Called Gaemi in neighbouring countries, the typhoon is now moving over Taiwan. At least 13 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced in the flooded area that coincides with large parts of the large suburbs of the Philippine capital. People are reported still waiting for rescue on rooftops. Prayers for the rains to stop.
In a telegram signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Parolin, the pontiff mentions the role played by Nguyễn Phú Trọng in recent years “in fostering and promoting the positive development of relations between Viet Nam and the Holy See." This is a show of closeness to the country at a very delicate moment of transition.
In his third State of the Nation address, Philippine President Marcos announced the end of concessions to offshore gaming operators and reiterated the need to boost national defence even after a deal was struck with China over supplying a ship aground in the South China Sea. Despite the government claims, a recent report shows that households feel poorer.
A Sacred Heart missionary of Dutch origin, he died at the age of 88. In Indonesia since 1968, as director of the Ethics Centre at the University of Jakarta he made an important contribution to the country in the reflection on social ethics, also training young scholars.
Heir to the first seminary opened in 1665 to train the local clergy in Ayuthia in present-day Thailand, the College General has seen more than 50 graduates give their lives for the Gospel, including the martyrs of the Vietnamese persecution in the 18th century and those who perished in Pol Pot’s Cambodia. For Card Francis, “May the exemplary and courageous spirit of these martyrs continue to inspire” today’s priests in Malaysia.
Elected in January by the Conference of Rulers in one of the few elected monarchies in the world, he will remain in office for five years. This morning’s ceremony was held in the main square of the National Palace in Kuala Lumpur. For Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the monarchy guarantees equality and justice for all Malaysian citizens. The sovereign is also the head of Islam.
