The auxiliary bishop of Bombay weighs in on the ongoing debate in this Indian state over the bill against "forced" conversions that the state government wants to submit to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. “[I]solated incidents [. . .] could be addressed under existing criminal laws.” A source of concern, the bill is contrary to personal freedom since it would allow a relative to file a complaint.
Residents in Yei Twin Gone, a village tract in Bago Region, were targeted in one of the latest attacks by Myanmar’s military junta after soldiers arrested about 160 locals to extract information on local resistance leaders. Fresh massacres were also reported in Rakhine and the Mandalay Region, with six more children killed.
According to the most recent estimates, the conflict with Hamas in Gaza alone has cost the equivalent of one-fifth of Israel's economy. And today, billions of dollars are being burned every week in attacks on Tehran. The paradox is that hundreds of billions are being spent on war, while little more than crumbs remain for reconstruction and development.
Spiritual leader of the Ashaninka people in Brazil, Benki Piyãko has been promoting reforestation, environmental education, and the transmission of indigenous knowledge for over 15 years, becoming an internationally recognised voice for the defence of the Amazon.
Yesterday, the Chaldean primate submitted his resignation to Pope Leo. The decision was made official today in a statement from the Vatican Press Office. In his message, the cardinal remembered that he “led the Chaldean Church under extremely difficult circumstances and amid great challenges.” Also today, the Metropolitan of Lahore and the Apostolic Vicar of Quetta were appointed in Pakistan, with the two outgoing prelates exchanging sees.
21-year-old Marcus Masih died on 4 March at the farm where he worked. The owners spoke of ‘suicide’, but there are clear signs of violence on the body. The community takes to the streets and demands justice, but the police report them for obstructing traffic. The family is under pressure to avoid trial and prison for the suspects.
