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Pope Leo XIV to Visit Canary Islands During Spain Tour

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Pope Leo XIV will travel to Spain from June 6–12, marking his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy since becoming pontiff. As part of the trip, he will visit the Canary Islands—a major entry point for migrants crossing dangerous Atlantic routes to Europe.

During his time on Tenerife and Gran Canaria, the pope is expected to meet migrants and humanitarian organizations supporting them. The visit comes amid growing concern over migration, with thousands losing their lives attempting the journey, and as Spain rolls out a mass amnesty program for undocumented immigrants under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

The tour will also include stops in Madrid and Barcelona, where the pope will meet King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, and inaugurate a new tower of the iconic Sagrada Familia. The visit highlights his increasingly vocal stance on global issues, particularly migration and humanitarian concerns.

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Swiss Poll Shows Growing Support for Population Cap Referendum

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A slight majority of voters in Switzerland are backing a proposal to cap the nation’s population at 10 million, according to a recent opinion poll. The initiative, supported by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), will be put to a nationwide referendum on June 14, with support rising compared to earlier surveys.

The Swiss government has opposed the proposal, warning it could harm economic growth and strain relations with the European Union. Officials argue that limiting population growth could restrict the labor market and undermine existing agreements, particularly the freedom of movement arrangement with the EU.

However, increasing concerns over rapid population growth, infrastructure pressure, and the rising share of foreign residents have driven support for the initiative. With Switzerland’s population already exceeding 9 million, the proposal aims to impose a long-term cap by 2050, reflecting ongoing debates about immigration, economic ties, and national sovereignty.

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French Coastguard Rescues Migrants in Channel Crossing Attempts

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The French Coastguard rescued more than 100 migrants after a boat attempting to cross the English Channel broke down. Authorities responded on Saturday, bringing 106 people safely aboard a rescue vessel and transporting them to Calais early Sunday morning.

Earlier, emergency teams had already intervened near Wimereux to assist seven individuals struggling to board the overcrowded boat, including a woman who lost consciousness and required helicopter evacuation. In a separate incident, six more people were rescued, bringing the total number saved across operations to 119.

The rescues come shortly after a new £662 million agreement between the UK and France aimed at curbing dangerous crossings. Despite increased enforcement plans, officials continue to warn that the Channel remains one of the world’s busiest and most hazardous waterways, with unpredictable weather and strong currents posing serious risks to those attempting the journey.

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Pope Leads Good Friday Prayers for War Victims and Migrant Children

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Pope Leo XIV led a solemn Good Friday service at Rome’s Colosseum, where thousands of Catholics gathered for the traditional Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession. The candle-lit ceremony included prayers for war orphans, deported migrant children, and victims of global conflicts. During the service, spiritual meditations emphasized accountability for world leaders, warning that their use of power—especially in matters of war and peace—would ultimately be judged by God.

The pope, the first American to hold the position, carried a wooden cross through the historic amphitheatre, stopping at intervals for readings from the Bible, reflections inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, and messages focused on social justice. The meditations highlighted suffering across the world, including refugees, victims of human trafficking, political prisoners, and those killed in war zones, while also drawing attention to children affected by harsh immigration policies.

Although no specific leaders were named, the themes reflected ongoing global tensions and humanitarian concerns. Pope Leo has previously voiced criticism of strict immigration measures, particularly in relation to their alignment with Church teachings. The Good Friday observance marks a key moment in the Christian calendar leading up to Easter Sunday, when the pope is expected to deliver a major message addressing international issues.

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Switzerland Opposes Population Cap Initiative

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The Swiss government has urged voters to reject a proposal that would cap the country’s population at 10 million, warning the measure could harm the economy and strain relations with the European Union. The referendum, backed by the right-wing Swiss People’s Party (SVP), is scheduled for June 14 and comes as Switzerland seeks closer cooperation with the EU to maintain access to its largest trading market.

Supporters of the initiative argue that high immigration levels are driving housing shortages, rising rents, and increased pressure on public infrastructure. The proposal calls for limiting permanent residents to under 10 million by 2050 and ending Switzerland’s freedom of movement agreement with the EU, which critics say could weaken economic ties and labor mobility.

The Federal Council, along with business groups, trade unions, and cantonal leaders, has warned the plan would undermine job markets, security cooperation, and Switzerland’s humanitarian traditions. With the population already exceeding 9 million and foreign nationals accounting for more than 27%, officials say the initiative would create uncertainty during a period of global instability.

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Spain’s Migrant Amnesty Sparks Chaos Amid Bureaucratic Gaps

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Spain’s upcoming migrant regularisation drive, aimed at granting legal status to around half a million undocumented migrants, has already strained immigration offices and sparked anxiety among applicants. The government announced the programme last month, but a lack of detailed guidance, funding, and staffing has left both migrants and frontline workers uncertain about the process and timeline. Union leaders warn that without additional resources, the initiative could face significant delays or fail at launch.

The Spanish government plans to run the programme from April to June, allowing migrants with clean criminal records and at least five months of residence or prior asylum applications to qualify. However, essential details on required documentation and procedures remain unclear. As a result, migrants have been queuing at immigration offices for information and, in some cases, paying intermediaries illegally to secure appointments, reflecting widespread fear and confusion.

Experts note that Spain’s inclusive migration policies have fueled economic growth but chronic administrative backlogs leave hundreds of thousands working off the books. Union officials and NGOs emphasize the need for additional staff, technological support, and extended office hours to handle the surge in applications, while the government explores involving non-governmental organisations and trade unions to manage the expected influx efficiently.

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Sweden to Tighten Citizenship Rules Amid Immigration Push

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Sweden’s government announced plans to tighten citizenship rules, extending the required residency period from five to eight years, introducing a minimum monthly income threshold of 20,000 Swedish crowns ($2,225), and requiring applicants to pass a language and cultural knowledge test. Migration Minister Johan Forssell said the stricter measures aim to ensure applicants understand Swedish society and meet basic economic and social standards.

The new rules also impose longer waiting periods for individuals with criminal records. For instance, someone who served a four-year prison sentence would have to wait 15 years before applying for citizenship. The changes are part of a broader effort by the centre-right coalition to restrict immigration, which has been a contentious issue in Swedish politics since the large influx of asylum seekers in 2015.

The anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, supporting the minority government, have linked past immigration policies to rising gang-related crime. The stricter citizenship rules are expected to come into force on June 6, coinciding with other planned measures aimed at tightening asylum policies.

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Spain to Grant Legal Status to 500,000 Undocumented Migrants

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Spain’s government has unveiled a draft decree to provide legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, in a bid to accelerate integration and support key economic sectors. The measure targets those who have lived in the country for at least five months by the end of 2025 and have no criminal record, as well as asylum applicants. The permit will initially be valid for one year, extendable up to five years for children, and could lead to citizenship after 10 years—or sooner for Latin American nationals and refugees.

The decree is expected to benefit around 500,000 people, primarily from Latin America, strengthening Spain’s approach to migration based on human rights, social cohesion, and economic growth. Migration Minister Elma Saiz emphasized that Spain’s openness to migrants has helped fuel employment in sectors such as hospitality and care, contributing to lower unemployment and robust economic performance relative to other European nations.

While the decree can be enacted by the cabinet without parliamentary approval, it faces potential political opposition. Conservative leader Alberto Nuñez Feijoo has pledged to reverse the policy if his party wins the next election. The initiative follows citizen-backed campaigns supported by hundreds of rights groups and the Catholic Church, aimed at regularizing undocumented migrants who now account for a significant portion of Spain’s non-EU population.

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Pope Leo Closes Holy Year, Calls for Compassion Toward Foreigners

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Pope Leo on Tuesday formally closed the Catholic Church’s Holy Year by sealing the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, urging Christians around the world to show greater kindness to those in need, especially foreigners and migrants. Speaking at a Vatican ceremony, he reflected on the record 33.5 million pilgrims who visited Rome during the jubilee, calling on them to recognise humanity in strangers rather than viewing people as commodities.

Highlighting themes that have defined the early months of his papacy, Leo criticised what he described as a distorted global economy that seeks to profit from everything, including human movement and aspiration. Dressed in gold-trimmed vestments, the pope shut the bronze Holy Door at 9:41 a.m., officially ending the jubilee year, which traditionally symbolises peace, forgiveness and renewal for Catholics.

The 2025 Holy Year was notable as a rare historical event, having been opened by Pope Francis and closed by his successor, following Francis’ death in April after 12 years as pontiff. Vatican officials said pilgrims arrived from 185 countries, led by Italy, the United States, Spain, Brazil and Poland. The next jubilee is not expected before 2033, when the Church may mark 2,000 years since the death of Jesus.

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Pope Leo Urges U.S. Youth: Use AI Wisely, Not for Homework

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Pope Leo has advised American students to avoid using artificial intelligence to complete their homework, saying it should be used as a tool for personal growth rather than a shortcut. Speaking via live video from the Vatican to about 15,000 young people gathered at a Catholic youth conference in Indianapolis, the pope said AI is rapidly becoming a defining force in society, but should be used responsibly and in ways that build knowledge, not replace effort.

In the 40-minute dialogue, Leo — the first U.S.-born pope — answered questions about faith, friendships, and personal development. He urged the young audience to make real connections and rely on human relationships over digital replacements.

Pope Leo also briefly touched on U.S. politics, reiterating his call for compassion in immigration debates. Criticizing divisive rhetoric, he emphasized that Christians should be “bridge builders rather than wall builders” and reminded listeners that the Church is not bound to any political party but is meant to guide conscience and promote wisdom and love.

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