Matteo Matzuzzi

Amidst chips and incense, Taiwan’s few Catholics are free to practise their faith. The contradictions of a people who are embracing modernity yet still flock to the temple. The crisis in passing on the faith, successes in the field of research, and the spectre of Beijing

The National Catholic Reporter, on the left, is calling on the Catholic electorate to punish the current administration. Three issues are under scrutiny: immigration, the war on Iran and populist tendencies

 “The true aim of Trump and Putin, in their nefarious pact, is the destruction of the European Union and the historical-political concept of Europe,” reads the editorial in the latest issue of Il Regno, the long-established Catholic magazine of the democratic tradition.

The Pew Research Centre reports a slump in the president’s approval ratings amongst voters who, just two years ago, favoured him over Kamala Harris. The only religious group that still supports him is that of white evangelical men

It is clear – because that is the way of the world, and indeed of the Church – that the usual questions – with the Pope in poor health – will begin to be asked. Not only amongst the media and observers of Vatican affairs, but also amongst the cardinals themselves. Will his schedule change? Will he review his commitments? And what about his travels?

At 7.48 pm, the news was released to journalists: the procedure had been successfully completed “on schedule and as planned”. Leo XIV had been admitted to the Gemelli Hospital at lunchtime, waving to the crowd. On the German Church’s website: “This is the fragility of the Papacy”

Later this morning, Leone XIV will be admitted to the Policlinico Gemelli. All court hearings have been cancelled until 20 October.

“It was detected at a very early stage and was well localised. The doctors felt it was advisable to intervene and, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to have it removed,” announced Leo XIV during the Angelus

The Ventotene affair, involving the visit by the Taiwanese vice-president and the protest from Beijing. “If you try to pander to a country like China, it will only end up making further demands. It will keep asking for more and more. But when you maintain a firm stance and set clear boundaries, then China will eventually accept the situation.”