In the dark world of prisons, an experience exists in Brazil that is like a ray of light: there, prisoners are not numbers, rather they are referred to by name; they have tasks to carry out; they are imprisoned in places without bars and without guards; they do not wear uniforms. In these “alternative jails” run by prisoners – called recuperandi (recovering people) – there have been no riots or cases of corruption, while recidivism has been reduced from 85...
In June 2016, Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, then Superior General of the Society of Jesus, sent a document to his fellow Jesuits proposing a greater commitment to the cause of global economic justice in order to better serve our brothers and sisters victimized by unjust economic and social structures.[1] The document was inspired by Pope Francis’ eloquent and critical appeals – in speeches, homilies, and other writings – for us to address unjust economic systems. “He insisted that we identify the...
At the beginning of his exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (EG), Pope Francis cites the encyclical letter Ecclesiam Suam (ES) of St. Paul VI, citing these significant words: “Paul VI invited us to deepen the call to renewal and to make it clear that renewal does not only concern individuals but the entire Church. Let us return to a memorable text that continues to challenge us: ‘The Church must look with penetrating eyes within herself, ponder the mystery of her own being’ (ES...
“Following the 2015/16 peak of refugee arrivals in Europe, attention has now shifted toward effectively integrating migrants into their new communities. While migration policy remains a national responsibility, central and local authorities recognize that integration needs to happen where people are, in their workplaces, in their neighborhoods, and in the schools where they send their children. Behind every migration statistic, there are individuals or families starting a new life in a new place. Local authorities, while coordinating with all levels...
With a discreet eye and bristling sensitivity, Japanese film director Kore-eda Hirokazu examines a group of people (a family?) living on the margins of a crowded city. What does living on the margins mean? It means having no roots, surviving by chance, clinging to the fragility of others for fear of succumbing to your own. The film Shoplifters won the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. [restrict userlevel="subscriber,author,dec2018guest"] Before civil society A middle-aged man, Osamu (Lily Franky) and...
Relations between the Holy See and China since the 19th century have seen changing fortunes: from the Opium Wars to the French protectorate over missions in China, from the dramatic Boxer Rebellion to diplomatic relations being established, from the rise to power of Mao Zedong to the reforms of the new regime, up to the dialogue of today. This intricate history can be briefly summarized by looking at its principal phases. Western imperialism and the French protectorate Following the first...
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