Lahore holds the sad record of being the most polluted city in the world. The health of 127 million inhabitants is at risk. Hospitals are overwhelmed with respiratory diseases, with children most at risk. Experts say it is ‘no longer’ just a ‘seasonal’ problem. Drastic and coordinated action is needed, but the government is failing to act.
The nine days of dawn Masses in preparation for Christmas have begun in Philippine communities around the world. Speaking about the Church, Cardinal Advincula said that, “Everyone has a place here”; she is “not for the perfect but for all seekers.” The prelate also offered a special thought for those returning to the Church after a long time and for those burdened by doubts or wounds.
Catholic charities are working to prevent child marriage through development and the fight against superstitions, helping everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. “We focus on community development, human dignity, and empowerment,” said Father Birendra Tete.
Civil society groups and activists are echoing a call from various segments of Sri Lankan society to renegotiate the agreement with the International Monetary Fund in light of the damage caused by climate change. The focus is on the Extended Fund Facility programme whose austerity measures are a further obstacle to economic revival. The demand is to put people first in restructuring the economy. Meanwhile, the number of people killed and affected by the cyclone continues to rise.
The pope continued his series of Jubilee catechesis in St Peter's. He noted that modern life is marked by "constant movement”, and that inner emptiness shows that "we are not machines." Instead, the heart reaches out to "God who is Love," a "treasure" obtained by loving "brothers and sisters in flesh and blood”. The pontiff hopes the nativity scene will continue to be part of Christmas.
The Indonesian consortium that controls 60% of the route inaugurated two years ago recorded losses of over 0 million in 2024. This year, losses are expected to increase further. The project is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, but from the outset it appeared to be economically unsustainable. It is not the only case among the major railway projects in Southeast Asia. Nevertheless, Prabowo is intensifying his embrace of Beijing.
