Born in Chicago, he is the first pontiff from North America who also served as bishop of Chiclayo and has Peruvian citizenship. For two terms he was prior general of the Augustinians, a religious order also present in many Asian countries. Pope Francis brought him to Rome in 2023 as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. In his words: “My vocation, like that of every Christian, is to be a missionary, to proclaim the Gospel wherever one is.”
The new pope is U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost, 69 years old, who had previously served as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops after his time as a missionary in Peru. “God loves everyone, help us build bridges of dialogue to be reached by His love. We want to be a synodal Church, one that walks, always seeks peace, charity, and is close, especially to those who suffer.”
As clashes between India and Pakistan intensify after the attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, military operations are increasingly seen as testing the most advanced weapons on the market. Today India struck Pakistani air defences, risking further escalation. Pakistan has promised a response “at a time and place of its own choosing” with the risk of causing the worse confrontation between the two countries since 1971.
Meeting with Bill Gates, President Prabowo Subianto expressed gratitude for the aid, which the foundation began to give in 2009. The Indonesia leader also pledged to award the US philanthropist Indonesia’s highest national honour. In addition to health, the money has been used in agriculture and technology. Indonesia's PT Bio Farma produces up to two billion doses of vaccine every year, distributed in over 40 countries benefitting more than 900 million people.
Many Filipinos in the crowd are waiting for the smoke that will announce the end of the conclave. Many hope for Tagle, but “let the Holy Spirit do its work.” An Asian pope would represent great hope for the continent. Indian nuns pray for peace with Pakistan, like Pope Francis did.
The fate of six teenagers from Rakhine State in Myanmar is unknown since 21 March. They were detained last December after traffickers brought them to Thailand. This case highlights Bangkok's failure to protect underage asylum seekers. For Fortify Rights, “every refugee child” should be “protected – not punished – for seeking safety.”
