Russia

Synod approves reorganisation of Orthodox Church, also in light of war with Ukraine. New department will define ways of assisting the "foreign neighbour", the nations once under the USSR. Nominations for the exarchate of Africa to be made shortly.

More than a month after the beginning of the "cruel and senseless" conflict in Ukraine, Francis renewed his appeal to “Silence the weapons” and “Move seriously towards peace.” In his view, “We should not accustom ourselves to war. Instead, we need to convert today’s anger into a commitment for tomorrow” so as to “erase it from human history before it erases human history.”

Sinopec stops a US$ 500 million project with a Russian petrochemical company. China fears secondary sanctions from the US and its allies if it helps the Kremlin. Nothing indicates that Beijing is backing Putin in his Ukrainian campaign.

In the Vatican Basilica before Our Lady of Fatima, the pontiff performs the act of consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary amid a "cruel and senseless" conflict. This was preceded by a penitential liturgy because “we have forgotten the lesson of the tragedies of the last century” and only God's forgiveness can “change our hearts and the world”. Entrusting oneself to the Mother is not a magical act but it is like children who “turn to their Mother” when “they are frightened.”

Speaking to the Italian Women's Centre, Francis said that he was “ashamed” that some countries opted recently to increase military spending as a response to war. A “culture of caring” rather than weapons is the true path. Gandhi, he noted, “led a people to freedom via the path of nonviolence.” Women offer an alternative model of politics.

Since 2009, this religious festival has been a UNESCO intangible heritage site. It is celebrated by many peoples of Russia and Central Asia. It promotes the values of peace and solidarity. It raises the question of acceptance of others, and the search for a common language, a problem that exploded in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

For the local Communist Party chief, regional synergy will boost the strategic cooperation between Beijing and Moscow. Developing Russia’s Far East would also help the Kremlin ease the burden of Western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. However, Chinese nationalists view the region as part of China.

Faced with the invasion of Ukraine, the political and information strategists are studying ways to further harness national culture. They are targeting bloggers, who may be required to have a state licence to operate. A return to "Soviet folklore" instead of "Harry Potter" has been called for.

An interfaith prayer was held in front of the Holy Trinity Cathedral, at the Russian Compound, in order to appeal to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow to work for peace. A letter signed by 150 religious leaders was taped to the building’s walls. For Patriarch Pizzaballa, “the images that we are seeing from the media are terrible and not justifiable.”

The Uzbek government stands for Ukrainian independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity: it does not recognise the Kremlin's puppet republics in the Donbass. Western sanctions against Putin are also having an effect in Uzbekistan. Many Uzbek migrants are fleeing Russia and returning home, followed by many Russian citizens.

On 25 March Pope Francis will consecrate Russia and Ukraine to Mary's immaculate heart. Mobilisation of Catholics in 300 Russian parishes. The prayers of Ukrainians dedicated above all to the martyred Mariupol.

New heartfelt appeal at the Angelus to stop "chaos and atrocities" committed by bombings for which "there is no justification". The account of the wounds of the children, victims of this war, whom he met yesterday at the Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital. Renewed invitation to dioceses and faithful around the world to join him on Friday 25 in the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.