The use of ‘killer robots’ and other lethal autonomous weapons systems violate international treaties because innocent civilians could be erroneously targeted, the Vatican said during a UN meeting in Geneva. The potential of having “swarms of ‘kamikaze’ mini-drones” and other advanced weaponry using artificial intelligence raises “serious implications for peace and security,” the Vatican permanent Read more
Unknown cyber-criminals sent stolen information to the media to pile on pressure to pay a ransom. RNZ subsequently aired a scoop sourced from it before a court ordered all media to dump the dodgy data. The Privacy Commissioner tells Mediawatch RNZ was unethical and he wants action – but RNZ insists the public interest was Read more
With the increasing Covid-19 infections and death rate in Jakarta, Father Yustinus Ardianto asked the Archdiocese of Jakarta to convert the Samadi Pastoral Center into an isolation ward for Covid-19 patients. He requested admissions be without charge regardless of social status, ethnicity and religion. “Initially, it was only opened for internal purposes. But since Covid-19 Read more
A special mass vaccination event didn’t work for Pasifika, the Minister for Pacific Peoples says. Aupito William Sio is calling on district health boards to work closely with Pacific community groups to encourage more in the community to get the Covid-19 vaccine. Sio’s comments come following the mass vaccination event in south Auckland in July, Read more
St Simon’s Catholic Church in Partick Bridge Street, Glasgow was destroyed in the blaze in the early hours of the morning on 28 July. Police Scotland said a 24-year-old man had been charged with wilful fire-raising. One person was assisted from the building during the fire and given precautionary treatment at the scene. Det Insp Read more
The condition of Cardinal Raymond Burke, who was recently hospitalized with Covid-19, has reportedly deteriorated, while a recent statement said he is stable and has received the sacraments. A source who had spoken to someone close to the cardinal told CNA on Tuesday that his condition had deteriorated, and the next 48 hours were crucial. Read more
The Samoa government is launching a country-wide door-to-door mass vaccination campaign for Covid-19 today. The initiative was announced in public notices yesterday by the Ministry of Health. Families with members who have not been immunised are being asked to tie any red coloured material in front of their homes to indicate to officials they need Read more
The Pontifical Commission for the Causes of Saints in Rome was recently, again, in touch seeking clarification of some medical points in the final submission that was made in support of Suzanne Aubert’s Cause. The Sisters continue to trust God that the Vatican will soon recognise the alleged healing miracle granted a Christchurch woman through Read more
The Mananthavady Munsiff Court in Kerela, India, issued an order allowing Sister Lucy Kalappura to continue her stay at the Karakkamala Convent of the Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC). As per the order, Sister Lucy is allowed to stay at the convent until the final verdict of her expulsion case is released. The order concerns a Read more
A new statutory body has been established ahead of euthanasia becoming legal in New Zealand in November. The Support and Consultation for End of Life in New Zealand group (SCENZ) is charged with maintaining and providing a list of medical practitioners and psychiatrists as part of the service when required. The 11-person group will “support Read more