Pope and global moral voice (1978–2005)
Independent and AP News report on Marian devotion at Bandel Church near Kolkata and a Philippine replica of Mary’s house in Cavite. Both sites illustrate how Marian devotion shapes faith communities across Asia.
The Irish-born comedian Jimmy Cricket has died after a short illness, leaving behind decades of family-friendly entertainment across TV, radio and live stages. He is remembered as a sunshine figure who kept audiences laughing with his signature look and gentle humour.
Pope Leo XIV has opened a four-day visit to France focused on defending the value of human life and meeting abuse survivors. The trip has prompted protests and fresh criticism: survivors and campaigners say the church has not provided timely justice and want transparent trials, while French reparations bodies have awarded hundreds of victims compensation.
A 76-year-old former bishop in Broome, Western Australia, has been sentenced for 13 of 19 charges of sexual abuse against Indigenous men and youths. The church and Vatican investigations overlapped with police action, highlighting tension between canonical processes and criminal justice. The bouquet of reports notes the impact on victims and the church’s accountability.
Pope Leo XIV has undergone surgery at Rome’s Gemelli hospital to remove a small, well‑localised lung nodule. Doctors have confirmed the lesion is lung adenocarcinoma but say the operation was successful and caused no complications. The Vatican has cancelled his public audiences through Oct. 20 and expects a short hospital recovery.