Today’s headlines: Pakistan, ambush on police vehicles in the north-west: 10 officers and 18 militants killed; Xi Jinping: resolving the Taiwan issue is an “unwavering historic mission”; Tamil Nadu public library under fire for allegedly purchasing hundreds of AI-generated books; Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, at least six casualties.
Fears are growing amongst those who believe the Shia movement is seeking to establish a foothold in Maronite territories. Massive purchases of property, via frontmen, are being made to distort the demographics and political influence of the area. The Patriarchate believes that certain waves of these purchases appear to be part of a deliberate strategy.
The former prime minister has left prison following a royal pardon, but the decision has reignited controversy over the fight against corruption and prompted the resignation of Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, without directly naming his predecessor, took to social media to highlight Islamic teachings on equality before the law.
This is Leo XIV’s final day in Argentina. During a vigil with a million young people, he said: “stand firm before idols.” As Francis said, “everyone, everyone, everyone!” Leo reiterated that, “No one has fallen so low that Christ cannot raise them up.” This morning, the pontiff visited a prison in Buenos Aires. In the afternoon, he flew to Lima and "his" Peru.
According to an ILO study, agriculture and services are among the sectors most affected by heat stress; in a worst-case climate scenario, economic losses could reach 15.2 per cent of the gross domestic product by 2060.
Today’s headlines: Malaysia – Najib Razak continues to serve his prison sentence for corruption at home. Israel – the 26th Knesset has been inaugurated; Chief of Staff Eisenkot calls for a commission of inquiry into 7 October. In China, a new institute has been established to safeguard historical studies. Myanmar: the military urges the US to improve relations for investment in rare-earth mining.
Pope Leo XIV told Argentinian religious leaders to defend life "from conception to its natural end" and break free from the idols of domination, vainglory, and war. Yesterday, Mass at the Monument to the Spaniards was the most well-attended of his pontificate. The pontiff also met with five victims of clerical abuse and paid tribute to his predecessor. Today, he visited Córdoba.
During his meeting with Kirill, he discussed “issues in inter-Orthodox relations and possible solutions”. Among the topics was the anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan in 2030. Against the backdrop of the war between Russia and Ukraine. On 30 November in Istanbul, the synod of the four Orthodox primates.
Activists and the UN are urging Phnom Penh to release the environmentalists on the eve of the summit, scheduled for 13–17. Among the heads of state attending is President Macron. The government aims to promote Khmer culture and erase the stigma associated with centres involved in online scams and human trafficking.
Church and civil authorities, along with a Vatican delegation, are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue and Ecumenism. As the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate approaches, it remains highly relevant. Cardinal Coutts describes it as the foundation for a “major shift” in how the Church engages with other religions.
In Dushanbe, the country’s history is on display, from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. The museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is one of the country’s leading cultural centres. The Buddhist sculptures from Ajina Tepe hold a special place. One of its main activities is the conservation of archaeological finds.
The Ministry of Justice has distributed 200 translation devices to 129 penal institutions, as some facilities have a foreign inmate population of up to 20 per cent. These devices facilitate communication with prison staff and could improve access to rehabilitation and vocational training programmes.
Gibran Rakabuming Raka has informed President Prabowo Subianto of his intention to step down from his post, following challenges regarding his academic credentials. The situation is intertwined with tensions between the president and his predecessor, Joko Widodo, Gibran’s father, as well as a scandal involving illegal wiretapping by certain police officials.
Her death occurred in late October but only came to light in the last few days. She had been arrested at just 14 years old on the pretext of “illegally gathering to disturb social order.” The authorities labelled her as “not re-educated” following two years of a “training programme” spent in a prison cell, where she prayed.
A study reveals that a sharp rise in construction along Nepal’s rivers, up 78 per cent since 2016, is threatening entire communities. Indigenous groups are often at the greatest risk, while experts warn that land-use planning and mapping remain inadequate.
The practice of wearing a costume depicting a character from manga, video games or films is now widespread amongst young Chinese people. And it often happens that they find themselves in front of churches to take their photos. An AsiaNews source living in China describes the reactions of the Christian community.
She was eight months old when the atomic bomb destroyed her city. Ten years later, she met the co-pilot of the Enola Gay and realised she no longer wanted revenge. In Milan, she told her story to over 300 young people from Sant’Egidio: “You must know what happened, so that it never happens again”.
For Masar Jadid leader Samer Sinijlawi, the turnout was crucial. Now the goal is to mobilise Palestinians for a Palestinian election in March. The high turnout in East Jerusalem is another sign of change. For Adel Misk, at the polls, the voiceless revived the Palestinian issue.
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