pope

Who says no to the richest woman?

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Who says no to the richest woman?

Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman and a patron of the National Gallery, requested her caricature portrait be removed from an exhibition by artist Vincent Namatjira, but the gallery refused. Namatjira’s paintings use satire to comment on power and privilege, prompting viewers to reflect on influential individuals. In New York, artist Maurizio Cattelan’s provocative work features a middle-aged man urinating in public, dedicated to invisible groups in society. Despite controversy, Cattelan has been invited to the Vatican’s pavilion at the Venice Biennale this year.

Israel protests after Nobel laureate denounces Gaza invasion at Vatican

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Israel protests after Nobel laureate denounces Gaza invasion at Vatican

Israel’s Embassy to the Holy See protested against Yemeni Nobel Prize winner Tawakkol Karman for accusing Israel of “genocide” in Gaza during an event at the Vatican. Israeli embassy rejected the accusations as “lies” and criticized the anti-Semitic speech. The tension between the Vatican and Israel has increased since the war in Gaza, with Jewish groups accusing Pope Francis of not recognizing Israel’s actions as self-defense.

Faithful descend on Portugal’s Fatima to pray for peace as wars rage

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Faithful descend on Portugal’s Fatima to pray for peace as wars rage

Tens of thousands of faithful prayed for peace at Portugal’s Fatima shrine amid wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and other places. The shrine marks the site of reported visions of the Virgin Mary over 100 years ago. The Roman Catholic Church believes she gave three messages to three Portuguese children in 1917. Pope Francis made two of the children saints in 2017. Some pilgrims brought Ukrainian flags in support following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.

On This Day: U.S. and Soviet armies met in German city of Torgau as WWII drew to a close

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On This Day: U.S. and Soviet armies met in German city of Torgau as WWII drew to a close

April 25 has seen a variety of significant events throughout history. In 1915, Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli during World War One, resulting in thousands of casualties. In 1945, the U.S. and Soviet armies met in Torgau as World War Two ended in Europe. Other events on this date include Princess Diana meeting Pope John Paul II in 1985, the death of Ginger Rogers in 1995, and the arrest of former Philippine president Joseph Estrada in 2001. Additionally, in 2005, a train derailment in Japan resulted in the deaths of 107 people, marking the country’s worst rail accident in over 40 years. In 2007, Mexico City legalized abortion, and a funeral was held for former Russian President Boris Yeltsin in Moscow. Finally, in 2015, a powerful earthquake struck Nepal, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives.

On This Day: Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 killed 168

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On This Day: Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 killed 168

Pierre Curie was killed in Paris, Prince Rainier of Monaco married Grace Kelly, Konrad Adenauer died, FBI siege on Branch Davidian building in Waco ends with fire, car bomb in Oklahoma City killed 168 people, Bosnian Serb general’s conviction reduced, Norris McWhirter died, Joseph Ratzinger elected Pope Benedict XVI, Scott Crossfield died in a plane crash, Tamerlan Tsarneav killed by police in Boston Marathon bombing, student killed at opposition demonstration in Caracas.

Pope Francis urges end to ‘spiral of violence’ in Middle East

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Pope Francis urges end to ‘spiral of violence’ in Middle East

Pope Francis urged Iran and Israel to avoid actions that could escalate violence in the Middle East. He called for a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiations for humanitarian aid and the release of Israeli hostages. The Pope emphasized the importance of peace and dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

Frail pope to embark on Asia trip, his longest ever, in September

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Frail pope to embark on Asia trip, his longest ever, in September

Pope Francis will embark on his longest overseas trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore from Sept. 2-13. Despite health concerns, he plans to visit these countries in Asia and Oceania, with Vietnam not included as a possible destination. The pope has been dealing with health issues like a cold, bronchitis, influenza, and a knee ailment that require him to use a wheelchair or cane. His agenda also includes day trips in Italy and a visit to Belgium in the second half of September. Pope Francis, the first pope from the Global South, has made connecting with Asia a priority, including working on a controversial deal with China on bishop appointments. Indonesia, Timor-Leste, the Philippines, and Singapore have significant Catholic populations.

Floods swamp swathes of Russia and Kazakhstan but worse still to come

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Floods swamp swathes of Russia and Kazakhstan but worse still to come

Floods engulfed cities and towns across Russia and Kazakhstan after major rivers burst their banks, forcing about 110,000 people to evacuate and swamping parts of Orenburg in Russia.

Vatican diplomat in Nicosia argues for preserving faith in a changing world

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Vatican diplomat in Nicosia argues for preserving faith in a changing world

The Vatican and Cyprus have been strengthening their relations beyond just ecclesiastical cooperation. The consecration of an Apostolic Nuncio in Nicosia has further solidified their ties. The Vatican is actively engaged in promoting human dignity, peace, and supporting the local Church in Cyprus. The Vatican Embassy participates in a program that promotes interreligious dialogue in Cyprus. The Catholic Church has faced challenges, including addressing sexual abuse cases, and has made efforts to heal wounds and prevent new cases.

Pope deplores deaths in Gaza and Ukraine from ‘folly of war’

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Pope deplores deaths in Gaza and Ukraine from ‘folly of war’

Pope Francis appealed for peace in Gaza and Ukraine, mourning the death of aid workers in an Israeli airstrike and honoring a Ukrainian soldier killed in the conflict. Seven World Central Kitchen volunteers were killed in Gaza, prompting the Pope to express regret and call for an immediate ceasefire. He also held a moment of silence for the Ukrainian soldier, Oleksandr, who died in the war against Russia.