Category: Feature Stories

Demographic growth and dynamics The number of Catholics in Asia is growing steadily, even if they remain a minority of the overall population. While around one in nine Catholics worldwide live in Asia, their proportion steadily increases, particularly in the Philippines, India, and South Korea. In absolute figures, there are around 150 million Catholics in Asia, corresponding to around ten percent of all Catholics worldwide. The growth rates are higher than in Europe or America, where the Church is stagnating or shrinking. Growth is particularly dynamic in countries such as…

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Rice is one of the most essential foods in the world. In Asia, in particular, it forms the basis of the diet of billions of people. Rice consumption has also changed significantly in Germany: In the 2023/24 harvest year, everyone in this country consumed an average of 6.8 kilograms of rice, three times as much as in 1950. The choice in the supermarket is huge: long grain, basmati, jasmine, or whole grain rice. Many people deliberately choose brown rice because it is considered healthier. However, new research findings from the…

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The funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican is followed by the election of his successor, the conclave. Within 15 to 20 days of the funeral in the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals will elect the new pope in private.Now, it’s all about who the successor will be. Although the conclave to elect the 267th pontiff will begin on no date (although many expect May 5 or 6), names are already being bandied about. Until white smoke risesThe decision will be made in a highly old-fashioned way that still fascinates the…

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Many people in Austria are experiencing allergies that are making everyday life difficult. The main culprits are trees and shrubs, many of which are already in full bloom. According to experts, global warming extends the pollen season and makes the forests more allergenic. Cross-reactions are also making life difficult for those affected. Birch, alder, and hazel are tree species that release much pollen and cause allergic reactions. However, the pollen load is probably not higher this year than last year, said Silvio Schüler from the Federal Research Center for Forests.…

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When people think about health, they often focus on diet, exercise, and genetics. But the environment around us plays a huge role, bigger than most realize. The World Health Organization states that nearly a quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental factors. That’s around 13 million deaths every year caused by things like air pollution, contaminated water, exposure to chemicals, and unsafe workplaces. Air pollution alone is responsible for about 7 million deaths annually. Breathing in delicate particulate matter damages the lungs, heart, and brain, leading to diseases like…

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The Vatican claims that St. Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and the first pope, is buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. But how solid is the evidence? According to Christian tradition, Peter was martyred in Rome around 64 AD during Emperor Nero’s persecution. Early Christians reportedly buried him in a simple grave on Vatican Hill, a site that later became a significant place of worship. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine built the original basilica directly over what was believed to be Peter’s tomb. Fast forward to the 20th century: during…

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The world is bidding farewell to Pope Francis: hundreds of pilgrims and 200 state guests are expected to attend the grand papal funeral in St. Peter’s Square in Rome on Saturday. Billions of people worldwide can follow the historic event live on television. The Italian capital is in an emergency, with the highest security precautions in place. More than 1,000 police officers will be on duty to ensure the safety of the 170 delegations in Rome.Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen and Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) will lead the…

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The term “pope” comes from the ancient Greek word “πάππας” (Latin “papa” = father).The term “pope” is an honorary title. The title comes from the Greek world, where it initially referred to abbots and bishops, and from the 5th century AD, to both the Bishop of Rome and the other patriarchs. Since the Middle Ages, the term “Pope” has been used as shorthand for the holder of the Petrine office, although the term “Bishop of Rome” is formally the correct term. As Bishop of Rome and thus successor to the…

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Typically, the body begins to decompose about 24 hours after death. In the case of Pope Francis, this process was halted using a special method. Thanatopraxy was used to ensure that the faithful could say goodbye to the head of the church one last time. Thousands of people will file before Pope Francis’s body in St. Peter’s Basilica until Friday. For Catholics, the opportunity to bid farewell to the dead pope is a ritual and a gesture of gratitude. So that the faithful can see the Pope one last time,…

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