A photo of Pope Francis in a wheelchair, praying in a hospital chapel, was released by the Holy See Press Office on 16 March. This is the first image since his hospitalization on 14 February. The Pope’s condition is stable but complex, and he continues with prayer, rest, and therapy. Public anticipation for a glimpse of him was high, with children gathering outside the hospital. Despite no visitors, he remains engaged in some work. His voice was last heard in a 6 March audio blessing. Ava Sinclair 16/03/2025 9:00 pm
In Mexico, former President López Obrador’s reforms requiring judges to be elected, not appointed, led to market instability and currency weakening. This reflects a global trend of populists challenging judicial authority. In the U.S., President Trump’s supporters echo similar rhetoric, criticizing judicial decisions that block his policies. Stephen Miller and others argue against judicial overreach, while some in Congress suggest impeaching judges. Elon Musk and Senator Chuck Grassley have also criticized judicial actions, warning of a potential constitutional crisis if unchecked. Ava Sinclair 16/03/2025 9:00 pm
Serbian officials denied using a military-grade sonic weapon to disperse protesters at an anti-government rally in Belgrade. Opposition and rights groups claim the banned acoustic device was used, causing panic and a brief stampede. They plan to file charges with the European Court of Human Rights. The rally, part of a movement against President Aleksandar Vucic, followed a deadly train station collapse blamed on government corruption. The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy condemned the alleged use of the weapon, while Serbian police and the defense ministry denied its deployment. Ava Sinclair 16/03/2025 9:00 pm
The annual Gridiron Club dinner in Washington featured jokes about President Trump, global issues, and Elon Musk. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a rising Democratic star, humorously hinted at presidential ambitions, joking about appealing to “the Kremlin.” Despite Trump’s absence, the event, attended by journalists and diplomats, continued its tradition of political humor. Historically, the dinner allows presidents to engage with the press and showcase humor about current political challenges. Noah Prescott 16/03/2025 5:30 pm
U.S. airstrikes in Yemen targeted and eliminated multiple Houthi leaders, marking a shift from previous attacks, according to White House national security adviser Mike Waltz. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Waltz emphasized the strikes’ focus on Houthi leadership and holding Iran accountable for aiding attacks on U.S. warships and disrupting global commerce. Waltz noted that 70% of global trade is rerouting around South Africa due to Houthi threats, increasing costs. President Trump warned the Houthis of severe consequences if attacks continue, suggesting ongoing military efforts. Noah Prescott 16/03/2025 5:30 pm
Peruvian fisherman Maximo Napa Castro, 61, survived 95 days lost at sea by eating turtles, birds, and cockroaches. He set off from Marcona on December 7 for a two-week trip but was blown off course by a storm. Found 1,094 km from the coast by an Ecuadorian patrol, he was dehydrated and in critical condition. Castro survived by catching rainwater and thinking of his family, including his granddaughter. After his rescue, he was reunited with his family in Lima, where his daughter welcomed him with pisco. Penelope Kingsley 16/03/2025 5:30 pm
Over 100,000 people gathered in Belgrade for a mass protest against Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, marking the peak of months-long anti-corruption demonstrations. The rally, dubbed “15 for 15,” honored 15 victims of a train station collapse blamed on government negligence. Despite tensions and sporadic incidents, the protest remained largely peaceful, led by university students. The protest movement has challenged Vucic’s 13-year rule, with public transport halted and the crowd size reportedly exceeding police estimates. Penelope Kingsley 16/03/2025 5:30 pm
The Angelus is a Catholic prayer recited at 6am, noon, and 6pm, accompanied by the Angelus bell. It reflects on the Incarnation of Jesus. The Pope leads the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square every Sunday at noon, offering a Gospel reflection and addressing global issues, broadcast worldwide. From Easter to Pentecost, the Regina Coeli replaces the Angelus, celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection and ending with the Gloria. Ava Sinclair 16/03/2025 2:00 pm
A fire at the Pulse nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killed at least 59 and injured over 100 during a concert by DNA. The blaze, caused by pyrotechnics, spread rapidly. Arrest warrants were issued for four individuals. Videos show the venue engulfed in flames. Many victims, aged 14-24, were hospitalized with severe burns. Some deceased remain unidentified. Prime Minister Mickoski expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it a significant loss for the country. Penelope Kingsley 16/03/2025 2:00 pm
President Zelensky refuted claims by Putin and Trump that Ukrainian troops are encircled in Kursk, labeling them as false. Ukraine’s military and analysts, including the Institute for the Study of War, found no evidence of encirclement. Ukraine’s incursion aimed to divert Russian resources and potentially swap captured land. Despite setbacks, Ukraine maintains its forces have regrouped and are not surrounded. Zelensky emphasized this after a briefing with Ukraine’s commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Ava Sinclair 16/03/2025 2:00 pm
