The Dispatch

France grapples with surging tropical diseases

French regions are waging war against tiger mosquitoes as the country records rising cases of tropical diseases such as dengue, zika and chikungunya. Since Jan. 1, France has already seen…

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UPDATED: Earthquake of magnitude 6 strikes Crete

A very strong earthquake, measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale, occurred at 06:19 (Greek time) 56 kilometers north-northeast of Heraklion, Crete, according to data from the Geodynamic Institute of the…

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Pope Leo appeals for Israel to allow humanitarian aid in Gaza

Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday appealed for Israel to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, calling the situation in the Palestinian enclave "yet more worrying and saddening". "I renew my…

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Italy Plans to Begin Work on Messina Bridge by End of Summer, Pending Government Approval

Construction of the long-debated bridge over the Strait of Messina, designed to connect Sicily to mainland Italy, could begin by the end of summer, Transport Minister and Deputy Premier Matteo…

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Spain blocks more than 65,000 Airbnb holiday rental listings

Spain has ordered Airbnb to withdraw more than 65,000 listings for holiday rentals that violated existing rules from its platform as part of a general crackdown on a business blamed…

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Pope Leo urges unity for divided Church, vows not to be ‘autocrat’

Pope Leo XIV formally began his reign on Sunday by reaching out to conservatives who felt orphaned under his predecessor, calling for unity, vowing to preserve the Catholic Church's heritage…

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Portugal PM’s party wins snap election but falls short of majority

Portugal's governing right-of-centre Democratic Alliance has won snap parliamentary elections - the third in as many years - again falling short of a majority. Its leader Luís Montenegro promised supporters…

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What to Know About the Papal Inauguration: Rituals, Symbols, and Attendees

Tens of thousands gathered at St Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sunday for Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass. The service marks the official start of the new pontiff's papacy,…

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Cyprus Launches Campaign to Lure Skilled Nationals Back Home

Cyprus is making a concerted push to bring its diaspora home with a new initiative aimed at reversing brain drain and injecting fresh talent into the island nation’s economy. The…

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Portugal’s election: what are the parties running on Sunday

Following are the main parties running in Portugal's general election on Sunday, its third in just over three years. Opinion polls are pointing to another fragile minority government and a…

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Pope Leo tells diplomats the dignity of migrants must be respected

Pope Leo XIV, in his first address to world diplomats at the Vatican, said on Friday that the dignity of migrants had to be respected, while also calling on nations…

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No sign of cyberattack on grid operator during Spain’s blackout

Spain has found no indication of a cyberattack on its grid operator REE during the massive power outage that hit the country and Portugal on April 28, Energy Minister Sara…

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Some 66 million people to holiday in Italy this summer

This summer, 65.8 million people are expected to holiday in Italy, generating an estimated 267.4 million overnight stays, according to a study by the Demoskopika Institute, obtained in advance by…

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Pope Leo says he will make ‘every effort’ for world peace

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to head the global Catholic Church, pledged on Wednesday to make "every effort" for peace and offered the Vatican as a mediator in global…

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EU lawmakers probe rule of law in Meloni’s Italy

Rule-of-law watchdogs in the European Parliament are taking a close look at how Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has affected democracy in Italy. Behind closed doors Wednesday, lawmakers will quiz…

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UPDATED: Greece issues tsunami warning after strong earthquake

Greece's emergency services have warned people to move away from the coast after an offshore earthquake struck near the island of Kasos. "A magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred 48km [south-east] of…

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Earthquake Strikes Campi Flegrei: Strong Tremors Rattle Naples Region

A 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Campi Flegrei area at 12:07 p.m. today, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV). The epicenter was located offshore, just west of…

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New Pope Leo tells Jews he wants to strengthen dialogue

Pope Leo XIV has told the world's Jewish communities he wants to strengthen the Roman Catholic Church’s dialogue with them, in a message coming after a souring of relations between…

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Pope Leo, in first known call with foreign leader, speaks to Ukraine’s Zelenskiy

Pope Leo XIV had a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday and spoke about ceasefire proposals, Zelenskiy said, in the first known conversation between the newly-elected pontiff…

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Pope Leo XIV appeals for ‘no more war’ in first Sunday message

Pope Leo XIV appealed to the world's major powers for "no more war" in his first Sunday message to crowds in St. Peter's Square since his election as pontiff. The…

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Portugal police arrest crime ring over fraudulent permits for 10,000 foreigners

Portuguese police have arrested 13 people they believe provided an estimated more than 10,000 foreigners with residence permits and documents allowing them to stay in Portugal and the European Union…

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Pope Leo hopes to bring light to “dark nights of this world”

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Mass since being elected pontiff, as congratulations pour in for the new leader of the Catholic Church. In his address, speaking in Italian, the…

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Cyprus struggles to fill jobs

Cyprus is facing ongoing labor shortages across critical sectors, with acute gaps in professional drivers and nursing staff threatening service quality for both residents and tourists. According to Kathimerini's Dorita…

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The symbolic elements of Pope Leo XIV’s election, his vestments, and coat of arms

The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, marked a significant milestone in the Catholic Church’s modern history, making him the first American-born pontiff and underscoring the…

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In his first appearance, Pope Leo offers three big clues about his papacy

From his first moments on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV gave three important clues about what kind of leader of the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church he will…

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World Leaders React To The Election Of The First American Pope

The world is reacting to the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, with many mhighlighting both the symbolic and political implications of his appointment as the…

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UPDATED: The new pope is American Cardinal Prevost, Pope Leo XIV

A new pope has just been elected.The new pope is Cardinal Robert Prevost of the US, the first American pontiff in history. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.…

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Popes Named Leo: A Legacy of Leadership and Reform

The choice of a papal name is never accidental and in selecting Leo XIV, the new Pope has aligned himself with a weighty historical legacy. The last pontiff to bear…

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Who is the new pope, Leo XIV

Robert Prevost has become the 267th pope, the first time in 2,000 years that an American has been appointed to lead the Catholic church. Chicago-born Prevost has chosen to be…

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How does a pope get his name?

In his autobiography "Hope," published in January 2025, Pope Francis, who died on April 21, describes the moment during the 2013 papal election when he found his name. During the…

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‘Habemus papam’ and the white smoke that announces a new pope

When a new pope is elected, there are two signs that mark that historic moment: the white smoke (“fumata bianca” in Italian) erupting from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel…

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UPDATED: Black smoke emerges once again from chimney as cardinals fail to agree on new pope

Black smoke appeared from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday, signalling that cardinals meeting in a secret conclave did not elect a new pope during…

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Greece to Restrict Sea Sports During Peak Hours on Athens Riviera

Greece’s Port Authority will restrict the use of recreational sea vehicles during peak afternoon hours along the Athens Riviera this summer in an effort to improve safety and reduce disturbances…

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Conclave: the Vatican’s secret process for choosing a new pope

The next pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Catholic church’s most senior figures appointed by the pontiff, who will make their way to Rome in the…

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World waits for white smoke

Roman Catholic cardinals will begin the task on Wednesday of electing a new pope, locking themselves away from the world until they choose the man they hope can unite a…

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Greece Bans Caravan Parking in Public Spaces

Greece has approved a law that will dramatically change the handling of motorhomes and caravans in the country, as it broadly bans parking of any type of caravan or trailer…

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Italy Advocates for EU-Wide Ban on Mobile Phones in Schools

In a decisive move aimed at reinforcing traditional educational values, Italian Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara announced plans to propose a European Union-wide ban on mobile phone usage for students up…

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All set for Papal conclave

All of the 133 cardinals expected to take part in the secret conclave to elect a new pope have arrived in Rome, the Vatican said , with the race to…

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Pope Francis’s popemobile set to become health clinic for Gaza children

One of Pope Francis's popemobiles is being transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling one of his final wishes, the Vatican's official media outlet…

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France considers referendum over country’s budget

France’s Prime Minister François Bayrou said he is considering proposing a national referendum over the country's budget. In an interview with the French weekly Journal du Dimanche published late Saturday,…

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Post-blackout in Spain and Portugal, companies count the cost

As Spain and Portugal recovered from a major blackout, businesses began assessing the economic toll. Spain’s main business lobby, CEOE, estimated that the power outage would reduce GDP by 0.1%,…

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French justice minister wants to make prisoners pay for their time behind bars

France's Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin announced new plans to make prisoners contribute to their incarceration costs . Speaking to broadcaster TF1, Darmanin said he planned to “amend the law” and…

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Convicted cardinal Becciu skips conclave to elect new pope

An Italian cardinal who was convicted of embezzlement and fraud said on Tuesday he will not take part in the secret conclave to elect the new pope that will be…

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What could be behind the Iberian power outage?

The hunt has begun for the cause of a massive blackout across Spain, Portugal and parts of France that halted trains, bank machines and traffic lights, in one of Europe's…

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Over 70,000 have visited Pope Francis’s tomb so far

Over 70,000 mourners have already paid homage to Pope Francis by visiting his tomb in the Basilica of St Mary Major, Rome police said. The Argentine pontiff, who died aged…

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UPDATED: Spain, Portugal hunt for cause of power outage as electricity returns

Electricity had been restored to most of Spain and Portugal early on Tuesday after huge nationwide blackouts, although authorities were still trying to find out what caused the sudden outage.…

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Conclave to elect new Pope to start on May 7

The Vatican announced Monday the conclave to elect the next pope will begin on Wednesday, May 7. “The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which remain[s] closed…

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Pope Francis’ Funeral: A Tribute to His Leadership and Vision

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the solemn and moving celebration. He was joined by some 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and consecrated religious. US President Donald Trump, Ukraine…

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The official liturgical booklet for Pope Francis’ funeral Mass

The Vatican has released the official liturgical booklet for Pope Francis' funeral Mass, scheduled for April 26, 2025. The document outlines the full ceremony, including prayers, readings, and rituals, reflecting…

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What will happen at the funeral of Pope Francis

By Joanne M. Pierce, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross The 88-year-old pontiff had been well aware of his fragile state and advanced age. As early…

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French PM calls for crackdown on knife crime after fatal high school stabbing

The French prime minister, François Bayrou, has called for a crackdown on teenage knife crime after a high-school student stabbed four other children at his school, killing at least one…

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Thunderstorms lash Italy

After Storm Hans battered northern Italy in the runup to Easter, severe weather continued to lash much of the country this week. Since Tuesday, the conditions have triggered potent showers…

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Closing of Pope Francis’s coffin today at 8pm

A ceremony will be held at 20.00 on Friday in Saint Peter's Basilica for the closing of Pope Francis's coffin, the Vatican said.It said Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the…

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Where Pope Francis stood on Abortion, Islam, Capitalism and other key issues

Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church's teaching in areas such as the death penalty and nuclear weapons, upheld it in others such as abortion, and made inroads with Muslims and…

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Betting Markets Favor Cardinals Parolin and Tagle, but History Suggests Caution

As the Catholic Church prepares for the conclave to elect the 267th pope following the passing of Pope Francis, betting markets have identified Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy and Cardinal…

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Global Leaders to Convene for Pope Francis’ Funeral Amid Diplomatic Nuances

Preparations are underway for the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Basilica. The ceremony is expected to draw a significant international presence, with over…

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Scammers exploit Pope Francis’s death

Online scammers are using the death of Pope Francis in attempts to steal data and scam people, according to research by cybersecurity firm Check Point shared with POLITICO. Check Point…

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