President Marcos Jr. signed Muslim Mindanao law, establishing the rules for long-delayed elections. Starting in 2031, local elections will align with nationwide voting. The Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) welcomed the process towards full democratic transition; for Chief Minister Macacua, “this election marks the full exercise of the people’s sovereign will.”
Twelve months after the earthquake which, according to official figures, claimed at least 5,000 lives, Caritas and CAFOD continue to support the affected communities. Many people are still displaced and living in even more precarious conditions due to poverty and civil war. Reconstruction remains slow and the needs are still enormous, warn organisations on the ground.
Two weeks after his appointment, the installation ceremony was held for the Capuchin prelate, formerly Apostolic Vicar of Quetta. “I stand before you with humility and gratitude, ready to be guided by God.” This was the warning from Archbishop Travas, who has served as apostolic administrator of this Church for the past two years: “Beware of those who use you for their own interests and agendas.”
Today’s headlines: in Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing, a formal presidential candidate, has left the army; The Taiwanese leader of the Kuomintang is due to visit Beijing from 7 April; The Maldives do not recognise the agreement between Britain and Mauritius on the Chagos Islands; Chongqing overtakes Shanghai in the ranking of Chinese cities by consumer spending.
Russia’s “foreign agents” register currently contains over 1,200 individuals and more than 1,500 projects, organisations and titles of various initiatives. Some have managed to have their names removed by striking deals with the authorities to save their businesses and reputations. But there are also those who find themselves on the list without even knowing why.
In his homily in St Peter's Square, the pope spoke of “Jesus, King of Peace," who "always rejects violence”. “In his wounds, we see the hurts of so many women and men today,” especially the “victims of war." In the Angelus, the pontiff expressed closeness to the “Christians of the Middle East” who, “in many cases, are unable to observe fully the liturgies” during Holy Week. “Let us also pray for all the migrants who have died at sea,” he said.
