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Irish Examiner
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner view: Putin's absence puts a question mark over Ukraine peace talks
It is now over three years since Russia invaded Ukraine, and yet another false dawn appears to be breaking in Turkey when it comes to peace talks aimed at resolving this conflict. Last weekend, Russian president Vladimir Putin was the one who suggested direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul — raising hopes of meaningful discussions which might bring an end to a war that has claimed thousands of lives. Yet, when the Kremlin eventually named its delegation for those talks, Putin was conspicuous by his absence. This is despite an invitation from Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to come to Turkey for in-person discussions. The Russian delegation may number various ministers and aides in its ranks, but it does not include the country's two most senior diplomats, Yuri Ushakov and Sergei Lavrov. Its credibility is further undermined by the most crucial absentee. Nobody doubts that the main driver of Russian policy here, as in everything else in that country, is Putin himself. If he is not present in Turkey, then questions will legitimately be asked about the authority of his proxies in these negotiations. Zelenskyy articulated this view when comparing the Russian delegation to 'a theatre prop', adding: 'What we do know for certain is who actually makes decisions on the Russian side. And we will act accordingly.' If Putin's absence or Zelenskyy's comments appear petty, it should not be forgotten that much of diplomacy is a form of pettiness — an inching towards minute advantage. The mutual distrust which is visible between these two sides is far more serious, however, and casts doubt over the possibility of constructive engagement. One of the few hopeful signs is the American presence in Turkey — 'at a high level', according to Zelenskyy — but there must be doubts about the prospects of any agreement when it is far from clear that talks will even take place. If the two sides cannot even sit around a table then a cessation of hostilities, along with an end to the killing, seems as far away as ever. Cork's Eucharistic procession A cornerstone of Cork City's religious life for decades looks to be on the verge of a remarkable comeback. For almost a century, tens of thousands of Cork people marched in the annual Eucharistic procession held to mark the feast of Corpus Christi. Members of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church community taking part in the Corpus Christi Eucharistic procession on on St Patrick's Street, Cork in 2023. Picture: Larry Cummins Walking in groups from parish churches around the city, the crowds would meet at Daunt's Square in the centre of town and receive benediction en masse. The tradition took off in the 1920s, but had faded away considerably in recent years with the fall-off in both church attendance and vocations. Since covid, the benediction had been held indoors. However, in 2023, more than 4,000 people walked from the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne for benediction at Saints Peter and Paul's Church. Now, Bishop Fintan Gavin is moving the benediction ceremony outdoors next month. A stage and altar are due to be erected on the Grand Parade to accommodate the crowds which are expected. What is striking is the way this Cork tradition has been taken up by newcomers to the city in particular. 'This year's procession will have participants from every continent and many countries,' Bishop Gavin said this week. 'Cork's Catholic parishes have been welcoming newcomers to Cork for a couple of decades now, and they are making a very valuable contribution to the life of our parishes and our diocese.' It is understood that families and individuals from the Brazilian, Polish, Indian, and Ukrainian communities have made up a significant proportion of those marching in the procession in recent years. The Glen and St Finbarr's in action during the annual Corpus Christi hurling match at the Mardyke in Cork in 1967. In the background is County Hall, then under construction. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive At a time when there is so much disinformation — or lies, in plain language — being peddled about newcomers to this country, it is encouraging to see an old native tradition being taken up enthusiastically by those who have recently arrived on these shores. For older readers, that tradition will only be fully restored when attendees walk from the Grand Parade up to the Mardyke for the annual Eucharistic Cup game between the Glen and the Barrs — but one step at a time. What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here Eurovision 2025 — What's another year? Ireland was in competition last night in the Eurovision Song Contest — the second semi-final of the 2025 event to be precise. This was held in Switzerland, and the fact that we had a semi-final in itself shows the changes in the competition in recent years. Emmy performing 'Laika Party' during last night's second semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland. Sadly, the Irish entry failed to go on to the grand final. Picture: Martin Meissner/AP The halcyon days of a one-night event, with the winner named at the end of a flurry of voting, are long gone. Last night's semi-final in Basel marked the first time that Irish audiences at home could vote under the Eurovision rules, for instance. As another indicator of difference, our entry was a Norwegian singer (Emmy Kristiansen) singing about a Russian dog (Laika) sent to space (in 1957). Politics has raised its head at this event again this year, with more controversy about Israel's participation due to its ongoing savagery in Gaza. RTÉ asked the European Broadcasting Union for a discussion about Israel's inclusion in the contest, while 72 former contestants called for the Israeli broadcaster Kan to be banned from the competition. Those contestants included former winners Charlie McGettigan of Ireland, Portugal's Salvador Sobral and Fernando Tordo, British singer Mae Muller, France's La Zarra, and last year's competitors Ásdís of Iceland and Gåte of Norway. We are clearly a long way from Johnny Logan and Dana. Read More Irish Examiner view: Sanctions against Russia have yet to make impact
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Pope Francis was an apostle of peace and harmony, says Archbishop Joseph Pamplany
Archbishop Joseph Pamplany of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church hailed Pope Francis as an apostle of peace and harmony, crediting the late pontiff with pioneering reforms in the Church and a strong commitment to interreligious unity and ecological responsibility. Speaking on the occasion of memorial prayers for Pope Francis, Archbishop Pamplany said his death was a great loss to the world. He said the Pope held a firm and unwavering belief that the Kingdom of God could only be established on earth through harmony and love among religions. 'Pope Francis was an apostle of peace who responded not with force, but with compassion, when imperial powers like Israel, America, or Russia chose the path of violence. He urged the world to look into the face of humanity,' the Archbishop added. One of the defining aspects of his papacy, he noted, was the Pope's emphasis on inclusive dialogue. 'He brought together bishops from around the world to formulate a shared vision, encouraging mutual understanding, and calling on all to pay attention to others.' Archbishop Pamplany also highlighted Pope Francis's historic meeting with the Grand Imam of Abu Dhabi as a landmark moment in global interfaith relations. Reflecting on the Pope's background, he described him as a man of deep humility, shaped by his Latin American roots and driven by a strong sense of duty. He consistently stood with the poor and voiced concern for the marginalised. Pope Francis also brought a revolutionary spirit to Church governance, insisting that decisions be made not unilaterally by those in power, but through unity and mutual understanding, he said.
Hans India
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Pope Francis leaves world and faithful in times of conflict
Rome: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," , Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words on Monday morning. Pope Francis, despite severely ill, appeared on Easter Sunday to wish the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for Easter and for the Urbi et Orbi ("to the city and to the world") blessing, which is the most solemn form of blessing in the Catholic Church, and is reserved for the most solemn occasions. Dedicated to the holy Roman church, the Pope had a meeting with US Vice President Vance just hours before his passing. He was proclaimed Pope after the conclave when Cardinal Ratzinger, then Pope Benedict XVI, resigned in February 2013, the first voluntary resignation of a pope since 1294. The church he inherited was suffering from a lot of internal strife. Pope Francis, a simple man of God, did his best to reform it, refusing the splendour that the Papacy was associated with and dedicating himself to the service of the poor, the disenfranchised and the downtrodden. He leaves the world and the faithful in times of conflict, where he has often tried to be the voice of reason and of peace, appointing a special envoy for the Russia and Ukraine war and calling for a ceasefire and peace in the Middle East. "I appeal to all those in positions of political responsibility in our world not to yield to the logic of fear which only leads to isolation from others, but rather to use the resources available to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development," was the message read on his behalf on Easter Sunday, one of his final public appearances. In 2021, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Italy, he was one of three leaders Pope Francis received for a personal audience. The meeting with PM Modi, originally scheduled for 20 minutes, went on for over an hour. He shared a warm interaction with the Prime Minister at the G7 heads of State Summit in June 2024 in Bari. Despite wanting to, he was unable to visit India during his papacy. He elevated George Jacob Koovakad, an Indian Cardinal of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, to Cardinal in 2024 and appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue. The transitional phase after the passing of the Pope is governed by specific rules and traditions established by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis promulgated by John Paul II in 1996 and updated by Benedict XVI. The Vatican enters a period of 'sede vacante', that effectively means a "vacant seat", referring to the absence of the Pontiff in the Apostolic See of Rome. Pope Francis had expressed his wish to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, instead of St. Peter's Basilica where the pontiffs are normally interred. He had also simplified the rituals of Papal mourning and last rites. After the mourning period of nine days following the funeral, the Cardinals will meet at the Sistine Chapel for a conclave to elect Francis' successor, who will decide the direction the Holy Roman Church will take in a period of renewal of the Church and strife in the world.
