Category: World Touch

Climate

China Pledges, At U.N., To Cut Emissions

China has pledged to take firm action on climate change at the U.N. Climate Change Summit in New York and said it will ensure its carbon dioxide emissions peak as early as possible. Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli said in a speech that China will “make greater effort to more effectively address climate change.” He said China will announce post-2020 actions on climate change “as soon as we can” and that these would include “marked progress in reducing carbon intensity” and “the peaking of total carbon dioxide emissions as early as possible.”

Senegal

Christians And Muslims Defend The Family

“Contrary to ideologies that claim families are falling apart in Senegal, the family is commonly conceived according to Christian and Muslim models.” This was the frank statement made by Senegal’s bishops at the 38th National Assembly held in Popenguine between 15 and 19 September. Two hundred priests, out of the 400 present in the whole country, met for their biennial assembly, to address the situation on African families.

America/Mexico

About 45,000 Children Missing And Abducted

In Mexico, approximately 45,000 children and young people have been abducted and are victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking of organs. This is the complaint made by the Foundation for the Research of Missing and Abducted Children.

Global

Displacement Of Religious Communities Reaches All-Time High

In 2013, the world witnessed the largest displacement of religious communities in the world. Millions of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and others representing a range of faiths were forced from their homes on account of their religious beliefs. Out of fear or by force, entire neighborhoods are being emptied of residents. Communities are disappearing from their traditional and historic homes and dispersing across the geographic map. In conflict zones, in particular, this mass displacement has become a pernicious norm.

ISIS

Softening Criticism Of U.S. Over Isis

“The U.S. is indirectly responsible for what is going on in Iraq as it said it would ensure democracy and the well-being of the people but 10 years have passed and, on the contrary, we have gone backward,” Patriarch Louis Sako told reporters at Beirut’s airport.

Food

Food Alert In West Africa’s Ebola-Affected Countries

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says access to food is becoming a major concern for many people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The three countries have suffered the worst of the Ebola virus disease outbreak. Neighboring countries are not faring any better foodwise.

South Korea

Koreans Infected With ‘Francis Syndrome’

A former Korean ambassador to the Holy See spoke of the effects of Pope Francis’ recent visit to South Korea, saying that all of Asia now feels a long-term challenge to imitate his humble ways. “All the media in Korea are already speaking of ‘Francis syndrome,’” former Ambassador Thomas Han said. “The Korean people, having been deeply impressed by Pope Francis’ person and his lifestyle, seriously reflect upon the meaning of their lives and seek to see the things in life that really matter.”

Violence

A Sign Of Jonah

I have a big problem with Ph.D. clerics who carry automatic weapons. Consider, if you will, Dr. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi al-Husseini al-Qurashi, whose doctorate is in Islamic studies. He is the 40-something Iraqi imam nicknamed Abu Du’a who recently called for the world’s Muslims to follow him. He claims descent from the Prophet Muhammad. The U.S. government calls him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and has posted a $10 million reward for his capture or killing.

Food

Better Use Of Cropland

The world’s existing cropland could feed at least 3 billion extra people if it were used more efficiently, a new study has found, showing that the large increases in population expected in the next three decades need not result in widespread hunger.

Vietnam

First Catholic University

Vietnam’s first Catholic university is no longer a mirage. It is very soon going to become a reality. In fact, according to Paul Bui Van Doc, Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City, the structure could be ready within a year. It is going to mark a crucial turning point in the history of the Vietnamese Catholic Church, the sign of an eagerly awaited return to the freedom of education, which the communist government has denied the people for 60 years.

Shopping Cart