A hilltop town near Rome, home to the Apostolic Palace and Lake Albano
The Vatican has appointed Italian economist Alessandra Smerilli as head of the office for migrants, environment and development, succeeding Cardinal Michael Czerny. Cardinal Fabio Baggio is named pro-prefect alongside her. The move follows Pope Francis’ push to elevate women in the Holy See’s leadership, while traditionalists push back on further reforms.
The Vatican has excommunicated four SSPX bishops and several priests for unauthorised ordinations, warning the faithful that adherence to the Society constitutes schism. The move escalates a long-running standoff with the traditionalist group and heightens tensions around Vatican II reforms and relations with Jews and other faiths.
A series of unprecedented wildfires are sweeping through southwestern France and central Spain, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Authorities warn the blazes are fierce and unpredictable, with climate-driven heat and winds complicating firefighting efforts. Macron pledges support; Spain’s Sanchez calls for climate action as fires intensify.
A developing UK political storyline centers on Andy Burnham’s Catholic upbringing and its influence on his approach to poverty and welfare, contrasting with evolving US discussions on Catholicism and migration. The coverage notes that British Catholicism differs from its American counterpart and underscores Burnham’s pledge to end rough sleeping as prime minister.