The annual ordinary session of the Iraqi Church, led by Cardinal Sako and attended by 20 bishops, was held in Baghdad. The final declaration emphasised the importance of “team spirit” in order to put past divisions behind them. A warning to respect “quotas” to protect their presence in institutions.

A 5.7 magnitude earthquake struck the area around the capital of Bangladesh this morning. The victims were hit by falling debris from buildings as they walked along the street. Panic and injuries were also reported in textile factories and university buildings. Bishops' Conference: no damage to churches. Experts warn: ‘The country is in a seismic zone, building safety codes must be enforced’.

Cosmetic surgery and women's clothing are being targeted by the authorities in Central Asia. In a sermon that went viral, the mufti of Dushanbe harshly condemned the injections, while in Ashgabat the police stopped women “wearing excessive make-up”. Sociologist Anora Sadykova: ‘Campaigns created to avoid discussions about unemployment, corruption and rising prices’.

The Umbrian city welcomed Pope Leo XIV on the first Italian visit of his pontificate to celebrate this great, humble, and poor saint at a time when the world seeks signs of hope. The pontiff will return in 2026 to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death. Speaking to the members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Italy gathered at Santa Maria degli Angeli, he urged them “to listen to and harmonize tensions, developing a culture of encounter”.

A new Save the Children report shows how explosive weapons have become the leading cause of death and maiming of children in today’s wars. New technologies amplify the risks (rather than improve accuracy), while mines and unexploded ordnance continue to strike, especially in Afghanistan and Myanmar. The NGO urgently calls for cuts in the use of explosives in populated areas and real funding for land reclamation and children rehabilitation and protection.

The two countries struck a deal after divisions had led to speculation about a fallback on the organisation's headquarters in Bonn. Turkey will host the event, while Australia will chair the talks. Concerns remain about the true effectiveness of the collaboration between the two countries, coupled with criticism from Pacific nations who had hoped to see the event take place in their region.