Papal eco-village: Pope Francis’ plan to promote ecological conversion at 2025 Jubilee
Pilgrims and visitors will walk through an immersive experience of the Pope’s zero-waste farm and gardens at Castel Gandolfo. CLAIRE GIANGRAVÉ, of Religion News Service, reports…
New Greek metro is archaeological window on the past
Athens, Greece Reuters A metro system in Greece’s second city Thessaloniki officially opened on Saturday, its stations displaying the same ancient artifacts that nearly derailed the project’s completion. During construction, which began in 2006, workers discovered a Byzantine-era market, a Roman cemetery and other treasures of the city’s long and varied history. A view of […]
Over 100 countries back plastic treaty caps as talks reach fierce finish
Busan, South Korea Reuters Negotiators aiming for an international treaty to curb plastic pollution are set for fierce debate on the last day of scheduled talks, as over 100 countries supportive of a pact that would cap plastic production face off against a handful of oil-producing countries who want it focused just on waste. The […]
Kosovo arrests eight linked to canal explosion as tensions with Serbia rise
Pristina, Kosovo Reuters Kosovo’s Interior minister Xhelal Svecla said on Saturday that police had arrested eight people after an explosion hit a canal that sends water to its two main power plants, an incident Pristina labelled a “terrorist act” by neighbouring Serbia. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic denied what he said were “baseless accusations” about Belgrade’s […]
Iceland set for change of government as polls close in snap election
Copenhagen, Denmark Reuters Iceland’s centre-left Social Democrats looked on course to win the most votes when polls closed in a snap election on Saturday, suggesting the political landscape was likely to be shaken up, although a snowstorm could still delay tallying of ballots. The North Atlantic island nation, home to 384,000 people, has enjoyed relative […]
Ireland’s centre-right parties close in on re-election, likely to need new partner
Dublin, Ireland Reuters Ireland’s two large centre-right parties looked set to be returned to power after an election on Friday, but will likely need at least one smaller partner to secure a majority, raising questions over the stability of the next government. That could result in prolonged negotiations or an unstable coalition ahead of the […]
Death toll rises to 12 as Thailand and Malaysia face worst floods in decades
Bangkok, Thailand Reuters The death toll from the worst floods in decades in southern Thailand and northern Malaysia climbed to at least 12 on Saturday, authorities said, as tens of thousands of people were evacuated due to rising water levels in the past three days. Rescue workers evacuate a child stranded by flooding in Sateng […]
Many thousands rally to oppose Georgian Government after break with EU
Tbilisi, Georgia Reuters Many thousands of demonstrators gathered late on Saturday in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi, building barricades, breaking windows and setting off fireworks outside parliament, in protest against the government which called off talks to join the EU. Riot police responded by firing water cannon and tear gas into the crowds. Supporters of Georgia’s opposition […]
Syrian rebels sweep into Aleppo, Russia conducts strikes in support of Assad
Amman, Jordan Reuters The Syrian army said on Saturday dozens of its soldiers had been killed in a major attack led by Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham rebels who swept into the city of Aleppo, forcing the army to redeploy in the biggest challenge to President Bashar al-Assad in years. Russia’s Defence Ministry said its air […]
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza kill two aid workers
Cairo, Egypt Reuters Two aid workers were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, with Israel saying it had killed a militant who took part in the 7th October, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel and who it said was employed by a US-based charity. The first was a World Central Kitchen member, who was […]