While the governments in New Delhi and Islamabad each claim victory after the ceasefire in Kashmir, the ceasefire is bringing some relief to an exhausted population. Meanwhile, extremists continue to fuel hatred on social media. Political tensions remain an obstacle to dialogue. Bishops on both sides of the border have launched appeals for a future of peace and shared development.
The local government is asking the Legislative Council (which it controls) to approve a new regulation that would hand over jurisdiction to mainland China in "complex cases" involving foreign countries. The measure appears tailored to the case of Jimmy Lai. The "geopolitical situation" is cited as justification. It was opposition to extradition that sparked the pro-democracy protests in 2019.
Care for creation and overcoming divisions were the themes at the centre of the Argentine pontiff's last apostolic journey in September last year. Already by name the successor draws the Church's attention to the “new things” and the challenges of the present. The sacredness of life and the mission to build bridges in society.
During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s three-day visit to Moscow, the "Power of Siberia-2" gas pipeline—vital to Russia’s economy—was once again a topic of discussion. Beijing is already supporting Russia’s expanding military production by supplying microelectronic components blocked by Western sanctions. The presence of Chinese soldiers in the parade before Lenin’s mausoleum also reflects internal political considerations within China.
Today's news: Hamas announces it will release an Israeli-American hostage; In South Korea, the presidential election campaign begins ahead of the 3 June vote; The ceasefire between India and Pakistan holds, with both sides now facing decisions about their next moves; The Taliban ban chess and dismiss hundreds of university professors.
The new pope began his pontificate in the sign of peace. Today, Good Shepherd Sunday, in front of almost 100,000 people, he took up the plea his predecessors Paul VI, John Paul VI, and Francis made. Looking out onto St Peter's Square, he urged a ceasefire in Ukraine and Gaza. He called for urgent humanitarian aid be “provided to the stricken civil population”. Leo XVI welcomed "with satisfaction" the ceasefire between India and Pakistan. During this morning Mass in the Vatican Grottoes, near the tomb of Saint Peter, he said “to listen to build bridges and not judge”.
