On 19-21 November, economists and entrepreneurs under 35 from around the world will meet online. More than 40 countries will be connected, with live streaming from Assisi. Some 2,000 people have registered with at least 12 link-ups to 115 countries, four hours a day plus a 24-hour marathon on the second day, and contributions from more than 20 countries.
The meeting with the president of the German Bishops Conference, in all likelihood touched upon the assembly with "deliberative power" convoked by the Germans to address issues such as the separation of power in the Church, priestly life, women's access to ministry and to offices in the Church and sexual morality.
Today's headlines: Pope says China-Vatican agreement on bishops not ideal, but hopes it will be renewed; Japan develops an app for smartphones that automatically deletes images of underage nudity; Vietnamese police have arrested the famous blogger and activist Nguyen Lan Thang; a "discount war" on oil looms between Tehran and Moscow; in Sri Lanka, cooking with wood returns.
EU mediation allowed the two delegations to communicate with each other in the capital of Qatar. For the EU, negotiations will continue until the JCPOA, a key agreement, is revived. US blacklisting Iran’s Revolutionary Guards is a major stumbling block.
The latest UN report presented yesterday confirms the increasing use of capital punishment in the Islamic Republic. An increase coincided with the rise to the presidency of Raisi, who as a magistrate made extensive use of the executioner. More and more convictions for drug-related offenses and minors at the time of the crime.
The demonstrations reached Tehran and other centres including Ahvaz, Sari, Rasht, Sanandaj and Kermanshah. Security forces intervened, making about a hundred arrests among the activists. Trade unions accused of being 'enemy' entities in the pay of foreign governments to fuel discontent.
