Pope Leo to pray at Beirut port blast site ahead of highly anticipated Mass

Ukrainian philosopher Volodymyr Yermolenko discussed the impact of international support on the morale of Ukrainians living under constant threat from Russian attacks during an interview with FRANCE 24. His comments coincided with the launch of 'Le voyage en Ukraine,' a cultural initiative in France aimed at supporting Ukraine's artistic community through a series of events featuring French artists.

The recent visit of Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon has brought renewed hope to the Maronite Catholic community, particularly following the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020 and the subsequent economic collapse that led many to leave the country. The Pope's prayers at the blast site and a Mass attended by approximately 100,000 people highlighted his commitment to the Lebanese people.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his first overseas papal trip with prayers at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, which resulted in over 220 fatalities. His visit included a Mass attended by approximately 150,000 worshippers, reflecting the deep need for hope in a country grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy and ongoing fears of renewed conflict.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the necessity for increased support from the United States and Europe in facilitating negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, although he did not disclose specific details regarding the peace plan. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the conflict and potential resolutions.

Airbus has encountered a new quality issue with the metal panels on its A320 aircraft, just days after a significant software recall linked to solar flares. This latest problem adds to the company's ongoing challenges in maintaining the safety and reliability of its aircraft, leading to a nearly 6% drop in stock value in a single day.

Pope Leo XIV concluded his inaugural overseas trip with a visit to Lebanon, where he prayed at the site of the 2020 Beirut port explosion, a tragedy that claimed over 220 lives. His visit included a Mass attended by approximately 100,000 people, during which he called for unity among Lebanon's diverse communities to address the country's ongoing crises.

Following a military coup in Guinea-Bissau, the electoral commission reported that armed men destroyed most of the election ballots, rendering it impossible to publish the results. This incident occurred shortly after contentious presidential elections, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Residents of Tehran are documenting their daily struggles as the city grapples with an unprecedented drought, characterized by dried-up lakes and recurrent water shortages. In response, authorities have organized prayers for rain, and President Massoud Pezeshkian has suggested relocating the capital, a proposal that has sparked debate among citizens.