World

Recent blasts have echoed across Indian Kashmir and the Sikh holy city of Amritsar in neighboring Punjab. The Indian military has reported shooting down drones amidst some of the most intense fighting with Pakistan seen in nearly three decades. The explosions in Amritsar—marking the first such incidents in this escalating conflict—are raising concerns about a broader escalation that has caught the attention of world powers. In Jammu, the winter capital of the region, officials and a Reuters journalist observed…

In a significant legal decision, two former friends have been convicted for their roles in the deliberate destruction of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Britain. Their actions have been characterized as “deliberate and mindless criminal damage.” Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers embarked on a reckless midnight journey of over 50 kilometers through a storm from their homes in Cumbria to the famed Northumberland site. There, one of them felled the beloved sycamore with a chainsaw while the other recorded the act. During the…

The election of the first U.S. Pope in history is a monumental development in America. Every major TV network and news outlet is making headlines with this extraordinary story, and it’s poised to gain even more traction through both politics and tradition. Let’s start with pageantry—Americans have a soft spot for grandeur, especially when steeped in centuries-old customs. On that front, the Vatican sets an unmatched precedent. Consider the extensive coverage surrounding the papal funeral and conclave, with live shots of…

Cliona Ward, an Irish woman previously held in a U.S. immigration facility, has been released, according to her lawyer. Ms. Ward was freed from the Tacoma Detention Center in Washington State last night, following a judge's approval of an application to terminate the immigration proceedings, as confirmed by attorney Erin Hall during an interview with RTÉ's Prime Time. "You guys... CLIONA IS FREE!" shared Ms. Ward's sister, Orla Holladay, in an uplifting update on their Gofundme fundraising page. Orla recounted the…

Across the globe, events are being held to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. In the UK, King Charles and Prince William participated in a poignant ceremony at Westminster Abbey, where they laid wreaths as part of a four-day commemorative event. This thanksgiving service began with a solemn two-minute silence, observed nationwide, to honor the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany that took place on May 8, 1945. Standing with military medals proudly displayed, the King and Prince William laid…

President Michael D. Higgins has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ireland, marking the historic election of Pope Leo XIV. In his remarks, Mr. Higgins stated, "This is an immensely significant moment for all those of faith and goodwill around the world who look to the papacy for spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and global leadership—especially in a time that his predecessor, Pope Francis, described as requiring the vocation of diplomacy." "Pope Leo XIV steps into this crucial role amid substantial challenges…

Ukraine has expressed strong criticism of Russia's actions along the front line, labeling President Vladimir Putin's unilateral order for a three-day truce—set to commence this morning—as a "farce." The Russian military claimed it was responding to Ukrainian attacks while also observing the truce, which coincided with a major parade in Moscow celebrating World War II Victory Day. "Predictably, Putin's 'parade ceasefire' proves to be a farce," stated Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga. He further noted, "Russian…

Cardinal Robert Prevost has made a surprising but historic leap to leadership within the Catholic Church, adopting the name Leo XIV to mark a significant moment as the first Pope from the United States. Just 70 minutes after the iconic white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney, indicating the selection of a new pope by the 133 cardinal electors, Pope Leo XIV made his debut on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. "Peace be with you all," he greeted the ecstatic crowd gathered below. The announcement was made…

The Vatican's papal conclave, tasked with selecting a new spiritual leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, is steeped in time-honored procedures and rituals that have been refined over centuries. Yet, this year’s conclave presents a unique mathematical landscape that will surely influence the outcome of the election: 133 Cardinal-Electors A record 133 cardinals are eligible to participate in this conclave, an increase from the 115 cardinals involved in the last two conclaves of 2005 and 2013. This diverse group…

Pakistan Vows Response to India's Strikes In recent developments, tensions have escalated between Pakistan and India following a series of military strikes. Pakistani officials have expressed a firm commitment to respond decisively to these aggressive actions, emphasizing the importance of national sovereignty and security. “We will not tolerate any aggression on our territory,” stated a senior military official, highlighting Pakistan’s resolve to protect its borders and citizens. The situation appears to be intensifying,…