While the parties work towards a ceasefire, the pro-Iranian party remains opposed to "direct negotiations" with the Jewish state. Lebanon’s capital is experiencing hours of relative calm, but tensions remain in the south. The Druze House hosts a summit of religious leaders. Among the population, a growing consensus calls for peace with the Israelis and normalisation of relations.
Stored gelignite reportedly caused a massive explosion that killed at least 55 people in a village in Shan State. The catastrophe has put the spotlight on the TNLA, a controversial militia that struck a deal with China. Meanwhile, according to the United Nations, more than 16 million people in Myanmar are currently suffering from acute food insecurity. International organisations are appealing for help for one of the world's least-funded emergencies.
After decades, the Catholic community in Vallakkunnu can now bury its own in a two-storey mausoleum with nearly 400 burial cells. For Bishop Kannookadan of Irinjalakuda, such an innovative and eco-friendly solution avoids communal tensions and conveys a message of faith.
Despite a ban under Islamic law and doctrine, amulets and exorcism performed by mullahs or shaman are widespread in Tajikistan. According to a well-known legend, 40 inseparable spirits rule the world, believed to be able to ward off all human misfortunes.
Today's news: Cambodia seeks UN conciliation process on its maritime borders with Thailand. In Los Angeles, vandals damage a museum dedicated to the horrors of the Tiananmen massacre. Philippine Senator Estrada was arrested in a billion-dollar corruption scandal. The founder of an online protest movement in India that mocks the ruling party has called for mass action. In Iran, prison authorities continue to deny medical care to a jailed Iranian Christian convert.
Leo XIV met in the Vatican with the heads of mission societies from more than a hundred countries, brought together by the Dicastery for Evangelisation for their assembly in the year of the centenary of World Mission Day. “In a world increasingly marked by division, war and conflict among nations and peoples,” let us proclaim “the Prince of Peace and the incarnate revelation of Divine Love for humanity,” Leo said.
