Today's news: Former Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif urges Iran to declare victory and seek an agreement with Trump on ending the war. Pakistan offers oil tankers Pakistani registration to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. By 2025, renewable energy will reach nearly 50 per cent of global electricity capacity. Tencent Video launches a TV channel for dogs and cats, tapping into a rapidly growing economic niche in China.
The Pope presided over the traditional Good Friday service, personally carrying the crucifix through all 14 stations. At the end, he recited only the words of a prayer by St Francis, the 800th anniversary of whose death falls this year. The former Custos of the Holy Land, Father Patton, recalled in his meditations that “even those who start a war will have to answer for it before God”.
Despite a government crackdown, new licences have been issued in recent months to casinos with clear ties to online scam centres. Amnesty International reported an "industrialized" form of abuse within gambling establishments, where criminal groups engage in violence, forced labour, and human trafficking.
During Holy Week, Korea’s bishops announced a major step in the cause of Father Thomas Choi Yang-up (1821-1861), a companion in the seminary of the martyred Saint Andrew Kim. For 12 years, he was the first priest to minister in Korea, visiting local Christians during a period of persecution. He died of typhus at the age of 40 after travelling thousands of kilometres and translating the catechism into Korean language. The local Church rejoices as it gets ready to host World Youth Day in 2027.
The epicentre was about 129 km off the coast of Bitung at a depth of 33 km. The main quake was followed by at least 29 aftershocks, the strongest reaching a magnitude of 5.5. A 69-year-old woman died in Manado. The roof of a church collapsed. Church authorities are assessing its safety for Holy Week celebrations.
With the bishops and priests of Rome, the pontiff presided for the first time at the Mass with the blessing of the sacred oils. He reflected upon the "Christian mission," the "very same as Jesus',” characterised by detachment, encounter, and trial. Leo urged priests to feel like "guests," like the "great missionaries” who use “unobtrusive approaches” to reach out to others. He also remembered Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero, assassinated in 1980 while celebrating the Eucharist.
