It is with a deep sense of pain and anguish I write these lines at the unfortunate death of Fr. Stan Swamy in judicial custody on July 5. As if the world has not suffered enough in these trying times of the invisible enemy, we are beset by the heart-breaking news of the sudden demise of tribal rights activist, Jesuit Fr. Stanislaus Lourduswamy.

"Worry About Human Behavior, Not Covid Variants."

News headlines and health experts on social media are sounding the alarm over another variant of the coronavirus, this time Delta, claiming it is much more contagious and perhaps more lethal than any other variant seen so far. It’s easy to understand why: New variants of the virus continue to emerge, and cases are rising in many countries. But whether new variants pose a unique or substantial risk is still unknown, and as virologists, we are concerned that misunderstanding variants and the risk they pose can cause confusion and panic.

By Vatican News staff writer

Marking 109 years since the founding of the International LabourOrganisation, Pope Francis sent a video message in which he stressed the importance of the rights of the worker, each worker in each form of work, especially as we come out of this Covid-19 pandemic in hope of economic recovery.

After China's clampdown on Tiananmen vigils, an opportunity exists to speak the truth in the face of persecution or compromise

Tribal rights activist Jesuit Fr. Stan Lourduswamy, popularly known as Stan Swamy is in custody in Taloja prison for the past eight months in connection with the 2018 BhimaKoregaon case. The 84-year-old octogenarian’s health had deteriorated and the Jesuits had recently appealed to the Maharashtra government seeking medical attention for Fr. Swamy.

Agriculture is the mainstay of the Indian economy, contributing about 21% of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Around 60% of India’s population depends on agriculture, and about 41% of the total labour force is associated with it.

After a 16-month discernment process, the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order) has announced its four Universal Apostolic Preferences for the next 10 years.

‘The Universal Apostolic Preferences are a call to conversion. They are an invitation to rethink how we live, how we work and how we relate to the people we serve.Theyinvite all Jesuits and their collaborators in mission to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit and inspire them to take action.’

This year, all Jesuits and their co-workers across the world will celebrate the Ignatian Year on May 20, 2021: the 500th anniversary of Ignatius' "cannonball" moment. This can be a time for reflection and renewal, an opportunity to think about our calling and to focus our desires in order to become part of the movement to discern a better future, accompany young people in building a hope-filled future for our communities and our planet.