Latest news with #bridge-building
Korea Herald
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
British diplomat to highlight interconnectivity, climate change at TEDx Seoul
British diplomat Gareth Weir will take the stage at TEDxSeoul on June 28 to discuss global interconnectivity, climate change and geopolitics. Speaking with The Korea Herald ahead of the event, Weir, who serves as deputy ambassador at the British Embassy in Seoul, underscored the value of TEDx for dialogue, breaking silos and engaging citizens. 'We've partnered with TEDx a couple of times now,' said Weir. 'We did some work on climate change, including hosting events at the residence. For us, TEDx's motto — 'Ideas worth sharing' — says it all. That's why we engage: to share ideas.' Weir, a career diplomat, sees TEDx as aligning closely with the values of diplomacy. 'Diplomacy is fundamentally about dialogue,' he explained. 'TEDx creates a space for that dialogue in a safe environment. We hope it helps people build bridges and understand different viewpoints.' Underlining Korea's rapid development, Weir acknowledged the country's remarkable achievements but noted that future success hinges on adaptability. 'The miracle on the Han is extraordinary,' he said. 'But the next evolution — navigating climate, technology, global markets — is incredibly complex. Countries that succeed will be those that learn from others, engage widely, and embrace new ideas.' Weir pointed out that TEDx helps societies connect not only within but also across borders. 'It gives Koreans a platform to share their transformation and learn from global experiences. Many people around the world want to learn from Korea — and vice versa,' he said. Weir highlighted the UK Embassy's partnership with TEDx as a way to connect climate action and human rights through meaningful dialogue, emphasizing shared narratives and collaboration on issues like North Korea, energy transition and human rights. In his TEDx talk, titled 'Crossover,' Weir will highlight global interconnectivity and shared responsibility, urging people to act as engaged global citizens. Using everyday examples like smartphones, he will show how deeply interconnected the world is and call for bridge-building instead of polarization. He stresses that diplomacy and TEDx both thrive on ideas that inspire meaningful change. David Choo, curator of TEDxSeoul, described the event as a civic platform that amplifies underrepresented voices — youth, people with disabilities, climate activists and North Korean defectors. Choo highlighted plans with the British Embassy for cross-cultural events in literature, film and environmental storytelling. 'It's about sharing our lives and learning from each other through authentic storytelling,' added Choo. sanjaykumar@
Chicago Tribune
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Pope Leo XIV's inauguration Mass: What to know about the official start of the Chicago native's papacy
VATICAN CITY — Global dignitaries and faith leaders from around the world will gather in Vatican City on Sunday as Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV presides over his inauguration Mass, which will officially mark the beginning of his ministry as the 267th pontiff. Robert Francis Prevost, a 69-year-old Augustinian missionary raised in south suburban Dolton, made history May 8 when he was elected as the first American-born pope in the Catholic Church's 2,000-year history. The spiritual leader of some 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, Pope Leo XIV began his term with a message of unity and bridge-building, urging prayer 'for the whole Church, for peace in the world.' Here's what to know about the pope's upcoming inaugural Mass: The liturgical service is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Rome, 3 a.m. Central Time. The Mass will be celebrated at St. Peter's Square in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Designed by famed Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, the landmark square is known for its iconic elliptical colonnades, which symbolize embracing the faithful. EWTN Global Catholic Television Network plans to livestream the Mass. American dignitaries include Vice President J.D. Vance, who will lead a U.S. delegation to the inauguration Mass. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, will be joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic, and Second Lady Usha Vance. International leaders scheduled to attend include Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The event is free to the public and tickets aren't required. While it's hard to predict how many people will arrive, the crowd at the inaugural Mass of predecessor Pope Francis in 2013 was estimated at 150,000 to 200,000. The new pope is expected to be presented with the official symbols of his papacy. The pallium, a liturgical vestment made of wool from lambs raised by Trappist monks, symbolizes the pope's role as the shepherd of the faithful; the pope's pallium is worn on the shoulders, fastened with three pins resembling the nails of the cross, according to the National Catholic Reporter. The Fisherman's Ring, also known as the Piscatory Ring, represents the pope's connection to St. Peter; the ring is smashed or broken after a pontiff's death. There's no set end time. The inaugural Mass for Pope Francis lasted roughly two hours.
