Tensions are rising around Samsung Electronics in South Korea. Some 48,000 workers are set to go on strike for 18 days after negotiations with the company over semiconductor profits fail. The government wants to avoid repercussions on the domestic and global economies, reopening the debate on its controversial special powers in such cases.
The Lebanese bishop sat alongside Leo XIV during today’s general audience in St Peter's Square. The pope mentioned the journey towards "full communion" and called to pray "for peace in Lebanon and the Middle East." To a group of athletes, he said: "the true goal is not material victory, but respect for your opponent." The catechesis on the Second Vatican Council's constitution on the liturgy “represents a sign of the unity of the human race in Christ.”
The charges against Bahar Saharaian reportedly include ‘propaganda activities’ against the Islamic Republic and ‘spreading false news’. In 2022, she had already been imprisoned for joining her colleagues’ protest against the crackdown on demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini. Hotel closed for failing to comply with hijab rules and record number of executions in 2025.
A recent shooting at a casino has put the spotlight on reports of incivility, looting, and clashes with locals over trivial motives. The problem is linked to cross-border tourism in towns and cities bordering India, which draw thousands of people to visit casinos, hotels, and liquor stores, often returning home before they can be prosecuted.
The 75th anniversary of Caritas Internationalis and the 20th anniversary of the solidarity foundation promoted by the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference were marked on the island of Flores with a Mass and a gathering presided over by Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi. In the spirit of the encyclical “Laudato Si’”, the gathering brought together local farmers involved in the Harvest Programme, which aims to build independent and sustainable communities.
Today’s headlines: the book *Taiwan Travelogue* has won the International Booker Prize; Thailand has reduced the visa-free stay to 30 days following a series of arrests of foreign nationals; The United Arab Emirates has reported that the recent attack on one of its nuclear power stations was carried out using six drones originating from Iraq.
