Nirmala Carvalho

Oxfam's report presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos highlights the increase in economic inequality over the pandemic period. "If Indian billionaires were taxed at a rate of 2% of their total wealth it would support the feeding of malnourished people in the country for the next three years".

Despite talks between the parties led by a Church committee, the bishops’ meeting ended with no agreement. In the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly, tensions have simmered for a year over a failed compromise on the uniform rite. For Card Alencherry, everyone should understand that ignoring the synod's decision is illicit. New incidents between opposing sides marred Christmas celebrations at Ernakulam cathedral.

Card Pell, who served as archbishop of Sydney and of Melbourne as well as prefect of the Vatican dicastery for the economy, died suddenly yesterday in Rome at the age of 81. He spent more than 400 days in prison following a conviction based on slanderous charges of paedophilia, which were overturned by Australia’s High Court. The archbishop of Bombay remembers him. The two met last September in India to discuss the family, which to him was “extremely important for the revitalisation of Christian life.” He was still “talking about the future,” not the past.

For several days, ever-widening cracks have appeared in buildings and roads in the town of some 20,000 residents in Uttarakhand. Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr Ajo Thelappily bemoans “unprecedented landslides”; remember “the people of Joshimath in your prayers,” he asks. Excessive pumping of groundwater for farming is blamed for further weakening an area already geologically unstable.

Archbishop Emeritus Bernard Moras of Bangalore is provisionally in charge of the diocese. A statement from the Bishops' Conference notes that Bishop William will “take a period of absence” following accusations of embezzlement and violation of celibacy. The local clergy is satisfied with the decision, which had been requested some time ago to the Vatican.

The body of Milyakov Sergey, chief naval engineer, was found yesterday in his cockpit. In late December, two oligarchs had died under suspicious circumstances in a hotel in Rayagada. The Indian police say they have found no evidence of a 'criminal act', but the investigation continues.

Clashes in the Narayanpur district have continued since mid-December. Christian leaders had tried to draw the attention of the local authorities to the interreligious tensions, but they were ignored. Yesterday's demonstration should have been peaceful, but some tribesmen indulged in violence. The parish priest: 'The situation is very tense'.

The archbishop of Bombay remembers the pope emeritus, who made him cardinal. Indian Archbishop Felix Machado, who worked in the Vatican for 15 years at the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, looks at the very tense days of the Regensburg address. Benedict XVI’s “message had nothing to do with blaming any religion”. After the archbishop clarified the pope’s remarks, the pontiff thanked him. Benedict XVI always taught “to enter into genuine dialogue”.

Great fervour accompanied celebrations in Kandhamal, a district marred by violence 15 years ago. For Fr Madan Singh, “Many tribal people of other faiths came with lighted candles to pay homage to the new born king in the crib.” The largest sand statue of Santa Claus in the world is made on Gopalpur beach.

In Narayanpur district, hundreds of protesters want complaints to be filed against people who have attacked and evicted tribal residents for converting to Christianity, instigated by local politicians. As many 21 such incidents have been reported this month. “Our fundamental rights [. . .] are being taken away from us,” reads one complaint.

Superior of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Saint Marc, Sister Ligy Payyappilly chose to stay close to the local population after Russia’s invasion. She tells AsiaNews about the courage of the Ukrainians and how, on Christmas, her convent will become a place of shelter and welcome.

Arsenal Consulting found 44 documents planted via malware, which India’s National investigation agency used as “evidence” of terrorism against the Jesuit who died at 84 in July 2021 after many months in prison. His confrere, Fr Mascarenhas, told AsiaNews that the hacking began in 2014, soon after current Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office for the first time.