Pope Leo suggests peace can start with abstaining from violence on social media
Pope Leo has made an urgent appeal for world peace, during an address at the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens on Saturday. He closed a month of prayer with the rosary for peace, saying that peace “is not a theory to be tested in a laboratory, nor a naïve illusion, nor a matter to be pursued out of self-interest”, but a daily commitment to justice and love. He suggested it must start with “small but important things, abstaining from every form of verbal or physical violence in daily life and also on social media”, as true peace starts with love, words of reconciliation and looking at the world with gentleness and wisdom. Urging an end to war, he said: “The cry of innocent people must no longer be heard in cities. No one should be forced to leave their homes due to the threat of bombs”. He urged everyone to “come to understand the meaning of the events of history” and see God’s providence guiding mankind.
Government scheme to fund Muslim war memorial
The government is inviting applications to create a permanent Muslim war memorial, with a grant of £1 million available, to foster greater recognition of the contributions made by Muslim communities to Britain, strengthening social cohesion and honouring shared sacrifice. It says Muslims “made a critical yet often overlooked contribution to the defence of this country during both World Wars”, with an estimated 400,000 serving during the First World War alone, and “their commitment and bravery form a vital part of our national story”. The grant is open to applications from public, private, and voluntary sector organisations operating in England. It includes up to £950,000 capital funding and £20,000 in revenue funding available. Applications open on 10 June and the decision will be announced in October.
Private Members’ Bill MPs consider assisted dying
The decision on whether to re-introduce a private members’ bill on assisted dying, rests on two of the four MPs who have been chosen by ballot to put forward legislation. The first pick goes to Desmond Swayne, conservative MP for New Forest West, who says he will choose a non-controversial topic. The third on the list, Conservative MP for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire, Mike Wood, voted against assisted dying last time. But the second and fourth in the list, Lauren Edwards Labour MP for Rochester and Strood, and Andrew George, Lib Dem MP for St Ives, have not put forward their choice of topic. It must be chosen by 17 June.
Prevent referrals increase but ‘funding has fallen by 39 per cent‘
The Times reports that the number of people referred to the Prevent counter terrorism programme since 2021-22 has increased by 37 per cent, but extra funding has fallen by 39 per cent, with the largest cuts affecting London and Birmingham. This was discovered through Freedom of Information requests to local authorities across the country. The report says Leeds faced a 61 per cent drop in funding and Manchester’s grant was more than halved. It quotes the Home Office saying that the reduction in the number of “priority areas” was a recommendation from the Shawcross review. Additional funding is given to 27 areas where the risk is highest and all local authorities can apply for central funds to tackle radicalisation risks.
Sikh pensioner assaulted in Midlands ‘racially aggravated’ attack
A 72-year-old Sikh man was assaulted in a racially aggravated attack at Willenhall Memorial Park, near Wolverhampton. He was reportedly out with his family when he was attacked in the early evening a week ago. He was hospitalised with serious injuries to his face and arm but has since been discharged. West Midlands Police say six teenage males, aged between 16 and 18, were arrested following the incident. Four other people were also assaulted which is forming part of the police investigation. The police say they are treating this assault as racially aggravated and continuing at pace to review CCTV footage and speak to witnesses. Supt Gareth Mason said: “We understand the seriousness of this incident and the concern it has caused in the community. Any form of hate crime will not be tolerated, and we take every report extremely seriously.”
New worldwide patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church takes up his role
The new patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church has been installed in his new role. Polis III Nona, aged, 58, was previously archbishop of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul and the Archbishop of Sydney, before taking on this role as patriarch for the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the World. The church is one of the Eastern Rite churches that are in full communion with Rome, and has links to the ancient Church of the East in Mesopotamia. It has established in Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and the diaspora. The Associated Press says there are an estimated 150,000 Christians in Iraq, compared to 1.5 million in 2003. Christians suffered discrimination and churches were blown up when Islamic State was in control. Iraq’s total population is more than 40 million.
Former Shaolin Temple abbot in China jailed for embezzlement and bribery
The former abbot of the Buddhist Shaolin Temple in China, Shi Yongxin, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison after he was found guilty of offences including misappropriation of funds and bribery. The Associated Press reports that he was also fined 3.5 million yuan (about $516,000). n province after a trial. The court was told that he embezzled $19 million alone or in conspiracy with others, between 2003 and 2025; and misappropriated about $22 million for personal use for more than three months without repayment between 2012 and 2022.
