Two ceremonies were held today in Hebei’s “new” diocese established by Leo XIV, in which the authorities officially recognised two underground bishops. For the Holy See, this is “an important step in the journey of communion”, but Beijing is falsely attributing statements to them that pander to the usual claims about patriotism and the independence of the Church in China, sowing discord among the faithful in the communities that the move is supposed to unite.

In Dili, hundreds of thousands celebrated the first anniversary of their meeting with Pope Francis, on his 45th apostolic journey outside of Italy. In Indonesia, currently shaken by violent social tensions, local bishops call for “repentance” and “listening”. In Singapore, the archdiocese launched its 2025-2035 Pastoral Plan inspired by synodality.

After Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, an insurrection led by Generation Z has shaken Nepal. With Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation, the debate over the form of state, republic or monarchy, has been reignited, with the latter backed by Hindu extremists who are also the basis of support for Modi’s government in India. While New Delhi fears instability on its borders, Nepal’s military is trying to gain political ground.

In the Holy Year of Hope, such a deed is designed to provide relief and comfort to the many families experiencing financial hardship. This crisis has been ongoing for some time, partly due to Israeli government cuts, and exacerbated by the recent years of war. For Cardinal Pizzaballa, “This was not an easy decision” because it means loss of revenues, but it is a sign of “grace” in “a  context of violence”.

Low water levels in the two main rivers, down to 27%, threaten the ecosystem. The situation is exacerbated by dams built upstream in Turkey and Iran. The country receives less than 35% of the quota that would theoretically be allocated to it. Basra is among the centres most vulnerable to change. The collapse of the water levels favours archaeological discoveries.

The People's Party has conditioned its support on the rewriting of the rules that led to the judicial liquidation of the election winners. But the Constitutional Court has already intervened, arguing that a referendum is first needed in which the popular vote gives a mandate to begin discussing changes. The assumption is that it will be held together with the general elections promised within four months.