The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Monday that a satirical LGBTQ+ group called the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will again be welcome at the team’s annual Pride Night, nearly a week after the team rescinded its original invitation. “We have asked the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to take their place on the field at our 10th Read more
World
Pope sends Vatican official to Bolivia as abuse allegations escalate
Thursday, May 25th, 2023Pope Francis has sent one of his top sex crimes investigators to Bolivia at a time when the Andean nation is being shaken by an escalating paedophilia scandal involving priests. Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, a leading member of the church’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, arrived in Bolivia on the same day as a Read more
Pacific Islands Forum chair slams global leaders for failing climate promises
Monday, May 22nd, 2023
The Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum, Mark Brown (pictured), expressed his disappointment with global leaders for failing to fulfil their climate promises. Brown commented during his address at the 79th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok. “The Blue Pacific has been grappling with Read more
Italian cardinal entrusted with Ukraine peace mission
Monday, May 22nd, 2023
Pope Francis has entrusted Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (pictured) to head the Russia and Ukraine peace mission on behalf of the Vatican, the Holy See press office said on Saturday. Zuppi is a prominent Italian cardinal known for his close association with the pontiff. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni announced the development on Saturday, revealing that the Read more
Human rights abuses exposed in EV battery supply chains
Monday, May 22nd, 2023
Human rights abuses and environmental violations have been uncovered in the Philippines and Indonesian nickel supply chains, a major component of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. A report released by the London-based Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC) revealed that these supply chains provide batteries to major companies such as Panasonic, Tesla and Toyota. The Read more
Australia’s first Catholic liturgy podcast launched
Monday, May 22nd, 2023
Australia’s first Catholic liturgy podcast has been launched. Australian Catholic University (ACU) experts say it explores Australian and global perspectives on liturgy and sacramental theology, music and art. It is the ACU Centre for Liturgy’s most recent initiative. It aims to enhance the liturgical apostolate in Australia. Speaking of Liturgy features local and international experts Read more
Woman with Down syndrome challenges abortion law at EU Human Rights Court
Monday, May 22nd, 2023
A woman with Down syndrome is fighting the UK abortion law at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Heidi Crowter says the current legislation discriminates against people with disabilities. It allows abortion up to birth if the foetus has a condition such as Down syndrome. “I am taking this case to Strasbourg because it Read more
Kiwi awarded top Australian university honour
Monday, May 22nd, 2023
Anthropologist Fr Gerald Arbuckle SM (left, pictured with ACU Chancellor, the Honourable Martin Daubney AM KC,) has been awarded Australian Catholic University’s top honour. He is now a Doctor of the University; this is the highest honour a university can bestow. His honorary degree citation says Arbuckle’s doctorate recognises his “contribution to the academic tradition Read more
World’s oldest Hebrew Bible sells for $38m
Monday, May 22nd, 2023A Hebrew Bible more than 1,000 years old sold for US$38.1 million in New York on Wednesday, setting a record for the most valuable manuscript ever sold at auction. The Codex Sassoon — which dates to the late ninth to early 10th century — is the earliest near-complete Hebrew Bible known to still exist. It Read more
WFO acknowledges challenges while praising Pacific Islanders’ resilience
Monday, May 22nd, 2023A recent report by the World Food Program revealed that one in four Pacific Islanders is likely to be living below their country’s basic needs poverty line. The organisation also highlighted the vulnerability of Pacific Island countries to climate-related disasters, with eight out of the top 20 countries experiencing significant Gross Domestic Product losses. Furthermore, Read more