French PM François Bayrou is shocked by his daughter Hélène Perlant’s revelation of abuse at Notre-Dame de Bétharram, a scandal-hit Catholic school. Perlant, now 53, alleges a priest beat her at 14. The school, in Bayrou’s political stronghold, has faced abuse allegations spanning decades. Bayrou, who was an MP and education minister, denies knowing about the abuse. Perlant remained silent for 30 years, citing the school’s oppressive environment. Bayrou is set to appear before a parliamentary inquiry.

Ava Sinclair 23/04/2025 7:00 pm

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, is lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica until Friday, with tens of thousands paying respects ahead of his Saturday funeral. The funeral mass, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, will occur at 10 am in St Peter’s Square. World leaders, including Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelensky, will attend. Pope Francis showed signs of illness before passing, following a hospitalization for double pneumonia earlier this year. Public viewings continue until Friday evening.

Noah Prescott 23/04/2025 7:00 pm

In Israel, Barak Tzach, a father of four, died after a shark attack while snorkeling in a Mediterranean area known for its shark presence. Despite swimming bans, people frequently enter the waters, often interacting with the sharks. Tzach’s wife stated he was documenting, not disturbing, the sharks when attacked. Authorities have condemned such interactions and urged separation between people and sharks. This incident marks only the third recorded shark attack in Israel, according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

Noah Prescott 23/04/2025 7:00 pm

From April 23, Pope Francis’ body will be displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration until April 25. To preserve his body, the technique of thanatopraxis, a modern, less invasive form of embalming, is used. This method maintains the natural appearance of the deceased for several days, allowing Catholics to pay their respects. Unlike traditional embalming, thanatopraxis involves injecting preservative fluids and applying corrective makeup without removing internal organs. Pope Francis chose a simple zinc coffin, avoiding the traditional triple coffin, for his display.

Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 3:30 pm

The world’s coral reefs are experiencing unprecedented bleaching, affecting over 80% of reefs globally due to record high ocean temperatures. This ongoing event, starting in January 2023, has impacted reefs in at least 82 countries, including areas previously considered thermal refuges. The current bleaching surpasses previous events, with 84% of reefs exposed compared to 68% during 2014-2017. Notable affected areas include Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo coast, as well as reefs off Madagascar and South Africa. Scientists warn this event pushes reefs into “uncharted waters,” overwhelming monitoring efforts.

Ava Sinclair 23/04/2025 3:30 pm

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, criticized Hamas as “sons of dogs” in a speech demanding they release hostages, disarm, and relinquish control of Gaza to end the conflict with Israel. Abbas accused Hamas of providing Israel with excuses to continue attacks. A Hamas official condemned Abbas’s language. Hamas rejected an Israeli ceasefire proposal, insisting on a full Israeli withdrawal and refusing to disarm. The PA, led by Abbas, has expressed readiness to govern Gaza post-war but faces criticism for inaction.

Ava Sinclair 23/04/2025 3:30 pm

Pope Francis’s death initiates the process of selecting a new pontiff through the “conclave,” a secretive and ancient tradition. This event garners global interest as cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect the next Bishop of Rome. Historically, conclaves became secretive to prevent external influence and ensure focus. The term “conclave” originates from Latin, meaning a locked room, highlighting its ancient roots. Despite modern technology, the conclave remains a mysterious and traditional process, reflecting its historical significance in the Catholic Church.

Penelope Kingsley 23/04/2025 12:00 pm

The International Coral Reef Initiative reports that 84% of the world’s coral reefs are experiencing severe bleaching, marking the most intense event in recorded history. This fourth global bleaching event since 1998 surpasses the 2014-17 crisis, affecting two-thirds of reefs. The current crisis, starting in 2023, is driven by warming oceans, with no clear end in sight. Coral reefs, vital for biodiversity, seafood production, tourism, and coastal protection, are threatened as prolonged warmth causes algae to release toxins, leading corals to expel them, losing their color and health.

Noah Prescott 23/04/2025 12:00 pm

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck near Istanbul, shaking buildings and causing residents to flee. The quake’s epicenter was in the Marmara Sea, 80 km west of Istanbul, at a depth of 6.92 km. No casualties have been reported yet, but the impact is still being assessed. Istanbul residents described it as one of the strongest quakes in years, with furniture crashing in homes. The city, home to 16 million people, is near the North Anatolian Fault Line.

Ava Sinclair 23/04/2025 12:00 pm

The UK government borrowed £151.9bn last year, exceeding expectations and increasing pressure on public finances. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is seeking a US trade deal to avoid tariffs impacting UK exports. The borrowing overshoot may lead to spending cuts or tax hikes to adhere to fiscal rules. Despite sluggish growth and higher interest rates, Reeves aims to avoid borrowing for day-to-day spending. The IMF predicts lower UK growth for 2025. US Vice-President JD Vance indicated a “good chance” for a trade deal.

Noah Prescott 23/04/2025 12:00 pm