Despite the president's flaunted anti-corruption campaigns, an affair of extremely lucrative contracts benefiting a company linked to his family has come to light in Tashkent. With his son-in-law Umarov at the centre, the 'grey eminence' of a power system ranging from big business to the world of sport.
The pontiff met with the Jordanian monarch today at the Vatican. The Holy See noted the "cordial" conversation and the two sides’ shared commitments. For the Jordanian priest, the bilateral relationship is well established with Jordan as a “model” of Christian-Muslim relations. Both are concerned about the escalation in the region, while stressing the importance of tourism, especially “religious tourism”.
Former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele will be the new prime minister. Analysts expect him to adopt a less confrontational approach despite ties to China. Pacific nations are torn between loyalty to their Western partners and agreements (especially on security) with China.
One million foreigners visited the country in the first quarter of 2024. Once a remote destination, it is now popular with eco-friendly travellers. But its weak currency and high debt push it ever closer to China and Thailand in exchange for a big slice of Mekong River hydroelectric power.
On the occasion of a recent international meeting in Rome with 300 priests from every continent, Francis addresses a letter to all parish priests, urging them to “Experience the joy of being true fathers, who do not dominate others but rather bring out” their “precious possibilities”.
On a day when even among local politicians rhetoric about labour abounds, in Pakistan and Sri Lanka the most defenceless groups have tried to make their voices heard. Fr Bonnie Mendes: "Even the Church should value the feast of St Joseph the Worker more to defend their dignity".
