The pontiff received the South Korean president in audience this morning. Yesterday, in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Lee spoke at the Mass for Peace promoted by the Korean community. For the South Korean leader, despite the difficulties, “the ember of hope” for an agreement with Pyongyang “is still alive.” Cardinal You laments that “The Korean Peninsula still bears the wounds of division,” but adds: “We can never give up on peace”.
Last week, the authorities evicted security staff and residents from Forman Christian College University. They were given “24 hours” to remove all property and historical artefacts. The administration is seeking a legal solution to retain control of the building. Christian activist: “The government has hurt the community’s feelings”.
An appeal against laws allowing minors to convert to Islam with the consent of just one parent has been dismissed on procedural grounds. Eight years on from a landmark ruling that seemed set to change the situation, the issue continues to be a cause for concern among religious minorities.
In Uzbekistan, approximately 107 boys are born for every 100 girls; in Tajikistan, the figure is as high as 110. This imbalance cannot be explained by natural causes and must be attributed to the practice of abortion when prenatal tests reveal that the foetus is female. This sex selection not only reflects gender discrimination but also entails serious social risks.
Today’s headlies: the earthquake in the Philippines has raised the seabed; Agreements have been signed between the UK and Japan for investments worth £18 billion; Taiwan has launched a website to encourage citizens of the People’s Republic of China to provide intelligence information; A free public transport scheme for women and transgender people has been launched in Kerala.
The visit to Vilnius by Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople, marked the completion of the return of Lithuanian territory to his jurisdiction with the consecration of an exarch in a country that has welcomed many Orthodox Christians who left Moscow due to the schism. At the same time, Kirill was in nearby Kaliningrad, where he emphasised the ‘patriotic’ mission of his community.
