The new primate, who will take office on 29 May in Baghdad, outlines to AsiaNews the priorities of his mission at the helm of one of the oldest Churches in the East. The years spent among the diaspora communities in Australia and the tragedy of ISIS during his time as bishop in Mosul are the two cornerstones of his episcopate. His relationship with the Muslim world and his commitment to stemming the exodus, ensuring a future for Christians in the Middle East.
The icon of the Mother of God Neupivaemaja Čaša, the “Inexhaustible Chalice” which presents Christ as the “drink of salvation”, is increasingly invoked by Russian Orthodox Christians to seek deliverance from alcohol and drug addiction. Alongside 80 “saints of sobriety” chosen from among the “new martyrs” of the last century.
At yet another summit in Beijing, just a week after Donald Trump's visit, the Russian and Chinese presidents discussed strategic cooperation, calling US policy "irresponsible”. But once more, negotiations have stalled regarding the Power of Siberia-2 pipeline, which is vital for Moscow but not China.
Tensions are rising around Samsung Electronics in South Korea. Some 48,000 workers are set to go on strike for 18 days after negotiations with the company over semiconductor profits fail. The government wants to avoid repercussions on the domestic and global economies, reopening the debate on its controversial special powers in such cases.
The Lebanese bishop sat alongside Leo XIV during today’s general audience in St Peter's Square. The pope mentioned the journey towards "full communion" and called to pray "for peace in Lebanon and the Middle East." To a group of athletes, he said: "the true goal is not material victory, but respect for your opponent." The catechesis on the Second Vatican Council's constitution on the liturgy “represents a sign of the unity of the human race in Christ.”
The charges against Bahar Saharaian reportedly include ‘propaganda activities’ against the Islamic Republic and ‘spreading false news’. In 2022, she had already been imprisoned for joining her colleagues’ protest against the crackdown on demonstrations following the death of Mahsa Amini. Hotel closed for failing to comply with hijab rules and record number of executions in 2025.
