Today's headlines: Turnout in Hong Kong's “patriots only” elections just 31.9%; Japan withdraws from plans to build a nuclear power plant in Vietnam; Twenty-five people die in a nightclub fire in Goa; The Gulf Centre for Human Rights denounces the forced disappearance of human rights activist Talib al-Saedi in Oman; Kyrgyzstan runs for a seat on the UN Security Council.
Pope Leo XIV spoke about the peoples of South and Southeast Asia hit by Cyclone Ditwah, urging the faithful to support them "with gestures of solidarity." Among the faithful, a sign read: "Sri Lanka is sinking. Don't leave us alone." Regarding his recent visit to Turkey and Lebanon, the pontiff said that it “teaches us that peace is possible, and that Christians [. . .] can contribute to building it up.”
The celebration in Dhaka of the Jubilee Day of Radio Veritas Asia’s Bengali-language service also provided participants, including some Muslims, with an opportunity to share stories of how, in a country like Bangladesh, this media outlet helps people’s human and spiritual growth, beyond religious barriers. “Every religion inspires us to uphold truth,” said Bishop Romen Boraigi.
Yesterday's episcopal ordination in Henan is opening new wounds rather than healing old ones. The underground bishop whose resignation Rome accepted is still under strict surveillance, unable to attend "his" ceremony, and not even his family can see him. A priest commented: Beijing is violating “the spirit of the Agreement.” “This is not the first time” that the Church “finds herself forced into silence, humiliation”. Ultimately, she “is not sustained by power, but by faith”.
Leo XIV received the president of Mongolia in audience. The Holy See and the Chinggis Khan National Museum in Ulaanbaatar plan to expand cooperation in archival research, joint studies, and conferences, the result of growing diplomatic ties boosted by Pope Francis's trip in 2023.
The losses are estimated at between US$ 6 and US$ 7 billion. In 2004, they ranged from US$ 1.5 to US$ 2 billion. The recovery plan is waiting for detailed assessments. Twenty-two out of 25 administrative districts and 416 factories were affected. Three billion rupees have been allocated in subsidies; raising the public spending limit is being considered to meet needs.
