Leo XIV spoke at the Angelus following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, warning against “the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions." He appealed to the parties for a “reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.” On fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he expressed hope that harmony may “prevail in all conflicts”. Speaking about the Gospel of the day, he said that “The Redeemer thus transfigures the wounds of history”.
From Myitkyina, a testimonial comes from Father Kurt Pala, a Philippine priest of the Missionaries of St. Columban, who has been ministering in a country disfigured by war for more than five years, where ”the poor and the earth [. . .] have taught me to pray while waiting for peace, to trust in God every moment of life, to share the last cup of rice with a neighbor, and to find joy in the small things”.
The attacks launched by Israel and the United States on the eve of Purim and Iran's retaliation against US bases in the region have already claimed the life of one Asian immigrant, a Pakistani national working in Abu Dhabi. In India, the opposition has criticised Modi, who has just returned from Israel. Indonesia’s Prabowo (who promised soldiers for Gaza) offers to mediate. China ponders the repercussions.
Imports from South Africa are under scrutiny because of poor quality coal, resulting in substandard performance by the Lak Vijaya Power (LVP) plant. Experts say the role of an accredited independent laboratory is crucial. For the opposition, the “entire coal procurement process was rigged.”
The holiday season ended with a 40 per cent decline, an eight-year low despite the all-time record of four million screenings. Many theatres were left empty, especially in smaller cities, due to high ticket prices, competition from short videos and online series, and a saturation of patriotic productions. Meanwhile in Japan, the country’s movie industry was experiencing an exceptional boom.
Today's news: Second night of Pakistani raids on Afghanistan, with Islamabad reporting 331 Taliban fighters killed. The Israeli Supreme Court temporarily lifts the ban on international NGOs in Gaza. An exiled activist will continue to fight for democracy in Hong Kong even after her father is sentenced to eight months in prison. South Korean President Lee will sell his private home to encourage the fight against real estate speculation.
