The opening of meat-focused restaurants in provincial cities highlights the rise of the donju, private entrepreneurs who have grown wealthy through trade and new ties with Russia and China. Pyongyang, however, is seeking to bring this wealth, which continues to grow outside official state channels, back under its control.
Yesterday, the pontiff spent the vigil with young people at the National Stadium in Lima: “do not think that you must always appear strong,” he told them; instead, “Allow yourselves to be cared for.” Speaking to the bishops, he said that the Church’s path is "eminently missionary”. Regarding abuses by the clergy, he urged “prevention and protection." Today, he made a highly anticipated return to Chiclayo, where he once served as bishop.
Restrictions on construction sites, aimed at curbing pollution, are depriving thousands of daily-wage labourers of their earnings. Many are unregistered, meaning they may also be excluded from welfare assistance.
The chief executive of Consulus, an international consultancy firm inspired by the Economy of Communion, outlines a project to bring together investors and organisations of different faiths to support the common good. At its heart is an index that maps the resources of religious communities and the potential to transform interfaith dialogue into concrete collaborations.
Celebrations have begun to mark the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Ruwi. Monsignor Martinelli: “A united Church, built on the rock”. The Golden Jubilee will conclude on 5 November 2027. Fr Lewis extols the faith, charity and hope that the faithful “live out and share”.
Today’s headlines: Nvidia CEO Huang resigns amid scandal over relationship with an alleged Chinese spy; Indian investigation into websites blocked following forged court orders; Malaysian transport minister resigns in protest at Najib Razak’s house arrest; 19 dead in an explosion at a steelworks in Izmir.
Every year, tens of thousands of people are reported missing, yet there is no official data on how many are Jōhatsu, people who choose to voluntarily sever all ties with their former lives. Debts, social pressures, and domestic violence drive some to turn to yonige-ya, agencies that help people relocate without leaving a trace, while families are left in a state of suspended uncertainty.
From groceries to gas, rising prices are bringing more and more families to their knees. Healthcare and education are among the hardest hit. With an average income of around US$ 295 and monthly expenses reaching US$ 275, there is an urgent need to expand social welfare measures.
Raisa Sidenova, a researcher, highlights the role of documentary cinema in the national tradition and across Central Asia as a whole. It is not merely a record of events, but an exploration of form, editing and visual language. At its heart lie important and painful themes, even if they provoke rejection or resistance.
The final leg of his journey in Latin America, a region where he once lived as a missionary and as the bishop of Chiclayo, brings a poignant reflection. “Today I understand how much of this land remains with me,” he said. In his first address to the authorities, he urged them to listen with patience to those who “are far away”. He also called for Peruvian women to live free from "violence" and "exploitation." Today, he is set to meet with bishops and young people.
Arbitrary arrests and secret detentions key tools of Assad’s repression. Hundreds of journalists have been killed or are missing, and nearly 1,400 have been arrested. The challenge facing activist NGOs is to transform the archives documenting these acts of repression into evidence that can be used in legal proceedings.
Bishops from various countries across the continent and from Australia discuss the challenges faced, as well as the role of migrant communities in evangelisation. Superior General Fr Chiarello: “Let us move beyond the narrative of fear”. A Scalabrinian community will soon be established in East Timor too, to provide support in migrants’ countries of origin as well.
The blaze broke out in a remote area of Arunachal Pradesh, near the India-China border. The cause of the fire, which reportedly started in a kitchen, remains unknown. The husband is currently missing. The local Church is responding to the emergency, amid concerns regarding safety standards.
In its first season, the China-Europe Arctic Express has transported more than 14,000 containers via the Northern Sea Route, but variable transit times raise questions about the commercial viability of the connection. Furthermore, the route remains dependent on Russian authorisations and services.
Her death occurred in late October but only came to light in the last few days. She had been arrested at just 14 years old on the pretext of “illegally gathering to disturb social order.” The authorities labelled her as “not re-educated” following two years of a “training programme” spent in a prison cell, where she prayed.
A study reveals that a sharp rise in construction along Nepal’s rivers, up 78 per cent since 2016, is threatening entire communities. Indigenous groups are often at the greatest risk, while experts warn that land-use planning and mapping remain inadequate.
The practice of wearing a costume depicting a character from manga, video games or films is now widespread amongst young Chinese people. And it often happens that they find themselves in front of churches to take their photos. An AsiaNews source living in China describes the reactions of the Christian community.
She was eight months old when the atomic bomb destroyed her city. Ten years later, she met the co-pilot of the Enola Gay and realised she no longer wanted revenge. In Milan, she told her story to over 300 young people from Sant’Egidio: “You must know what happened, so that it never happens again”.
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