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: Pyongyang launches artillery strikes; Seoul approves strengthening of defence capabilities with the US and Japan; fresh Covid outbreak in Beijing; one of the earliest Islamic burial sites, dating to mid 7th century, discovered in Syria; Duma bans use of 'anglicisms' in public.
In Seoul, the special committee has completed the investigation for the beatification of Bishop Francis Hong Yong-ho and 80 other companions killed by the Communists in the 1950s. The papers will now go to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in Rome. Korean bishops hope that, against the background of “the harsh reality of the division of the country”, the martyrs’ witness will promote “reconciliation and unity”.
The change in language in educational material for the military reflects the more belligerent attitude of South Korea’s new president, Yoon Suk-yeol, and the tensions fuelled by this year's long series of missile launches. For South Korea, a new nuclear test by the North is imminent.
For South Korean President Yoon, “the door is always open for humanitarian aid, regardless of the political and military considerations of inter-Korean relations.” North Korean authorities have announced more than a million cases of “fever”. The crisis comes at a delicate time following North Korea’s latest nuclear tests and reports of a new, imminent launch.
