After a localised nodule was found in his lung, Leo “decided to undergo surgery to remove it” in “the coming days” at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Holy See Press Office expects a one-week post-operative hospital stay. Regarding “tormented Ukraine”, the pontiff issued an appeal for the “safe transport” of grain in the Black Sea.
On 7 and 8 October, just as the Thai capital was grappling with the damage caused by the Chao Phraya River bursting its banks, 17 delegates from regional bishops’ conferences gathered for a meeting organised by the FABC. Five lines of action were defined for a shared path forward.
More than 7,000 people were taken into custody during protests organised by the Cockroach movement in protest against the Election Commission for arbitrarily deleting voters’ names. Leaders intercepted on their planes were immediately detained upon landing in New Delhi. A well-known Bollywood actor joined in to understand “why people’s voices are being suppressed”.
The measure follows three deadly school shootings in recent months. The bill mandates the deactivation of existing accounts and requires platforms to monitor compliance. Senator Hontiveros voted against the measure, arguing that while teenagers need protection, they also need education on media usage.
Some 20 Iranian vessels are anchored off the coast of Sri Lanka, running low on food, water, and fuel. Opening its ports would entail the risk of US secondary sanctions; yet, for Sri Lanka, it is vital to maintain its status as a maritime hub, in the face of competition from India.
The South African jurist of Tamil origin, formerly the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has dedicated her life to international justice. From the fight against apartheid to inquiries regarding Gaza and the genocide trial against Myanmar, her career highlights the responsibility of states regarding the gravest crimes.
The Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations is visiting from 8 to 10 October. He is the highest-ranking Vatican diplomat in the Asian country, much to the delight of the local Church. The visit marks the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations. The contribution of Catholics to the nation.
Today's news: Controversy surrounding the Nobel nomination for Navi Pillay includes debate over her stance on human rights in China. A coalition of a hundred NGOs reports that the Gaza ceasefire exists only on paper a year later. Nepal’s progress on preventing child marriage is too slow. A 14-year-old girl has been placed on Russia's terrorist list.
Increasingly, the focus of new possibilities opened up by melting ice, polar routes have become a place of geopolitical confrontation. Although Russian officials continue to project an image of equal cooperation with China, Russia actually finds itself in a vulnerable position.
Pope Leo XIV approved the prelate’s election following the resignation of 92-year-old Cardinal Re. The 69-year-old Philippine cardinal will serve a five-year term, renewable once. A briefing was held at the Vatican today regarding the initial proceedings marking the 10th anniversary of Amoris Laetitia. A Philippine couple was grateful for the presence of others and the opportunity to learn from different cultures. For Father Costa, these meetings are “rooted in shared prayer.”
More than 23,000 Union police personnel have been mobilised and transport restrictions imposed ahead of tomorrow’s rally. Police denied the youth group Cockroach Janta Party the right to gather. For its part, the Conference of Religious India (CRI) said that it “cannot be silent spectators”.
The Catholic leader saddened by the violence committed by Jewish settlers and extremists right in the middle of the harvest season. A fresh appeal comes from Taybeh’s parish priest, who voices deep concern. The Israeli government protects the attackers and blocks volunteers. Elections in the West Bank and Gaza are at risk.
The combined GDP of the region’s five countries has grown by almost 2.5 times over the last eight years, whilst mutual investment has increased 5.6-fold. But even beyond the economic sphere, questions are mounting as to what unites these peoples, what they can achieve together in the face of today’s challenges, and what kind of future they envisage.
Today’s headlines: Vietnam wants to end to begging from tourists; Personal debt amongst young people in Thailand is on the rise;. The Houthis step up missile campaign against Saudi Arabia.
From the historic church in Goa to the cathedral in Xi’an, there are many places across Asia that commemorate the message of the saint from Assisi, on the 800th anniversary of his death. Among the most recent is the chapel built in the image of the Porziuncola near the heavily fortified border between the two Koreas.
Retail sales are not growing as much as Beijing would like. Employees currently work an average of 48.2 hours a week, but without a significant increase in income. So, during the recent public holidays, a call not to use days off for shopping went viral on Weibo before being censored.
In today’s session of the Vatican meeting marking the tenth anniversary of Amoris Laetitia, the Indian cardinal and FABC president described the transformations the continent is facing amid economic instability and religious polarisation. For the prelate, “we ask not what families are missing, but what God is already doing in their midst.”
Starting today, every Monday, AsiaNews will feature voices, stories, and in-depth reports to explore, step by step, the South Korea that will welcome young people for World Youth Day (WYD) next August. The perspective will be one of “memory and hope” focused on the mission, an approach suggested today by Pope Leo XIV to South Korean priests and religious sisters living in Rome.
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