Leo XIV's message for the 34th World Day of the Sick has been released, which will be the heart of celebrations on 11 February 2026, in Chiclayo, Peru. The pontiff slams the culture of "haste" and "indifference”, pointing to the "sweet joy of loving," as an antidote, rooted in the bond with Christ. He cites the parable of the Samaritan and the encyclical Fratelli tutti: “To serve one’s neighbor is to love God through deeds”
Syrian government forces have intensified their offensive in areas administered by Kurdish-led forces. The advance has been accompanied by support from local Arab tribes, Turkish drones, and Washington’s silent approval, while talks between the central government and the Kurds have failed. There are fears of further destabilisation after Islamic State fighters broke out of prisons previously run by the Kurdish autonomous administration.
Seven people were killed in an attack claimed by the Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) in the commercial district of Shahr-e-Naw. The attack, which is part of a broader anti-Chinese jihadist campaign, reignites fears for the security of investments in Afghanistan. Beijing continues to maintain a diplomatic and economic presence, while internal divisions within the Taliban leadership complicate the political and security situation.
From Sihanoukville, a missionary talks about the many ambiguities behind the high-profile operations and arrests targeting the local scam farm system. With so much hypocrisy, he sees “silent complicity” and “utter abdication of responsibility.” Even scammers now “desperately flock to embassies claiming poverty”. As someone who loves this country, he calls for “true repentance.”
During a meeting yesterday in Palam between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to greater cooperation with future closer partnerships in business, energy, and space. The game of global alliances plays out in the background, with Israel and the Abraham Accords casting their shadow.
Interior Minister Amit Shah touts data on the increase in drug seizures. But the number of consumers has also grown, including among the very young: it is estimated that over 25% of minors use drugs. The issue of chemicals produced in India and destined for laboratories producing methamphetamine in Myanmar, but also in Central America and Africa
