During today’s audience in St Peter's, the pontiff spoke about his upcoming visit to Turkey and Lebanon (27 November-2 December). In his address, he called on the faithful to “accompany me with prayers.” Yesterday in Castel Gandolfo, he said that his trip will be “an exceptional opportunity to promote unity”. Speaking about Israeli raids in Beirut, he called for "the pursuit of peace." In his Jubilee catechesis, he said that “the lack of confidence in life” is “a widespread sickness”.
India's Supreme Court has confirmed the dismissal of Christian officer Samuel Kamalesan, who was accused in May of "grossest indiscipline" for refusing to participate in a Hindu ritual in his regiment. On Constitution Day, Mgr Savio Fernandes, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay, slams anti-conversion laws as tools of persecution against minorities. For him, they “invert justice” and “criminalize compassion.” India risks betraying its pluralist vision.
Growth linked to increased global demand, with new opportunities for the country to monetise its natural resources responsibly. For environmentalists, mangroves could yield ‘over a million carbon credits per year’. A regulatory framework is being developed to distribute the proceeds from emissions trading to local communities.
Over 800 delegates from more than 30 countries are attending the Congress that brings together the Churches of the entire continent, almost twenty years after the first meeting in Chang Mai. The vast majority of participants are lay people who will share their experiences until 30 November. Cardinal Francis: ‘Together for a deeper communion with God, creation and humanity’.
Today's headlines: Taiwan has proposed a defence budget of billion; Pakistan has denied attacking Afghanistan; Monsoon rains affect 2 million people in Thailand; Jakarta has abolished the consumption of dog meat. Belarus has pardoned 31 Ukrainian citizens.
The mining industry is the main contributor to growth, but positive indicators are also being recorded in the transport sector. Analysts forecast a 5.6% increase in GDP by the end of the year. However, experts believe that “the model remains vulnerable, overly dependent on raw materials and subsidies, and lacks stability”. Wage and pension growth ‘eaten up’ by inflation.
