In the year that Macao celebrates the 450th anniversary of the founding of its diocese, the local Catholic university is offering an in-depth course on the most significant issues in the history of modern evangelisation in the East. This is a stimulating initiative on a campus that actively promotes creative dialogue between Chinese and European traditions in the fields of culture and science.
In AsiaNews, Fr Ielpo describes the run-up to Easter amidst the war in the Gulf and the closure of the holy sites. He condemns the violence perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank: “Serious acts against people who want to live in peace”. His account of southern Lebanon, which he has just visited. Prayer as an ‘essential’ path to a peace ‘that comes from above’. An appeal to Christians worldwide to ‘carry this yet another cross together’.
Commissioned by President Mirziyoyev, with 42,000 square metres of exhibition space, it is one of the world’s largest facilities dedicated to the study and promotion of Muslim history, culture and civilisation. Also on display is the Mushaf of ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān, the oldest manuscript of the Qur’an.
The ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the end of Ramadan is part of a broader objective, namely possible talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad to halt the war in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump reported "very good and productive conversations," ostensibly with the speaker of the Iranian parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Saudi Arabia is also playing a central role.
The monastery, re-established in 2004 by Korean nuns on the ashes of the previous contemplative community wiped out by Pol Pot's persecution, has closed. The decision is due to a lack of new vocations. Bishop Schmitthaeusler expressed his gratitude: "The fruits of your presence will continue in our community.”
President Lai Ching-te announced plans to restart the Guosheng and Ma-anshan nuclear plants due to growing energy demand and the war in the Middle East, marking a turning point after the country's nuclear phase-out. Last year, a referendum had already called for the restart of one plant but failed because it fell short of the threshold of eligible voters.
