UN agencies estimate that around 17 million people have been affected in some way by the earthquake, with the death toll standing at 3,700. Fears for the rainy season now approaching. Official statements on the ceasefire have been disregarded: hundreds of bombings have taken place in recent weeks. Fundraising continues, promoted by the PIME Foundation.
A Franciscan of Belgian origin, he received the cardinal's red hat on 7 December during the last consistory. The Iranian Church is a ‘peripheral’ reality, a small flock that is ‘transparent’ in its faith. Criticism of those who harbour a ‘preconceived’ view of a nation rich in ‘contrasts’. The desire to train ‘local pastors’.
Through tax breaks and the commissioning of new small hydroelectric power plants, the government in Bishkek is resolutely pursuing a path of ecological transition. This will bring significant benefits for businesses, but doubts remain about the impact on the behaviour of individual citizens.
In Vietnamese churches, public memorial services are being held for the pontiff. On behalf of the communist authorities, a government official burnt incense in his memory at the headquarters of the Bishops' Conference. No cardinal from this lively and courageous Church will be at the conclave, but everyone remembers Francis’s suggestion that his successor will certainly go to Vietnam.
The College of Cardinals Francis created reflects the world more than the Catholic Church, or rather, it reflects her missionary vocation. Numbers count far less than bearing evangelical witness, which Christians are expected to live in the community of nations. For this reason, starting tomorrow we will present the Who’s Who of the cardinals from Asia called to enter the Sistine Chapel to elect the new pontiff.
Cardinal Re led the service in the parvis of St Peter’s. “Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us,” he said. The conversation between Trump and Zelenskyy inside the basilica was the highlight of the political side of the event. The presence of heads of state and government from Asia and the Middle East was significant. The bishops of mainland China sent a message of condolence, which the Xinhua news agency mentioned without citing the text.
