Pope Francis visited Corsica, his first trip to the French island, to address a conference on religion in the Mediterranean. He warned against religious groups stoking political divisions and urged vigilance among Catholic priests. The visit, part of his focus on less-visited regions, included a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, though a planned Notre Dame visit was cancelled.
A week of dramatic events: India’s top companies see a massive market cap surge, while political clashes and international incidents dominate headlines. An Indian student’s murder in Canada, a farmer’s protest, and a significant political appointment are all major news stories alongside market gains.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense pride as Indian priest George Jacob Koovakad was appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis. Koovakad’s distinguished career in the Vatican’s diplomatic service and his commitment to interfaith dialogue are highlighted in this momentous occasion for India and the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis, in a newly released book, calls for a thorough investigation into whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, referencing past atrocities and highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention. This marks a significant statement, sparking debate and raising international concerns.
Pope Francis has offered to provide asylum at the Vatican to Myanmar’s detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi, according to Italian media. This offer comes amidst ongoing concerns about Suu Kyi’s well-being and the deteriorating human rights situation in Myanmar since the military coup in 2021.
Pope Francis has expressed concern over the stances of U.S. presidential candidates on abortion and migration, urging American Catholics to vote for the ‘lesser evil’ in the upcoming elections. He specifically criticized abortion, calling it the killing of a human being, and emphasized the biblical call to welcome migrants, stating that refusing to do so is a ‘grave sin.’
Pope Francis drew an estimated 600,000 people to his final Mass in East Timor, a turnout exceeding half the nation’s population. The event, held at Tasitolu Park, the site of a 1989 Mass by St. John Paul II, was a testament to the deep Catholic faith of the Timorese people and the significance of the papal visit. Francis’s visit comes two decades after East Timor gained independence, and he spoke of the nation’s progress while also calling for strengthened public institutions and care for the vulnerable.
Pope Francis, during his visit to Papua New Guinea, emphasized the importance of the ‘church of the peripheries,’ urging for peace and unity in the face of tribal violence. He celebrated the local Catholic community and missionaries, calling for an end to divisions and the embrace of harmony.
Pope Francis, on his 11-day tour of Southeast Asia and Oceania, visited Papua New Guinea, calling for an end to tribal conflicts and equitable development of natural resources. He also addressed the issue of gender violence and highlighted the need for greater protection of women’s rights in the country.
Pope Francis, during his visit to Indonesia, emphasized the importance of interfaith dialogue and environmental protection. He signed a declaration with the grand imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, calling for religious harmony and action to combat climate change. Francis celebrated Mass in Jakarta, drawing a massive crowd, and highlighted the need for peace and hope in his homily.
