The Melkite parish priest highlights the long-established coexistence with Muslim neighbours in Hmoud, where the attack took place, and of the grief shared by sister communities, now united in these days of sorrow. A direct attack on Christians raises questions about the future. The clergyman also looks at poverty and hardships in Jordan’s remote areas, far from Amman.
The Cardinal Apostolic Vicar of Ulan Bator shared the experience of his small Church, which “whispers the Gospel” into the hearts of the other peoples of the steppe. The Centre for the Study of Mongolian Culture has opened in the cathedral. “Pope Francis’s visit fostered a sense of goodwill from which we continue to benefit.”
Today’s headlines: Myanmar importsaviation fuel from Iran, circumventing sanctions; India cracks down on protests in Arunachal Pradesh; Mbappé forced to apologise to China after referring to Mao as a ‘Chinese dictator’ in an interview; Human rights activists criticise Lana Nusseibeh’s candidacy for the post of UN Secretary-General.
Leo XIV released a video message today addressed to the religious leaders gathered in Assisi, 40 years after the historic meeting first launched by John Paul II. May “the language of arrogance [. . .] give way to the language of peace, negotiation and understanding,” he said.
Archbishop Symeon announced the community’s willingness to sign an agreement regarding land ownership and the safeguarding of monastic life at the complex, a site in the Sinai that has served as a Christian presence of great historical and religious significance since the 6th century, and which, according to tradition, is where Moses received the Tablets of the Law.
To mark the 60th anniversary of the event, the ‘Nagasaki ’45’ pavilion is hosting an exhibition on ‘the legacy’ of Dr Takashi and his wife Midori, a descendant of the hidden Christians who died in the blast. A graphic novel by cartoonist Nathalie Fourmy recounts their story of faith and hope. Paola Marenco: a message that is highly relevant in today’s world.
The repatriation of a Russian surveyor who had swum to safety after opposing the war has caused a stir in Riga. It serves as a reminder that, in the post-Soviet space, simply fleeing is not enough: one must contend with a web of mistrust, mutual contempt and control that outweighs any shared ideas.
A report by Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) covering the 2024–2026 period sounds an alarm regarding violence linked to rising nationalism and the increasingly harsh control exerted over "underground" communities in China. It is estimated that 220 million Christians worldwide are directly exposed to persecution.
From Thailand to Malaysia, thousands of homes remain on the market despite high demand for housing. High prices, difficulty in obtaining mortgages, and locations far from workplaces are widening the gap between the available housing supply and the financial means of young workers and families.
Apps offering money to farmers and vulnerable people in difficulty are rife across the island, concealing draconian terms. In March, parliament had approved ad hoc legislation intended to tackle the phenomenon, but the necessary implementing regulation has still not been published in the Official Gazette.
At the weekend, the Apostolic Vicar Emeritus of Southern Arabia celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving and farewell. Over 20 years of mission in a land where he has seen the faith grow. Pope Francis’s visit and interfaith dialogue. A Church made up of people who are ‘living stones’.
Today’s headlines: Limited ceasefire begins between Russia and Ukraine in Oleshky; Youth crime changing in nature (and on the rise) in Japan; Another meeting between the signatory countries of the ‘Mecca Pact’ and Iran: Bangkok offers subsidies for solar panels to support renewable energy.
Nancy Sequeira calls for her son’s release. Randall is currently held in pre-trial detention for his involvement in protests against bauxite mining in Kantamal. A doctor who works with Adivasi communities, he is accused of inciting clashes that took place in April. The St. John’s Medical College in Bengaluru and Bishop Percival Fernandez have expressed their solidarity.
From reforestation in China to sustainable coffee in Indonesia, and free-diving fisherwomen in South Korea: the FAO has selected 100 women who are contributing to food security, environmental protection and the development of rural communities. However, the sector is still marked by significant gender inequalities.
Ignatius Ding Zuyao, a priest born in 1986, was consecrated this morning in Jiangsu province under the terms of the agreement with the Holy See. This diocese saw Bishop Shen Bin moved (by the Communist Party) to Shanghai. Ding becomes the youngest bishop in the world, confirming a clear trend in episcopal appointments in China.
Fires burning for weeks have worsened air pollution in Malaysia and Singapore. While Malaysia has called for greater regional coordination, ASEAN agreements remain contingent on the willingness of individual states to cooperate.
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