope Paul VI made a three-hour stopover in Hong Kong in 1970 when it was a British colony. No pope has ever visited mainland China.

A Hong Kong delegation was in Rome for ceremonies installing 15 new cardinals, including Hong Kong Bishop Joseph Zen. The cardinal, an outspoken champion of religious freedom in China, said he believed the Holy Father would visit Hong Kong first if he made a China trip.

He said, “Hong Kong is part of China and perhaps he should come here as a first step.”

Australian Catholics Rally Against Abortion

THE ADVERTISER, March 25 — Approximately 200 pro-life protesters marched through the streets of Sydney to protest against abortion, the Australian newspaper reported.

The protesters attended Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral before marching through the city to Martin Place for a brief address. Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney Julian Porteous led the procession under a banner that read: Day of the Unborn Child.

The pro-life march was held to coincide with the commemoration of the Feast of the Annunciation. The celebration marks the day the angel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary to tell her she was to be the mother of Jesus, Bishop Porteous said.

He added, “Having the procession on the Feast of the Annunciation reminds the community that Jesus was an unborn child in the womb of the Virgin Mary.”