The Vatican faces a severe financial crisis, with a 2023 deficit of $87 million, exacerbated by declining donations, reduced tourism, and falling gold investments. Critics partly blame Pope Francis, citing his progressive policies on issues like climate change and family values, which have alienated conservative Catholics. The crisis threatens pensions for retired clergy and staff, the Irish Star has reported. Hopes rest on the 2025 … Continue reading Vatican ‘on the brink of Bankruptcy’ due to decline in global donations

Pope Francis narrowly escaped two assassination attempts during his historic trip to Iraq in March 2021, as revealed in excerpts from his upcoming autobiography, Hope. British intelligence warned of a young suicide bomber and a van packed with explosives targeting the pope in Mosul. Both threats were neutralized by Iraqi police. Despite intense security concerns and the Covid-19 pandemic, the 88-year-old pontiff insisted on the trip, … Continue reading Pope Says Escaped Two Attempts On His Life In Iraq

Ukraine carried out a daring operation in Moscow, killing Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops, by detonating a scooter bomb. The attack, claimed by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), marked the most senior Russian commander killed in the capital since the war began. Kirillov, accused by Kyiv of war crimes involving chemical weapons, was under U.K. sanctions for deploying … Continue reading Ukraine Says It Killed Senior Russian General in Moscow Scooter Bombing

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will officially exit ECOWAS on January 29 but have been granted a six-month grace period until July 29 to reconsider their decision. Despite efforts by ECOWAS to dissuade them, the three Sahel nations, now part of their Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have deemed their departure irreversible. They pledged to maintain visa-free access for ECOWAS citizens, easing concerns over regional … Continue reading Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger agree to grace period in ECOWAS withdrawal

Seven tourists, including four Australians and three other foreign nationals, are being treated for suspected poisoning after drinking cocktails at a bar in the upscale Warwick Fiji resort. The group experienced nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms after consuming piña coladas. Fiji’s Health Ministry is investigating the cause, with methanol poisoning not yet confirmed, CNN has reported. The tourists are in stable condition, and the incident … Continue reading Seven hotel guests hospitalized with suspected poisoning after drinking cocktails at 5-star Fiji resort

The US has made its first direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group now controlling Syria after the fall of the Assad regime, to discuss the case of missing American journalist Austin Tice, Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed. Speaking in Jordan, Blinken joined talks with regional and international officials on Syria’s future, emphasizing the need for peaceful transition and inclusive governance. … Continue reading US officials in ‘direct contact’ with victorious Syria rebels

Cyclone Chido, the worst storm to hit Mayotte in 90 years, has caused widespread devastation in the French Indian Ocean territory. Officials confirmed at least 11 deaths and 250 injuries, but Prefect François-Xavier Bieuville fears the death toll could rise to hundreds or even thousands. The cyclone, with 140 mph winds, devastated neighborhoods, leaving many residents homeless, Axios has reported. Mayotte, the EU’s poorest territory, … Continue reading Hundreds feared dead after worst cyclone in 90 years slams French territory

Two Russian oil tankers were severely damaged in the Kerch Strait, causing an oil spill, with one crew member killed and others stranded due to bad weather. Rescue operations saved 13 crew members, while 14 remain aboard the second tanker. Footage showed significant damage, including a broken-off bow. President Putin has launched an investigation into potential criminal negligence. The tankers, owned by Volgatanker, were carrying … Continue reading Two Russian oil tankers wrecked in Black Sea 

Taliban refugee minister Khalil Haqqani, a senior member of the Haqqani network and a US-designated global terrorist, was killed in a suicide bombing at his ministry in Kabul. Six others also died in the attack, which Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for, stating an operative detonated explosives outside Haqqani’s office. This marks the highest-profile Taliban casualty since their 2021 return to power, the BBC has … Continue reading Suicide bomb kills Taliban minister in Kabul

An 11-year-old girl from Sierra Leone survived three days adrift in stormy Mediterranean seas by clinging to two tire inner tubes after her migrant boat sank near Lampedusa, Italy. She was rescued by chance at night by the German charity Compass Collective’s Trotamar III vessel, likely the sole survivor among 45 people on board. The girl had no food or water and suffered from hypothermia … Continue reading 11-year-old girl survives three days in the sea after shipwreck

An Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp killed at least 25 Palestinians and wounded dozens on Thursday, as U.S. officials pushed for a ceasefire. The strike was part of ongoing attacks that have killed at least 54 Palestinians since Wednesday night, according to health officials. Most casualties were civilians, including children. Amid the devastation, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with Israeli … Continue reading Israeli strike in Gaza kills 25 people as US makes new push for a ceasefire

A Canadian government report reveals that euthanasia deaths have steadily risen since the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) law was enacted in 2016, with over 60,000 cases to date. In 2023, euthanasia accounted for 4.7% of all deaths (15,343 cases), though the growth rate is slowing. Most recipients were elderly (median age 77) with terminal illnesses like cancer, while 4% had chronic conditions without imminent … Continue reading Euthanasia now responsible for 1 in 20 deaths in Canada

Haitian gang leader Micanor Altès, accused of killing over 100 people in Cité Soleil, continues to target residents after a violent two-day spree sparked by his son’s death. Altès allegedly blamed Vodou practitioners and elderly community members for his son’s illness. Victims, many aged 60 to 80, were stabbed or burned, with no police intervention due to gang control. Human rights groups estimate over 100 … Continue reading Haitians demand protection after gang leader massacres dozens of people to avenge son’s death

France began withdrawing its military forces from Chad by flying out two Mirage fighter jets stationed in the capital, N’Djamena. This follows Chad’s decision to end its defense cooperation agreement with France, a move seen as a shift in its strategic partnerships. France, which once maintained a large military presence in the region to combat Islamic extremism, has faced growing anti-French sentiment and has been … Continue reading France flies out 2 Mirage fighter jets from Chad to signal beginning of military withdrawal

Mexican congressman Benito Aguas, a member of the ruling coalition, was assassinated in Veracruz, alongside another victim. Aguas was shot in Zongolica and later succumbed to his injuries. The killing highlights ongoing political violence in Mexico, where over half a dozen elected officials have been murdered since last year’s election. Attacks are more frequent at the municipal level, with 80% of political violence targeting local … Continue reading Mexico federal congressman shot dead in Veracruz state

Pope Francis is set to open five ‘sacred portals,’ symbolizing salvation, for the first time since 2000. The doors, bricked up inside basilicas, will be unsealed to mark the 2025 Jubilee Year, a tradition dating back to 1300. For the first time, a prison door will also be opened as a symbol of hope for prisoners. The doors will stay open for pilgrims until January … Continue reading Vatican to open five ‘sacred portals’ for first time in quarter of a century

Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria collapsed over the weekend without resistance, leading to widespread looting in Damascus until organized rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), restored order. HTS quickly moved to secure the capital and appointed Mohammed al-Bashir to head a transitional government. The group pledged to maintain state institutions, protect minorities, and ensure personal freedoms while addressing Syria’s economic and social challenges. … Continue reading After Ousting Assad, Syrian Rebels Rush to Impose Order in Damascus

At least five people died in an explosion at a three-story apartment building in The Hague, Netherlands, early Saturday, causing a partial collapse and fire. Rescue efforts shifted to recovery as hopes of finding survivors diminished, with officials warning of slim survival chances for those under the rubble. The blast affected five apartments, and 40 nearby homes were evacuated. Authorities are investigating the cause, with … Continue reading At least five killed after blast causes Dutch apartment building to partially collapse

Notre Dame Cathedral hosted its first Mass since the 2019 fire, symbolizing Paris’ resilience and the restoration of a global landmark. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich consecrated a new altar during the solemn service attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and 2,500 dignitaries. The event highlighted Notre Dame’s revival after over five years of reconstruction, showcasing gleaming limestone walls, restored stained glass, and renewed craftsmanship. The reopening … Continue reading Notre Dame hosts first Mass since reopening its doors after 2019 fire

Israel entered the Golan Heights’ demilitarized buffer zone to counter potential threats from Syrian insurgents after Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia amid the rebel takeover of Damascus. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to prevent hostile forces from establishing near Israel’s border. The IDF reportedly struck targets near Damascus, including a chemical weapons depot, to secure the region, though these strikes remain unconfirmed. U.S. forces conducted airstrikes … Continue reading Israeli military enters Golan Heights as Netanyahu warns off Syrian militants

The U.S. launched airstrikes on over 75 ISIS targets in central Syria, employing B-52s, F-15s, and A-10s, according to CENTCOM. The strikes aimed to disrupt ISIS operations and prevent the group from regrouping. No civilian casualties have been reported. Meanwhile, Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad has fled to Russia as rebels gain ground, marking a significant shift in the country’s ongoing civil war since 2011, the … Continue reading Pentagon launches 75 strikes targeting ISIS

Syrian rebels seized Damascus unopposed, ending President Bashar al-Assad’s 13-year civil war rule and six decades of family autocracy. Assad fled to Russia, marking a pivotal Middle Eastern shift that weakens Iranian and Russian influence. Rebels, partly backed by Turkey, aim to establish a transitional government, potentially allowing millions of refugees to return home. The sudden regime collapse saw prisoners freed, jubilant crowds in Damascus, … Continue reading Syrian rebels topple Assad who flees to Russia

Russia’s FSB security services arrested suspected members of Colombia’s Cali cartel attempting to smuggle 570 kilograms of cocaine into Europe. The drugs, valued at over $55 million, were transported from Peru and hidden in a vehicle before being loaded for shipment. This marks the fifth seizure of Latin American cocaine in Russia this year, part of increasing efforts to combat drug smuggling into the EU, … Continue reading Russia arrests suspected members of infamous Colombia cartel, seizes $55 million of cocaine

A Melbourne synagogue was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack, with witnesses reporting two masked individuals pouring accelerant before fleeing. The fire caused significant damage but no serious injuries. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, calling for zero tolerance of antisemitism, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu linked the incident to anti-Israel sentiment, criticizing Australia’s recent policy decisions, Fox News has reported. … Continue reading Melbourne synagogue set on fire in ‘deliberate’ attack, Australian PM vows ‘zero tolerance’