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The conclave to select the next pope will begin on Wednesday, May 7, according to the Vatican.
The date was confirmed Monday by papal spokesman Matteo Bruni following the April 21 death of Pope Francis.
The Vatican also announced “the Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public from Monday 28 April 2025 for the requirements of the Conclave.”
An estimated 200,000 people attended a special Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state.
CONCLAVE ‘VERY, VERY DIFFERENT’ FROM US ELECTIONS; ‘ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN,’ ACCORDING TO EXPERT
“The shepherd whom the Lord gave to his people, Pope Francis, has ended his earthly life and has left us,” Parolin said in his homily. “The grief at his departure, the sense of sadness that assails us, the turmoil we feel in our hearts, the sense of bewilderment: we are experiencing all of this, like the apostles grieving over the death of Jesus. Yet, the Gospel tells us tha..

Israel is ‘starving, killing and displacing’ Gaza civilians, Palestinian envoy tells UN court

Israel denies deliberately targeting civilians and aid staff and did not attend the hearing at the International Court of Justice on Monday.
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Ammar Hijazi, right. Pic: AP

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A protester outside the International Court of Justice on Monday. Pic: AP

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Palestinians wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen, in Beit Lahiya. Pic: Reuters

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An Israeli air strike hit a home in Beit Lahia, killing 10 people. Pic: AP

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Pic: AP

‘Powerful individuals’ at BBC making lives of colleagues ‘unbearable’, says chairman

BBC chairman Samir Shah's remarks came as the findings of a review into the BBC's workplace culture were released in the wake of the Huw Edwards scandal.

Teen driver who caused deaths of three students weeks after passing test detained for two years

Edward Spencer admitted causing the deaths of three of his fellow student by careless driving six weeks after passing his test.

Schoolgirl who attempted to murder teachers and pupil in Wales detained for 15 years

The girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was previously found guilty of attempting to murder Fiona Elias and Liz Hopkin – and a fellow pupil.

OTTAWA- In a dramatic reversal, the governing Liberals, who were trailing the official opposition Conservatives in the polls earlier this year, appear poised to win their fourth consecutive term in office thanks to President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada’s economy and sovereignty, according to election watchers.
“It looks like there will be a Liberal government, which seems to be what the polls point to, and it would be a very big surprise if the Conservatives won,” Angus Reid, founder and chair of the Angus Reid Institute, told Fox News Digital.
Trump posted advice to Canadian voters on Monday morning on Truth Social, saying in part, “Good luck to the Great people of Canada. Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, increase your military power, for free, to the highest level in the World, have your Car, Steel, Aluminum, Lumber, Energy, and all other businesses, QUADRUPLE in size, WITH ZERO TARIFFS OR TAXES, if Canada becomes the cherished 51st. ..

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BBC does not have ‘toxic’ culture, review finds after Huw Edwards scandal

The report recommends the BBC takes quicker action when staff step out of line and be clearer on the standards of behaviour expected from staff.

Date set for conclave to decide next pope – here’s how the secretive process works

Some 135 cardinal electors – those under the age of 80 – will take part and vote for the new pontiff following the death of Pope Francis.
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Pic: Reuters

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A papal crest dedicated to Pope Pius XII. Pic: Reuters

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No pope yet… black smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel. Pic: Reuters

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A Papal white skull cap. Pic: Reuters

Large parts of Spain and Portugal hit by power outage

Airports, trains and internet and mobile coverage are among the services affected by the blackout – with traffic lights also down.

Dozens of countries will give evidence at the ICJ hearings, which Israel has labelled a “circus”.