Pope Leo XIV begins Turkiye visit with prayers and unity message

Pope Leo XIV is set to join the leader of the Orthodox Christians in Turkey to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea, one of the early Church's pivotal gatherings. This event marks a significant moment during his inaugural international trip, emphasizing unity among Christian denominations.

Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators have conducted searches at the home and offices of Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid allegations of a significant corruption scandal involving a $100-million kickback scheme in the energy sector. Yermak has confirmed the searches and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Pope Leo XIV is set to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicaean Creed at a ceremony in Turkey, joining Orthodox patriarchs in a significant event that underscores the historical importance of this Christian statement of belief.

Flooding in Indonesia has resulted in a tragic death toll of 174, with authorities reporting 79 individuals still missing and thousands of families displaced across Sumatra. The severe weather has caused widespread destruction, prompting emergency responses to assist affected communities.

Severe flooding in southern Thailand has resulted in a rising death toll, now reported at least 145, with thousands stranded and significant damage across multiple provinces. The flooding has been exacerbated by the heaviest rainfall in 300 years, prompting a state of emergency in affected areas such as Songkhla province.

Robbie Gibb's influence within the BBC has been scrutinized as reports indicate his role has contributed to a crisis within the organization, raising concerns about governance and bias. This scrutiny follows a series of high-profile resignations, including that of the director general and BBC News chief, which have been linked to a toxic culture of distrust fostered by the board's assertiveness.

Venezuela has revoked the operating permits of six international airlines, including Iberia and TAP, amid escalating tensions with the United States. This decision follows warnings from the U.S. regarding increased military activity in the region, which has led to several airlines suspending flights to Venezuela due to safety concerns.

Pope Leo XIV and an Orthodox leader recently met in Turkiye, marking a significant milestone for Christian unity. During this historic meeting, the Pope urged the Catholic Church in Turkiye to prioritize serving vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees, highlighting the Church's role in addressing pressing humanitarian issues.