(ANS - Rome) - "The one who is in error compensates with violence what he lacks in truth and strength," wrote the great German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe. "Violence is the last refuge of incompetents" said another great writer, Isaac Asimov. Perhaps this is the key to approach the terrible reality of violence against women, on this World Day against violence against women. The use of violence is a sign of weakness.  A cultural change is needed to stem the violence.

(ANS – Mumbai) – The Don Bosco Matunga basketball court is less than a kilometre away from the Matunga railway station, Mumbai. Stepping inside feels like entering a holy cathedral dedicated to basketball, knowing the rich legacy of the hallowed court lying within. Inside, the rhythmic pounding of basketballs resonates like percussion instruments punctuated by swishes amidst chants of fervent crowds. You can usually find kids receiving coaching or a pickup game in progress here.

(ANS - Rome) – One hundred and ninety-six countries were surveyed. In 38 of them religious liberty "is facing difficult situations". In 23 countries there is evidence of brutal persecution - 12 from the state and 11 by radical militant groups - while another 15 are classified somewhere between discrimination and persecution. There are seven countries for which it is difficult even to imagine a classification, and they are the countries in which religious freedom is in greatest danger: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Nigeria and North Korea. This is the overall picture contained in the "Report on Religious Freedom in the World", edited by the Pontifical Foundation "Aid to the Church in Need" and presented at various venues internationally last Tuesday 15 November.