Author: Daniel Darmanin

‘A world without fraternity is a world of enemies’

On World Day of Human Fraternity (4th of February), Pope Francis joined Grand Imam of Al Azhar – Ahmad Al-Tayyeb on a virtual event hosted in Abu Dhabi. This event marked the culmination of a joint effort by the Pope and the Grand Imam to foster fraternity, solidarity, respect and mutual understanding between people of different beliefs.

According to Cardinal Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot MCCJ, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, “This celebration responds to a clear call that Pope Francis has been making to all humanity to build a present of peace in the encounter with the other.”

Pope Francis has also encouraged the Holy See to join in the celebration of International Human Fraternity Day under the leadership of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue… Read more »

The ‘Beyond GDP’ report

We cannot deny the fact that, before the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, Malta was experiencing strong economic growth and improvements in terms of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). So much so, that year after year, we’ve been bombarded with numbers and statistics which have been confirming the fact that Malta is going through an economic surplus. Although in economic theory, a high GDP normally results in a better quality of life, I feel that these numbers do not always reflect the reality we live in… Read more »

So that peace may reign on earth

On January 1, the Catholic Church celebrates World Day of Peace. Interestingly, in this year’s message, the Pope linked the concept of peace with a virtue that is necessary to reach this ideal world – that of care, meaning the ability to open one’s eyes and to listen to all those who need help. We need to create an environment of fraternity and solidarity between all members within society… Read more »

Human Rights – key to a just recovery from the pandemic

At the end of this year nearly 70 million people will have been infected by Covid-19 worldwide and more than 1.5 million will have died in relation to the virus. In Europe 14 million people were infected and 350.000 people died because of or with the virus. Our health systems are tested to their limits, the economy is in the middle of a severe recession, poverty and unemployment are on the rise again, cultural life is severely limited, religious services are restricted in many countries, sometimes unduly… Read more »

Genius Vitae – Universitas Experientiae

Fr. Joseph Hili

On the 9th of December we will launch Genius Vitae. This is an interdisciplinary research project, the aim of which is to identify, narrate and share stories of organisations from all over the world. As part of my studies in Milan I came to know the Centre for Anthropology of Religion & Cultural Change within the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore… Read more »

The Economy of Francesco

A prolific time for generative processes

The ‘Economy of Francesco’, virtually held in Assisi from 19th to 21st November 2020 left an important legacy of hope with thousands of young economists, entrepreneurs and change-makers from 115 countries committed to stop “that economy that kills” and to generate a new cultural, economic, social and political system. Those three days were rich in points of reflections, coming from different seminars and workshops… Read more »

A cry for peace and justice in Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s Tigray region is currently experiencing a serious escalation of violence, leading to grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations. Several hundred civilians have been killed and over 40,000 Ethiopians have been forced to flee into neighbouring Sudan to save their lives. The United Nations has raised alarm over severe food shortages in the region, as more than a million people are now estimated to be displaced, including more than 100.000 refugees from Eritrea… Read more »

“Those who do not live to serve, serve for little in this life.”

Yesterday the Catholic Church celebrated the World Day of the Poor. The chosen theme for this year was “Stretch forth your hand to the poor” (Sir 7: 32), inviting an openness to people in need, especially in the difficult times of the pandemic. 

Who are the poor we need to stretch forth our hands to? 

According to a local survey, 20% of the Maltese population are struggling financially… Read more »

Controversial views, polarized reactions

Some months ago, a tweet by J.K. Rowling on transgender people resulted in a backlash against the author, known for her philanthropy and championing of social justice issues. More recently the views of French President Macron on free speech following the assassination of Samuel Patty has caused an uproar in the Muslim world, whilst locally an article by a priest about homosexuality was condemned by many… Read more »

Can faith contribute towards fairer economic growth?

Sara Portelli, Giovann Mamo, Dorianne Buttigieg, Marthese Farrugia, Carmen Mamo, Maria Cardona

Economy and religion are rarely associated with each other.  However, the implications of true faith extend deeply into our practical way of living including the economic dimension.  Thus,  faith advocates for a fair distribution of goods and discusses the relationship between production, wealth and the environment. Faith prompts us to ask whether we are making good use of the means provided to us and what it means to live a life in fulfillment of human dignity… Read more »