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SSPX Priest Says Future Pope Could Reunite Breakaway Catholic Sect with Vatican

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A priest from the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group recently excommunicated by the Vatican, expressed hope that a future pope would restore ties with the Church. Speaking during a Mass in Wil, Switzerland, Father Georg Kopf said he believes another pope will one day “open the door” and welcome the group back into full communion, similar to the actions of Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.

The SSPX was excommunicated after four bishops were ordained without the approval of Pope Leo, a move the Vatican described as a serious violation of Church law. Founded in 1970, the Switzerland-based group is known for preserving the traditional Latin Mass and opposing several reforms introduced by the modern Catholic Church. The Vatican said it had offered dialogue before the ordinations but considered the unauthorized appointments grounds for automatic excommunication.

During his sermon, Kopf insisted the ordinations were not intended to create a parallel church or sever ties with Rome. Instead, he said they were carried out out of loyalty to the Catholic faith and concern for the spiritual well-being of believers. Drawing parallels to the reconciliation efforts of Pope Benedict XVI, he expressed confidence that future Church leadership could once again seek unity with the breakaway group.

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Uber Halts Most Europe Food Delivery Expansion Amid Delivery Hero Pursuit

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Uber has paused most of its planned food delivery expansion across Europe, just months after announcing its entry into seven new markets, according to a report by the Financial Times. The company has reportedly shelved launches in five of the seven targeted countries, including Austria, Norway, and Greece, while continuing operations in Finland and Denmark.

Earlier this year, Uber had unveiled plans to expand Uber Eats into Austria, Denmark, Finland, Norway, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Romania, expecting the move to generate an additional $1 billion in gross bookings over the next three years. However, the company is now focusing on strengthening its presence in markets where it has already launched.

The reported slowdown comes as Uber continues pursuing a takeover of Germany-based Delivery Hero. In May, Delivery Hero confirmed it had received a €33-per-share takeover offer from Uber. Reuters also reported that Uber increased its stake in the company to nearly 37% after acquiring additional shares from Aspex Management. While Delivery Hero declined to comment, Uber has not officially responded to the report.

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Ukraine Launches Major Drone Attack on Russia’s St. Petersburg Oil Port

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Ukraine launched a large-scale overnight drone attack targeting Russia’s St. Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad region, striking oil infrastructure and port facilities, according to Russian and Ukrainian officials. Russian authorities said the city’s oil terminal was hit but reported no casualties in St. Petersburg, while officials claimed that dozens of drones were intercepted during the attack.

The governor of the Leningrad region said drones also struck the port of Vysotsk, a key Baltic Sea hub that handles oil, liquefied natural gas, grain, and coal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strikes were aimed at oil infrastructure that supports Russia’s war efforts and also targeted Kronstadt, a strategically important Russian naval base near St. Petersburg.

The latest operation is part of Ukraine’s intensified campaign against Russian energy and military infrastructure. Russian officials also reported that drone attacks in the Bryansk region and Russian-controlled Crimea killed one person in each location, while additional drones were intercepted in the Pskov region, where minor damage and injuries were reported.

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NATO Leaders Meet in Ankara Amid Trump Tensions

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NATO leaders will gather in Ankara next week for a high-stakes summit aimed at reinforcing alliance unity despite growing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. European members are expected to highlight increased defence spending and stronger military capabilities as Washington scales back parts of its military commitment to Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the summit will focus on turning higher defence budgets into combat-ready forces and expanding the alliance’s defence industry.

The meeting is also expected to reaffirm NATO’s support for Ukraine, with leaders pledging continued military assistance in its war against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend a dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Trump. European leaders hope the personal ties between Trump, Erdoğan and Rutte will help keep discussions constructive despite recent disagreements.

The summit comes after months of strain within the alliance, including disputes over the Iran conflict, Trump’s criticism of NATO spending, and U.S. troop reductions in Europe. European officials remain concerned that renewed tensions or developments in the Middle East could overshadow the gathering. Even so, NATO diplomats say leaders recognise the importance of presenting a united front and maintaining the alliance’s collective security commitments.

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Vatican Excommunicates SSPX Bishops and Warns Followers Over Growing Church Schism

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The Vatican has formally excommunicated the six bishops of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a conservative Catholic group, after it consecrated four new bishops despite direct instructions from Pope Leo XIV not to do so. In an unprecedented move, the Vatican also declared that lay members who formally adhere to the group’s teachings and regularly participate in its religious activities may also be considered excommunicated, while inviting those who leave the society to return to the Catholic Church.

Founded in 1970, the SSPX rejects many of the reforms introduced by the Second Vatican Council, including celebrating Mass in local languages instead of Latin and other modern changes within the Roman Catholic Church. The group, which has an estimated 600,000 followers worldwide, maintains traditional practices and opposes the Church’s increased dialogue with other Christian denominations and other faiths. It has a significant presence in countries including the United States, France and the United Kingdom.

The Vatican clarified that not every SSPX member would automatically be excommunicated, but those who consistently participate in its services and publicly support its doctrinal positions would be regarded as being in schism with the Church. Excommunication is one of the Church’s most severe penalties, preventing individuals from receiving sacraments and fully participating in Catholic life. The latest decision marks a major setback in years of efforts to reconcile the Vatican with the traditionalist movement.

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Ukrainian Woman Named Main Suspect in Monaco Bomb Attack, Believed to Have Fled to Germany

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Monaco authorities have identified a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman as the main suspect in the bomb attack that injured a wealthy businessman and his family earlier this week. Prosecutors said the suspect, Anastasiia Berezovska, is wanted for attempted murder, criminal conspiracy and placing an explosive device in a public place. An Interpol Red Notice has been issued after investigators determined she fled Monaco and is believed to be in Germany.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly left a parcel containing an explosive device outside a building in Monaco before detonating it remotely as Ukrainian-born businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner and their son arrived. The blast left all three injured. Officials said the suspect escaped on foot into neighboring France before using a rental car from Germany to travel through several European countries, including Italy, and eventually return to Germany.

Investigators believe the attack was carefully planned and are examining the possibility that the suspect did not act alone due to the sophistication of the operation. Two individuals who were detained in Monaco during the investigation have since been released without charges. Judicial sources later confirmed that the suspect was reportedly spotted in Frankfurt as authorities continue their international search.

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ECB Chief Lagarde Says Early Exit Before 2027 Term Cannot Be Ruled Out

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European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has said she cannot completely rule out leaving her position before the end of her term in October 2027 if she decides to play a role in French politics. In an interview with French newspaper Les Échos, Lagarde said it was “possible” she could depart early, adding that she believes a strong European voice should be part of France’s presidential debate.

However, Lagarde dismissed suggestions that she is preparing to run in France’s presidential election next spring. When asked whether she would support a candidate or become one herself, she initially joked that she would “reflect on it” before clarifying that such a move is “not currently on the agenda.” She emphasized that her priority would be to contribute a European perspective to France’s political discussions rather than pursue elected office.

Lagarde reiterated the importance of France remaining firmly anchored within Europe, arguing that the country’s economic future depends heavily on its role within the European Union. She said she would speak with both a French and European voice, stressing that France must play a decisive role in shaping the continent’s economic future while maintaining strong European cooperation.

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Cossacks Help Manage Fuel Queues as Russia’s Fuel Crisis Deepens

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Cossacks and volunteers have joined local officials and police in the Russian Black Sea resort of Anapa to manage long queues at petrol stations as fuel shortages worsen. They are helping regulate traffic, prevent disputes, and enforce limits on fuel purchases amid growing pressure on supplies.

The fuel crisis has been triggered by repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, forcing Moscow to introduce emergency measures. Drivers in several regions are now limited to buying 20 litres of gasoline per vehicle, while authorities say queue management has reduced waiting times from several hours to around 30–40 minutes.

Russia has also eased fuel quality standards and increased gasoline imports to address the shortage. The situation comes as fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues, with both sides carrying out regular attacks and peace efforts remaining at a standstill.

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French Far-Right Awaits Crucial Court Ruling That Could Reshape 2027 Presidential Race

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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is awaiting a crucial court ruling on July 7 that will determine whether she can contest the 2027 presidential election. The appeal challenges a five-year ban from holding public office and a four-year prison sentence imposed in 2025 over the embezzlement of European Parliament funds. The verdict could either clear the way for Le Pen’s fourth presidential bid or force the National Rally (RN) to choose a new candidate.

If Le Pen remains barred, party president Jordan Bardella is widely expected to become the RN’s presidential nominee. Although party leaders insist the transition would be united, many members acknowledge that replacing Le Pen would mark the end of an era for the politician who transformed the National Rally into France’s largest parliamentary party. Bardella’s leadership has also sparked internal debate over the party’s future direction, particularly on economic policy.

Opinion polls suggest both Le Pen and Bardella would comfortably advance to the second round of the 2027 election, with recent surveys showing Bardella attracting even stronger first-round support than Le Pen. However, political analysts note that his relative lack of experience compared with Le Pen could become a key issue if he leads the far-right campaign, making the upcoming court ruling one of the most significant moments in French politics ahead of the presidential race.

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EU Pledges Fresh Support to Armenia Amid Rising Russian Economic Pressure

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The European Union has announced an additional €18 million in economic assistance for Armenia and eased export rules for Armenian goods as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the South Caucasus nation. The support comes as Armenia faces increasing trade restrictions from Russia, which have affected key exports including fresh produce, flowers, fish, and alcoholic beverages. The latest funding forms part of a broader €52 million assistance package unveiled earlier this year.

During a visit to Yerevan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that the EU would stand by Armenia despite external economic pressure. She said the bloc would remove tariffs on nearly 80% of Armenian exports, giving businesses easier access to the European Union’s market of around 450 million consumers. Von der Leyen emphasised that the EU would continue supporting partners facing economic challenges.

The announcement reflects Armenia’s growing efforts to strengthen relations with the European Union while maintaining its position in the Russian-led economic union. Russia remains Armenia’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 35% of its foreign trade, while the EU represents around 11%. The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and regional connectivity in the South Caucasus through investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

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