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.
Domestic compliance with international commitments under observation. Corruption and personal discrimination are also in the crosshairs. The Turkmen government's attitude is evasive. Religious groups obliged to register.
Today's headlines: WHO opens investigation into contaminated cough syrup produced in India and Indonesia, the probable cause of the deaths of more than 300 children; an appeal by a headmaster in Kabul urging fathers to accompany their daughters to school; Taiwan's president in a letter to the Pope rules out the "option" of war with Beijing; the first woman pastor ordained in the Holy Land.
Deaths are increasing due to taking drugs without controls, or because they are expired or of dubious quality. The deaths could be much higher than the official figures. Pharmacies out of control: they sell everything without a prescription, in several cases even narcotics.
Today's news: Japan intends to dump more than a million tonnes of radioactive water from the Fukushima plant into the sea; the Shrine of St Anne in Penang becomes Malaysia first (minor) basilica; the Supreme Court of India warns the central and state governments against hate speech; China plans to introduce exams for professional journalists; one Russian in three depends on pensions or state benefits.
