This morning, the pontiff asked for prayers at the Paul VI Hall for a "disarmed and disarming" peace in “Ukraine and the Middle East.” For 22 August, the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he called for a day of "fasting and prayer" for the Earth "wounded by war”. In the catechesis dedicated to forgiveness, Leo explained that “betrayal can become an opportunity for salvation”.
The Thaksin’s case will be heard on 22 August, while his daughter Paetongtarn’s case will be heard on 29 August after her prime ministership was suspended over the latest military confrontation with Cambodia. This marks a new chapter in Thailand’s long crisis; unable to turn the page, the country pursues its long decline.
Eighty representatives of the Modern Orthodox movement, led by Rabbi Yosef Blau, have launched an appeal calling for "moral clarity" and "responsibility" based on the values of Jewish tradition. While condemning Hamas, they call for a "response" to the tragedy in Gaza and criticise the "disturbing proposals" of Smotrich and Ben Gvir. For the rabbis, they must “speak out when our government’s actions contradict the Torah’s moral imperatives”. The Latin Patriarchate warns of evacuation orders in neighbourhoods near Gaza Catholic parish.
A tragedy of poverty and gambling addiction lies in a father's decision to take his own life after killing his wife and two children. In a statement, Minarul Islam mentions “debt and hunger”. This tragedy is like several others that have occurred in recent weeks. Investigators have opened a case to shed light on the organisation that lent the man money.
Today's news: Thailand opens its doors to 10,000 Sri Lankan workers to replace Cambodians after border war. Japan wants to launch a new area of economic cooperation with Africa. In the United Arab Emirates, an archaeological dig unearths a 1,400-year-old cross. Turkey repatriated two human rights activists to Turkmenistan.
More than 12 million people, or 14 per cent of the population, live in extreme poverty. The number of children at risk of removal from their families due to financial difficulties is up. The birth rate is dropping, raising concerns about the country's future demographic balance. One in four citizens is expected to be over 65 by 2080.
