From standardised textbooks prepared directly by the ministry to uniforms, education in Georgia is returning to the practices of the former Soviet Union. Even the age of enrolment in the first year has been raised to 6, reducing the number of classes in the entire school cycle to 11. The promise: ‘In all schools there will be a single approach, a single standard, a single level of quality.’
Leo XIV recites the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace. ‘Let us express our joy, for the immaculate beauty of the Mother of God.’ Mary's “yes” is “wonderful” and can be emulated ‘in prayer and in concrete works, from the most extraordinary gestures to daily services.’
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”.
