Behind Putin’s remarks at the Victory Day parade regarding the “possible end of the war” (albeit at an unspecified time) lie the risks that a further prolongation of the conflict would now pose to the stability of Russian society. Thus, despite the deadlock in negotiations, Moscow is attempting to revise its propaganda narrative to give the impression that it has nonetheless achieved its objectives in the ‘special operation’ in Ukraine.

At the Regina Caeli, Leo called for an end to the violence in the Sahel region. He thanked the people of the Canary Islands for letting passengers on the cruise ship with the hantavirus outbreak to disembark. The pontiff also sent his greetings to Tawadros II and the Coptic Church on the Day of Coptic-Catholic Friendship. On Mother's Day, he urged prayers “for every mother, particularly those living in very difficult circumstances.”

Located in the Ulaanbaatar Cathedral compound, the centre is meant to foster the inculturation of foreign missionaries and volunteers engaged in pastoral and social activities, deepening their knowledge of the local language, history, and society. The inauguration coincided with Pastoral Week, which saw the small Catholic community reflect on the theme, “Grace and Mission”.

The resignation of Archbishop Paolo Pezzi of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God at Moscow marks a delicate transition for Russia’s Catholic community, a process that will also affect relations with Russian authorities and the Orthodox Patriarchate. Citing health reasons that currently make it impossible for him to administer the large diocese, the prelate, who has led the local Church since 2007, calls for unity. Now succession becomes a major issue.

According to Human Rights Watch, at least 65 Ethiopian prisoners are at "imminent risk" following recent executions. Many of those sentenced are migrants who fled the war in Tigray. The Ethiopian Catholic Church is also calling for urgent diplomatic intervention to stop the executions and ensure legal assistance to the prisoners.

The Seoul Welfare Foundation is launching a digital transformation programme in six facilities, introducing artificial intelligence and robotic assistance to reduce staff workload and improve elderly safety. The initiative is part of South Korea's broader effort to address its aging population and growing shortage of caregivers.