Pope Leo visits Blue Mosque in Turkiye’s Istanbul

Pope Leo XIV has embarked on his first foreign trip to Turkey, where he aims to promote peace and unity amid regional tensions. His visit includes significant engagements, such as attending Istanbul's Blue Mosque, marking the first time a pope has participated in a Muslim place of worship since his papacy began in May.

Armed men kidnapped 13 women, including a bride and her bridesmaids, during a night raid in Sokoto State, Nigeria. This incident is part of a troubling trend of abductions that have plagued the region, raising concerns about security and safety for residents.

Pope Leo XIV has called on Lebanese political and religious leaders to prioritize peace during his visit to Lebanon, a country currently facing Israeli airstrikes and ongoing sectarian tensions. This appeal comes as part of his first overseas trip, following a visit to Turkey, where he highlighted the global risks posed by escalating conflicts.

Pope Leo XIV visited Beirut, where he called for an end to violence and emphasized the need for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. His presence drew large crowds, reflecting a desire for peace and interfaith understanding in a region marked by longstanding tensions.

President Donald Trump announced that the airspace above and around Venezuela is now considered closed entirely, a declaration that has drawn strong condemnation from the Venezuelan government, which labeled it a 'colonialist threat' to their sovereignty. This escalation in rhetoric signals heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro.

Polls have opened in Honduras for a presidential election characterized by accusations of fraud and manipulation, with the right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura receiving backing from the United States. The election occurs in a highly polarized environment, raising concerns about the integrity of the voting process.

Severe flooding in Indonesia, particularly on Sumatra island, has led to a rising death toll of 442, with many areas remaining inaccessible for aid delivery. The situation has left residents struggling to find food and clean water amidst the devastation.

European migration funding has inadvertently bolstered Sudanese paramilitaries, while inadequate export oversight has facilitated the flow of arms to conflict zones, exacerbating the ongoing violence in Sudan.