Francis message for the 52nd World Day of Peace. In “a climate of mistrust rooted in the fear of others or of strangers, or anxiety about one’s personal security ", "our societies need “artisans of peace” who can be messengers and authentic witnesses of God the Father, who wills the good and the happiness of the human family ".
On the 19th the seventh meeting of the Joint Working Group of the Holy See -Vietnam. The meeting aims to deepen and develop bilateral relations. Pending diplomatic relations that provides for a "non-permanent" nuncio. Issues related to ecclesiastical properties and religious freedom are more delicate.
About 5.24 million people of working age are not employed as of last May. Economic growth will end in 2027 when those employed will account for less than 66.7 per cent of the population. Agreement protects Indonesian migrant workers.
During the Angelus Pope Francis commented on the liturgical readings of Gaudete Sunday. “In a remote village in the Galilee, in the heart of a young woman unknown to the world, God ignited the spark of happiness for the whole world. And today the same proclamation is addressed to the Church,” he said. “No concern, no fear shall ever take away the serenity that comes from knowing that God lovingly guides our lives, always.” The pontiff urged the international community to implement the directives of the Marrakech conference on migration. He also mentioned the blessing of the Little Children (Bambinelli) brought by the children of Rome.
Underage marriage will now require the authorisation of an Islamic court, parental approval or the opinion of a subcommittee. Muslims represent 4 per cent of Thailand’s population, but 24 per cent in southern provinces where poor girls are often given away in marriage after their first period. Activists accuse imams of making money from the practice.
Receiving the artists who will perform at the Christmas concert at the Vatican, Francis said that "networking with education means allowing people to get up on their feet, to get back on their feet with full dignity" and it is also "a valid solution to open the gates of the refugee camps, allowing young migrants to enter new societies".
For Taiwan-based Pegatron, the move will avoid production collapse and financial losses. The Indonesian island is a free trade zone and its proximity to Singapore is an important strategic factor as the city-state is only a few minutes by ferry. The deal should be ready by mid-2019.
In a message to a conference promoted by FAO, Francis notes that in many places "water is contaminated, garbage accumulates, deforestation progresses, the air is stale and the soil acidified. All this generates a harmful accumulation of evils and miseries."
Threats and intimidation have not stopped the priest. For him, “when you are involved in humanitarian issues, you have to be tough. My religious vocation has always spurred me to do this.” Organised groups operate on the island. Most victims are teenage girls, mostly from East Nusa Tenggara.
Francis will travel to Bulgaria and visit the Macedonian capital of Skopje.
