VATICAN CITY — When a world leader dies, a wave of political jockeying often follows. But in the Vatican, where the Catholic Church now mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the path to leadership unfolds in utter silence — and absolute secrecy. There are no speeches, no campaign trails, no political alliances. In fact, Cardinals are expressly forbidden from doing any of it. According to the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici…

A new Trump administration campaign designed to discourage illegal migration is drawing sharp criticism abroad and stirring controversy at home, as Mexico moves to ban what it calls foreign “propaganda” from its airwaves. Launched under the leadership of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, the multimillion-dollar initiative is aimed at convincing undocumented immigrants in the U.S. to self-deport, while dissuading others from attempting illegal entry. Funded by U.S. taxpayers, the…

A fresh wave of cartel-fueled chaos erupted across central Mexico on Wednesday, as heavily armed men torched cargo trucks and barricaded major highways in a violent display linked to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The attacks, which took place along a key highway connecting Mexico City to Guadalajara, spilled over into the neighboring states of Michoacán and Guanajuato, with at least 18 similar incidents reported. Local police sources,…

The Dollar to Naira exchange rate remains a critical focus for businesses, investors and individuals in Nigeria as forex market fluctuations continue. On 24th April 2025, the black-market exchange rate reflects ongoing economic trends, foreign exchange supply challenges, and the latest policies from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).   How Much is Dollar to Naira Today in Black Market? The latest black-market Dollar to Naira exchange rate as of…

Two Swedish fighter jets operating under NATO command were scrambled Thursday to intercept a Russian reconnaissance aircraft nearing Polish airspace, in a move that underscores the escalating aerial tensions over the Baltic Sea. According to Sweden’s Armed Forces, the jets, deployed from the NATO airbase in Malbork, Poland, were sent to confront and escort away a Russian IL-20 “Coot” reconnaissance plane detected approaching the Polish border. “The plane was close…

Two U.S. Marines stationed in Okinawa are under investigation for separate rape allegations, Japanese police confirmed on Thursday, in a development likely to inflame already sensitive relations between the local community and American military forces. A local police official reported that the first Marine, in his 20s, is suspected of raping a Japanese woman within an American military base in March. He is also under suspicion for injuring a second…

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is cutting short an official trip to South Africa following a deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv early Thursday that killed at least ten people and injured more than 70 others. Zelenskyy, who had been meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to seek broader support for Ukraine’s war effort, announced his immediate return to Kyiv via a Telegram post. “I am returning to Ukraine after…

Of Nigeria’s four cardinals, only one is eligible to vote in the upcoming papal conclave: Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Bishop of Ekwulobia. At 61, he serves as Nigeria’s lone voice among the global body of papal electors—an appointment that highlights his vital role in both national and international Church affairs. With a Catholic population exceeding 30 million, Nigeria stands as a spiritual powerhouse in Africa. Notably, around 70% of Nigerian…

More than 72 hours after the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has entered the Novemdiales—a traditional nine-day period of mourning. The Pope’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, giving the faithful an opportunity to pay their final respects and start the process of electing a new pope. The pope Francis funeral, expected between the fourth and sixth day after his passing, will draw dignitaries, religious…

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck Istanbul early Wednesday, sending tremors through the metropolis of more than 15 million and sparking fear among residents who fled buildings in panic. Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported that the quake struck at a shallow depth of six miles beneath the Sea of Marmara, approximately 25 miles southwest of the city. While no casualties or significant damage were immediately reported, the quake…

A massive wildfire tearing through Ocean County has prompted mandatory evacuations for thousands, scorched more than 8,500 acres, and left over 25,000 homes and businesses without power as emergency crews battle the flames. The blaze ignited around 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Greenwood Forest Wildlife Management Area, quickly spreading across the Pine Barrens. Officials from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service report that the wildfire is only 10% contained as…

Brazil, which hosts the 2025 United Nations Climate Summit has a main goal of persuading Europe, China and other developing economies to commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions enough to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius, three people with knowledge of the country’s plans revealed. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have scheduled a closed online meeting on Wednesday to talk with…