Leo XIV met in the Vatican with a group of faithful from the Eastern-rite Catholic community, which is set to mark the centenary of its return to full communion with Rome in 2032. The pontiff urged them to preserve their unique identity even in the diaspora where many live today.
In his message for the Tenth World Day of the Poor, the pontiff calls for “rediscovering the faces of so many brothers and sisters”. Sadly, “The loss of a sense of the transcendent [. . .] places one above the other”, while “a desecrating logic of abuse [. . .] marginalizes and humiliates.” In his message for Grandparents' Day, the pope tells the elderly: “do not be afraid of fragility.”
The pontiff received the South Korean president in audience this morning. Yesterday, in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Lee spoke at the Mass for Peace promoted by the Korean community. For the South Korean leader, despite the difficulties, “the ember of hope” for an agreement with Pyongyang “is still alive.” Cardinal You laments that “The Korean Peninsula still bears the wounds of division,” but adds: “We can never give up on peace”.
Last week, the authorities evicted security staff and residents from Forman Christian College University. They were given “24 hours” to remove all property and historical artefacts. The administration is seeking a legal solution to retain control of the building. Christian activist: “The government has hurt the community’s feelings”.
An appeal against laws allowing minors to convert to Islam with the consent of just one parent has been dismissed on procedural grounds. Eight years on from a landmark ruling that seemed set to change the situation, the issue continues to be a cause for concern among religious minorities.
In Uzbekistan, approximately 107 boys are born for every 100 girls; in Tajikistan, the figure is as high as 110. This imbalance cannot be explained by natural causes and must be attributed to the practice of abortion when prenatal tests reveal that the foetus is female. This sex selection not only reflects gender discrimination but also entails serious social risks.
