In Grozny, men’s attitudes have become increasingly harsh in public debates in recent years, whilst the boundaries of what is acceptable for women are becoming ever more restricted. A paradoxical situation has arisen following the story of a sea rescue of some girls who were drowning, which was criticised on social media because ‘in Islam, touching a woman is forbidden’.
Inaugurated recently in Jordan, the establishment is not just an academic initiative but a project that combines education, interreligious dialogue, and the development of spiritual heritage. The goal is to make Al-Maghtas a centre for study and reflection on early Christianity, where history, theology, and culture intertwine. This vision looks to 2030, when the two-thousandth anniversary of Jesus’s baptism will be celebrated at the site.
On the feast of Pentecost, in Yangon Cardinal Bo announced new services, bringing the number of languages spoken by the Catholic station to 12 in a country marked by an extraordinary diversity of peoples and cultures, but also by the sad reality of conflict dividing communities. Broadcasting in the Akha language will also be very important for Akha communities living in China, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
The Swedish government has singled out the Sri Lankan Catholic activist for his work on behalf of the victims of enforced disappearances during the civil war and previous periods of political violence in Sri Lanka. Founder of Families of the Disappeared, he has been seeking truth and justice for more than 30 years despite intimidation and threats.
Members of the small Muslim group are being denied the right to celebrate the Feast of Sacrifice in Pakistan. A multi-actor movement that includes extremist organisations and public bodies is behind it. A Jamaat Ahmadiya representative spoke to AsiaNews about the “discriminatory treatment” they receive, “and violations of our fundamental rights”.
The Pope’s appeal regarding the war in Ukraine at the end of the general audience in St Peter’s Square: ‘Where missiles and drones fall, hope also falls’… In his catechesis, continuing his review of the Council’s documents, Leo XIV addressed the theme of liturgical reform. ‘The Church’s worship must be embodied in the cultural forms of every age. But it must always be the fruit of communal discernment: those who preside over the rites must respect the texts and the regulations’.
