COP26 agrees deal aimed at averting climate catastrophe, after late drama
Glasgow, UKReuters UN climate talks in Scotland ended with a global agreement aimed at keeping alive hopes of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius, and so maintain a realistic shot at saving the world from catastrophic climate change. Alok Sharma, the conference chairman, was visibly emotional before banging down his gavel in relief to […]
Lebanese Government in “fantasy land” amid crisis, UN envoy says
Beirut, LebanonReuters Lebanese Government officials have no sense of urgency and are not taking responsibility for an economic crisis that has “brutally impoverished” the population, an independent United Nations envoy told Reuters in an interview. “I’m very struck by the fact that this is a state that, if it is not failed yet, is failing […]
Models pose in historic vestments for Belgian cathedral catwalk show
Tournai, Belgium Reuters Clad in elaborate priestly garments, volunteer models strode down the runway to organ music in the cathedral of the Belgian city of Tournai. The unusual show on Wednesday organised by the cathedral, is part of an effort to promote its collection of religious textiles it says are Belgium’s richest. It featured around […]
Vatican financial reform efforts continue amid scandals and deficit
Vatican CityRNS While Vatican finances suffered greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic and high-profile financial scandals maimed the church’s credibility worldwide, Pope Francis and his team of reformers continue their efforts to promote transparency in the institution’s wrought finances. In a long interview to Vatican media outlets on Monday, Bishop Nunzio Galantino, president of the Administration […]
On the Screen: Daniel Craig saves the best till last
MARCUS CHEONG watches the 25th film in the James Bond franchise (and Daniel Craig’s last)…
Greece wants dialogue with UK for return of Parthenon sculptures
Athens, Greece Reuters Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Friday that the Parthenon sculptures in the British Museum should be returned to Athens and called for talks with Britain to achieve that aim. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in March that Britain is the legitimate owner of the Parthenon marbles, rebuffing Greece’s permanent request […]
Attacks target US Catholics: Bishops seek answers in vandalism of churches and symbols
ALEJANDRA MOLINA, of Religion News Service, reports on the rising number of incidents targeting Catholic churches in the US…
UN climate talks overrun in push to save 1.5 degrees Celsius goal
Glasgow, UKReuters Two weeks of UN COP26 climate talks in Glasgow continued past deadline on Friday after the conference president called on countries to make a final effort to secure commitments that would rein in the rising temperatures that threaten the planet. With signs growing the meeting would run into Saturday, there remained tough talking […]