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Vatican stands firm on social issues like sex change and surrogacy

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The Vatican, led by Pope Francis, has reaffirmed its strong opposition to various issues including sex changes, gender theory, surrogate parenthood, abortion, and euthanasia in a document named “Dignitas Infinita” (Infinite Dignity). Alongside these, it also highlights concerns regarding poverty, migration, and human trafficking, seeing them as threats to human dignity.

Criticism towards Pope Francis comes from both conservative and liberal factions within the Catholic Church. While some conservatives accuse him of straying too far from traditional teachings, liberals argue that he hasn’t pushed the Church enough towards evolution on these matters.

In 2023, Pope Francis made statements allowing transgender individuals to be baptized in the Catholic Church under certain conditions and permitted priests to bless same-sex couples in specific circumstances, though maintaining the traditional view of marriage. He also tasked Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, a close associate, with examining modern societal challenges.

Cardinal Fernández faced backlash for a book he authored in the late 1990s, which delved into human sexuality in detail. Despite these controversies, Pope Francis has shown openness on certain issues like same-sex unions and women’s roles in the Church.

However, the Pope remains steadfast in his opposition to surrogacy and gender theory, condemning them as morally wrong. The recent declaration, Dignitas Infinita, denounces abortion as a severe moral crisis and surrogacy as harmful to both women and children, emphasizing the sanctity of one’s birth sex.

Pope Francis’s stance underscores the complexity of his beliefs, defying simple labels of “progressive” or “conservative.” Despite his advanced age, as indicated in his autobiography, he has no plans to retire and intends to continue serving as Pope indefinitely.

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Germany faces genocide case over Israel weapon sales

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Nicaragua has asked the UN’s highest court to halt German weapons sales to Israel at the start of a landmark case.

Germany is accused of breaching the UN genocide convention by sending military hardware to Israel and ceasing funding of the UN’s aid agency.

Berlin rejects the claims and will present a defence to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Tuesday.

In 2023 some 30% of Israel’s military equipment purchases came from Germany, totalling €300m ($326m; £257m).

The allegations build on a separate case taken by South Africa in January, where judges in the Hague ordered Israel to take “every possible measure” to avoid genocidal acts. The court also ordered Hamas to release all hostages taken from Israel during its 7 October attacks immediately.Israel rejects accusations that it is engaging in genocidal acts in its campaign in Gaza, and has insisted it has the right to defend itself.

More than 33,000 have been killed in Israel’s offensive in Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry there says, the majority of them civilians. Gaza is on the brink of famine, with Oxfam reporting that 300,000 people trapped in the north have lived since January on an average of 245 calories a day.

Nicaragua says Germany’s arms sales to Israel, which totalled $326.5m last year – a tenfold increase on 2022 – make it complicit in Israel’s alleged war crimes.

Components for air defence systems and communications equipment accounted for most of the sales, according to the DPA news agency.Germany was also one of 15 Western nations which suspended funding for the UN’s Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) over allegations that some of the agency’s staff were involved in the 7 October attacks on Israel.

According to papers filed with the ICJ, Nicaragua wants the UN’s top court to order Berlin to halt weapons sales and resume funding of the aid agency, one of the few international bodies still operating in Gaza.

It says in the absence of such measures, “Germany is facilitating the commission of genocide and is failing in its obligation to do everything possible to prevent the commission of genocide”.

Speaking as the trial opened, Alain Pellet, a lawyer for Nicaragua, said it was “urgent that Germany suspend continued sales.

“Germany was and is fully conscious of the risk that the arms it has furnished and continues to furnish to Israel,” he told judges.

Berlin has rejected the allegations, but has remained tight-lipped about its legal strategy ahead of the hearings.

“We note Nicaragua’s lawsuit and we deny the allegations as unjustified”, government spokesman Wolfgang Buechner said.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s right to self-defence, but he has faced increasing domestic hostility to the continuation of arms sales to the country.

On Sunday, a group of civil servants wrote to the German leader calling on the government to “cease arm deliveries to the Israeli government with immediate effect”.

“Israel is committing crimes in Gaza that are in clear contradiction to international law and thus to the Constitution, which we are bound to as federal civil servants and public employees,” the statement said, citing January’s ICJ ruling.

In January’s case, the ICJ ruled that “at least some of the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa to have been committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the Convention”.

But critics of the case have been quick to highlight that Nicaragua itself has a spotted human rights record, with its government accused of cracking down on opposition. In March, the UK’s mission to the UN accused President Daniel Ortega’s government of a “relentless” crackdown on human rights and civil liberties.

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‘Worst floods in decades’ hit Kazakhstan and Russia

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Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from 10 northern regions in Kazakhstan due to flooding, caused by the melting snow. The authorities have taken swift action to ensure the safety of residents amidst the worsening situation.

Across the border in Russia, an oil refinery in Orsk, situated approximately 1,800km southeast of Moscow, has been forced to cease operations due to the floods. The disruption highlights the widespread impact of the natural disaster on both countries’ infrastructure and economy.

The Kremlin has issued warnings about the unprecedented pace of rising water levels, with some areas experiencing the fastest increase in a century. President Putin has directed regional authorities to prepare for the inevitable floods and take proactive measures to safeguard affected communities.

Russian emergency services have undertaken large-scale evacuation efforts, with nearly 4,500 people relocated from the Orenburg region following a dam breach. The situation remains critical, with forecasts indicating dangerous water levels in the Ural River, heightening concerns for further flooding.

In Kazakhstan, the emergency ministry has mobilized resources to provide temporary shelters for approximately 12,000 evacuated individuals. Additionally, efforts have been made to relocate around 60,000 farm animals to safe areas, mitigating the impact on agriculture and livelihoods.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has acknowledged the severity of the disaster, describing it as the worst natural calamity in Kazakhstan in 80 years. He has assured the nation that the government is intensifying its response efforts and will provide all necessary assistance to affected areas, emphasizing the importance of unity and support during this challenging time.

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French pupil dies after being beaten near school

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Recent incidents of violence in French schools have reignited concerns, particularly following the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy named Shamseddin in Viry-Chatillon, a suburb in southern Paris. Mayor Jean-Marie Vilain expressed distress over the normalization of such extreme violence, recounting how Shamseddin was assaulted by a group of youths while walking home from a music class. Despite efforts by medical staff at Necker hospital, Shamseddin succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have made one arrest in connection with Shamseddin’s murder, but are still seeking other assailants. Another incident in Montpellier involved the beating of a 14-year-old girl named Samara, who was hospitalized but has since regained consciousness. Initial reports indicated the attack stemmed from a dispute over Snapchat photos, though Samara’s mother mentioned her daughter faced bullying due to her refusal to conform to Islamic dress codes.

However, Samara’s mother also cautioned against politicizing the incident, rebuffing claims that it was religiously motivated and accusing far-right factions of exploiting the situation. These events have intensified concerns about violence in schools, with issues ranging from gang activity to cyberbullying and cultural pressures.

President Emmanuel Macron stressed the need to protect schools from escalating violence among teenagers. Opposition figures, including Marine Le Pen, have criticized the government’s response to such incidents. Mayor Vilain, visibly emotional, emphasized the need for moral education and consequences for wrongdoing in light of Shamseddin’s tragic death.

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Serbia’s Search: Missing Two-Year-Old Girl Case Grips Nation

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Throughout the day and into the evening, individuals have been laying floral tributes in Bor’s main square, a copper-mining town in eastern Serbia, to honor Danka Ilic, a two-year-old girl who went missing. Alongside handwritten messages are cuddly toys and balloons, with votive candles flickering in remembrance. The mourners, whether local residents or from afar, express condolences to Danka’s family. Her disappearance, the subsequent search, and the tragic confirmation of her death have dominated headlines in Serbia since she vanished while playing at her grandfather’s house ten days ago.

Two men, both aged 50, are now in custody on suspicion of murder. According to police, they admitted to hitting Danka with their car but failed to seek help. Instead, they placed her in the vehicle and drove away. Details of the incident are distressing, with Danka’s father reportedly stopping the men’s car and inquiring about his daughter, unaware that she was inside the vehicle. Authorities are investigating the possibility of Danka surviving the initial impact, as evidence suggests the car was traveling at a low speed. Despite efforts to locate her body, one of the suspects allegedly moved it to another location.

The arrests dashed hopes of finding Danka alive, shifting focus to the grim task of recovering her remains. The case has drawn widespread attention both within Serbia and beyond its borders, with Interpol issuing alerts after a girl resembling Danka was spotted in Vienna. Protests planned in recent days have been called off out of respect for her family. President Aleksandar Vucic denounced those responsible as “monsters” while commending the police and the public for their efforts, emphasizing the resilience and compassion of the Serbian people.

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Swiss Alps: Irish man among three killed in helicopter crash

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An Irish man was among the three individuals who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Swiss Alps. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning on Petit Combin mountain, with two other individuals being airlifted for medical treatment, and another rescued later.

The helicopter was en route to a drop-off point for skiers, carrying a guide and visitors, when the crash transpired at approximately 09:25 local time. The Department of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the event and stands prepared to offer consular assistance.

According to local police, the helicopter crashed at the mountain’s airfield and slid down the northern slope. Onboard were the pilot, a mountain guide, and four clients. Seven rescue helicopters responded to the scene.

The Swiss Safety Investigation Service has initiated an inquiry into the crash’s cause. The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, overseeing aviation accidents, is collaborating with Fedpol and the Valais Cantonal Police for the criminal investigation.

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Itzulia Basque Country: Jonas Vingegaard suffers broken collarbone and ribs in crash

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The Itzulia Basque Country stage race witnessed a significant setback as a high-speed crash on a descent led to severe injuries for several top cyclists, including the reigning Tour de France champion Jonas Vingegaard, race leader Primoz Roglic, and Remco Evenepoel. Vingegaard, aged 27, suffered a broken collarbone and multiple ribs, requiring medical attention.

Similarly, Roglic and Evenepoel sustained injuries significant enough to force them out of the race. Additionally, Jay Vine of UAE Team Emirates suffered fractures in his cervical and two thoracic spine vertebral bodies, highlighting the severity of the incident.

The aftermath of the crash prompted race officials to take action. With safety concerns prevailing, the remaining 35 kilometers of Thursday’s fourth stage were neutralized. Only a select few from the front group contested for the stage win, with Louis Meintjes ultimately clinching victory.

Despite the competitive spirit, the prevailing sentiment was one of concern and acknowledgment that winning under such circumstances was not the ideal scenario. Meintjes and his team, Intermarche-Wanty, expressed their thoughts and solidarity with the injured riders, emphasizing the paramount importance of the safety and well-being of all participants.

In terms of race logistics, the crash had significant implications for the general classification. Stage organizers announced that the times from the affected stage would not be factored into the overall standings, recognizing the extraordinary circumstances. As a result, the previous standings, where Roglic held a seven-second lead over Evenepoel, were nullified.

The race dynamics shifted, and Danish rider Mattias Skjelmose of Lidl-Trek now finds himself leading the overall standings by a margin of four seconds heading into the fifth stage of the six-stage race. The crash not only altered the competitive landscape but also underscored the inherent risks and challenges faced by cyclists in professional racing.

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Alicudi: Italian island offers goats up for adoption

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The mayor of a remote Italian island, overwhelmed by an excess of wild goats, is proposing to give them away. Riccardo Gullo conceived the idea after a census revealed that the goat population outnumbered the island’s human inhabitants by sixfold, with only 100 residents.

These goats, adept at navigating the island’s steep terrain in Alicudi, part of the Aeolian archipelago off Sicily, have become a nuisance by causing damage to gardens and allotments as they expand into residential areas.

To address the issue, the mayor is accepting applications for individuals interested in “adopting” a goat, with a deadline set for April 10th. Originally inhabitants of Alicudi’s rugged mountains and cliffs, the goats have progressively encroached upon inhabited regions, causing havoc by destroying vegetation, knocking down walls, and even entering homes.

Dubbed as browsers due to their feeding habits, which involve consuming leaves and fruits at head-height, these goats can wreak havoc on vegetation if left unchecked. Mr. Gullo mentioned receiving inquiries from interested parties, including a farmer from Vulcano Island, another member of the Aeolian archipelago, who is keen to acquire several goats for cheese production, notably Ricotta cheese.

Vulcano, like Alicudi, is one of the seven islands constituting the Aeolian archipelago, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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French couple barred from owning pets after they kept 159 cats

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A French couple from Nice has been handed a one-year suspended sentence for subjecting numerous animals to cruel conditions. In their 80-square-meter apartment, they were found to be housing 159 cats and seven dogs, many of which were suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and parasite infections. The judge concluded that the couple had failed in their duty to properly care for the animals. As a consequence, they’ve been permanently banned from keeping pets and ordered to pay over €150,000 to animal rights charities and other involved parties.

Last year, authorities stumbled upon the distressing situation during a visit to the couple’s apartment, where they found animals crammed into every available space, surrounded by filth and excrement. Tragically, some of the cats and dogs had already perished due to their dire health conditions, with the bodies of at least two cats and two dogs discovered in the bathroom.

The couple’s explanation revealed a pattern of accumulating animals, with the woman, aged 68, describing them as the “love of her life,” although she admitted to having “screwed up.” Her initial collection of her parents’ pets in 2018 escalated when she took in around 30 cats from an abandoned building, leading to unchecked breeding. She expressed feeling a sense of abandonment herself, equating it to leaving the animals behind.

A psychiatric evaluation diagnosed her with “Noah’s syndrome,” a psychological compulsion to rescue animals, even when incapable of providing adequate care. This wasn’t the couple’s first encounter with authorities regarding animal welfare; they had previously been investigated in 2014 for housing 13 cats and a dog in an 18-square-meter studio apartment.

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Luis Rubiales arrested in corruption investigation

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Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), has been detained upon his arrival in Madrid from the Dominican Republic as part of a corruption investigation. It is alleged that Rubiales received illegal commissions during negotiations for the Spanish Super Cup competition to be held in Saudi Arabia.

Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year jail term for Rubiales, who vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Following his arrival, Rubiales was taken into custody by members of the Civil Guard and is now subject to 72 hours of questioning. This action follows a previous search of his home by the police last month, along with simultaneous searches conducted at the football federation headquarters, resulting in several arrests.

In addition to the corruption allegations, Rubiales is also facing a separate trial for sexual assault. This case emerged after an incident where he kissed the player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after the World Cup final, which she and her teammates deemed unwanted and demeaning. Despite denying any misconduct, Rubiales was forced to resign from his position as RFEF president amidst the controversy surrounding the incident.

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