Author: AFP
President Donald Trump on Thursday hailed the election of new Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the United States, as a “great honor” for the country. “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country,” Trump said on his Truth Social network. “I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Record fossil fuel production kept planet-heating methane emissions near historic highs last year, the International Energy Agency said Wednesday, warning of a surge in massive leaks from oil and gas facilities. Slashing emissions of methane — second only to carbon dioxide for its contribution to global warming — is essential to meeting international targets on climate change and one of the fastest ways to curb temperature rise. But the IEA warned that countries are considerably underestimating their energy sector methane pollution, estimating that emissions are around 80 percent higher than the total reported by governments to the United Nations. The…
From the Sistine Chapel to St Peter’s Square, locations in the Vatican where the new pope’s election will play out are part of a priceless cultural heritage. Here are descriptions of the main spots to watch out for: – SANTA MARTA GUESTHOUSE – This building completed in the 1990s just behind St Peter’s Basilica is where most of the cardinal electors will stay during the conclave. It was home to the late Pope Francis during his papacy. In centuries past, the cardinals slept in corridors and rooms of the Apostolic Palace itself during the conclave. Their new lodgings include en-suite…
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned a meeting of the National Security Committee set for Wednesday, a senior official said, after the militaries of India and Pakistan clashed overnight. “PM summons the National Security Committee meeting at 10 AM (0500 GMT)” the Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar said.
The Walt Disney Company on Wednesday announced plans for a new theme park in the United Arab Emirates, after posting a strong increase in quarterly revenues. The waterfront resort will be located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and built in conjunction with local firm Miral, Disney announced in a statement, adding it hoped to attract tourists from “the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “very concerned” about Indian military strikes on Pakistan, his spokesperson said on Tuesday, hours after India said it hit nine sites in Pakistani territory. “The Secretary-General is very concerned about the Indian military operations across the Line of Control and international border. He calls for maximum military restraint from both countries. The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan,” said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson.
Former US president Joe Biden, in his first interview since leaving the White House, accused his successor Donald Trump of appeasing Russia by pressuring Ukraine to give up its territory. Biden told the BBC that Russian President Vladimir Putin believes Ukraine is part of Russia and that “anybody that thinks he’s going to stop” if Ukrainian territory is conceded as part of a peace deal “is just foolish.” Asked about the Trump administration’s suggestions that Kyiv give up territory to end the war, Biden said: “It is modern-day appeasement.” “What the hell’s going on here? What president ever talks like…
Clashes between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan on Wednesday sent airlines scrambling to cancel, divert or reroute flights. The neighbours and longtime rivals exchanged heavy artillery fire along their contested frontier after India launched missile strikes in retaliation for a deadly attack last month. Here is a round-up of what airlines are doing to avoid flying over the conflict zone. – SOUTH KOREA – Korean Air has begun rerouting its flights from Seoul Incheon to Dubai, using a southern route that passes over Myanmar, Bangladesh and India, instead of the previous path through Pakistani airspace. “We are currently monitoring the situation…
The United States and Yemen’s Huthis have agreed a ceasefire, mediators announced Tuesday, saying the deal would ensure “freedom of navigation” in the Red Sea where the Iran-backed rebels have attacked shipping for months. The agreement comes after President Donald Trump announced that the United States would end attacks against the Huthis after the rebels agreed to stop harassing ships, though he made no direct mention of recent attacks on ally Israel. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said that “following recent discussions and contacts… with the aim of de-escalation, efforts have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between the two sides”.…
India fired missiles at Pakistani territory early Wednesday in a major escalation of tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals, with Islamabad vowing retaliation. The Indian government said it had attacked nine sites, describing them as “precision strikes at terrorist camps” in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, days after it blamed Islamabad for a deadly attack on the Indian-administered side of the disputed region. Three civilians had been wounded in the strikes, which hit at least five locations, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told AFP. “We have confirmed reports of three civilians killed that includes one child,” Asif said. Earlier, Pakistan’s military said that…