Christopher Gilbert
Christopher Gilbert Correspondent – Sydney, Australia Chris Gilbert has more than 46 years of experience of diverse people and places and a love of stories that dignify the human spirit. In 1997 he relocated to the US and married Jo, a journalist and author. He worked in New York City and Boston in pastoral ministry, journalism, higher […]
A Franciscan friar has the Pope’s ear on AI and how it can help – or hurt – humanity
Rome, Italy AP Friar Paolo Benanti wears the plain brown robes of his medieval Franciscan order as he pursues one of the most pressing issues in contemporary times: how to govern artificial intelligence so that it enriches – and doesn’t exploit – people’s lives. Benanti is the Vatican’s go-to person on the technology and he […]
Essay: Nicaragua released imprisoned priests, but repression is unlikely to relent – and the Catholic Church remains a target
In an article first published on The Conversation, KAI M THALER looks at recent events in Nicaragua against the backdrop of a years-long, wide-ranging crackdown on Catholic church clergy and groups…
US strikes Houthi anti-ship missiles, shipping disruptions grow
Aboard Air Force One/Washington DC, US/New Delhi, India Reuters The US launched new strikes against Houthi anti-ship missiles aimed at the Red Sea on Thursday, as growing tensions in the region’s sea lanes disrupted global trade and raised fears of supply bottlenecks that could reignite inflation. The two anti-ship missiles targeted in the strikes were […]
Sight-Seeing: The Bible suggests even God gets lonely. Why don’t religious people talk more about it
There is much to be learned from loneliness: prophecy, solidarity, fun, freedom – even creativity, writes DWIGHT LEE WOLTER in an article first published on Religion News Service…
As March for Life continues, supporters, opponents plan more state action
United States RNS Last January, March for Life participants gathered for the first time after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, celebrating a long-sought victory even as they shifted their focus to the state level – the new battleground in the enduring abortion debate. A year later, after a series of disappointments for the organisation, in […]
Port-Au-Prince residents sheltering in place as violence escalates
Port-au-Prince, Haiti Reuters Haiti’s capital Port-au-Prince was on lockdown on Thursday, as flaming barricades across several neighborhoods forced residents to shelter in place or return home in the latest flare-ups in chronic gang violence plaguing the Caribbean country. Streets were blocked off by burning tires and rocks, sending up huge plumes of black smoke in […]
Russia rejects US arms control talks for now, citing Ukraine
Moscow, Russia/Washington DC, US Reuters Russia on Thursday publicly rejected US-Russian arms control talks for now because of US support for Ukraine, a stance Washington said cast doubt on Moscow’s openness to a successor to the last treaty limiting their strategic nuclear arsenals. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters that Washington had proposed separating […]
Ecuadorean prosecutor killed by gang, two arrested – police
Guayaquil/Quito, Ecuador Reuters Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Ecuadorean prosecutor Cesar Suarez who was allegedly targeted by a gang, police said on Thursday, as security forces continued interventions in prisons. Ecuador is reeling from a wave of violence, with President Daniel Noboa declaring 22 gangs as “terrorist” groups and […]
Israeli forces pound Khan Younis near major Gaza hospital
Gaza/Doha, Qatar/Jerusalem Reuters Israeli forces advanced into the southern Gaza Strip’s main city on Thursday, pounding areas near the enclave’s biggest functioning hospital, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau vowed “many more months” of fighting until total victory is achieved. The heaviest battle of the year was under way in Khan Younis, sheltering hundreds of thousands […]