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Pope meets Jimmy Fallon and 105 other comics at Vatican

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Pope Francis recently met with over 100 comedians from around the world, including notable figures like Jimmy Fallon, Chris Rock, and Whoopi Goldberg, at the Vatican in Rome. The Pope highlighted the unique ability of comedians to “spread serenity and smiles” in a world filled with “many social and personal emergencies.” He emphasized that laughter is contagious and unites people.

During the event, held just hours before the Pope’s expected arrival in Puglia for the G7 summit, he praised the comedians’ talent for making people laugh. He noted that it’s possible to joke about God without offending religious sentiments, stating, “You can also laugh at God, of course, and that’s not blasphemy.”

According to US media reports, Jimmy Fallon entertained the crowd before the event began but was quickly asked to sit as the Pope was about to enter. Other notable attendees included Chris Rock, Silvio Orlando from Italy, British comedian Stephen Merchant, Whoopi Goldberg, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

This cultural gathering marked a prelude to the Pope’s participation in the G7 summit, a first for the leader of the Catholic Church. At the summit, the 87-year-old pontiff plans to call for global regulation of AI, citing its potential threats to ethics and human rights.

In his address to the comedians, Pope Francis acknowledged the current global climate of conflict-laden communication and commended the comedians for their ability to bridge diverse realities. “How much we need to learn from you,” he remarked. After the audience, the Pope briefly interacted with each comedian, though some conversations were hampered by language barriers. Conan O’Brien humorously noted that his interaction was brief and in Italian, leaving him unsure of what was said but still enjoying the experience.

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Slovakia at pivotal moment after Robert Fico shooting

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The recent attempt on the prime minister’s life in Slovakia has left a poignant mark, epitomizing the deep-seated political turmoil gripping the nation. The incident unfolded in Handlova, where the prime minister was shot multiple times by a gunman while interacting with supporters.

Prior to the assassination attempt, Robert Fico, the populist leader, had ominously forewarned of such an event due to the heightened political tensions in the country. His cautionary statements to both media and colleagues indicated an awareness of the looming threat.

The political climate in Slovakia had been tense for over six months, exacerbated by divisions stemming from a journalist’s murder in 2018, which led to Fico’s resignation amidst widespread protests. His subsequent return to power was marked by contentious policies, including aligning with Moscow’s stance on various international matters.

In the aftermath of the shooting, calls for unity and calm reverberated, yet they were juxtaposed with accusations and blame games among politicians and media figures. The assailant, described as a “lone wolf,” showcased a perplexing mix of ideologies, stirring further confusion about his motives.

Critics attribute the toxic environment to Fico’s party, which has been accused of fostering hostility and polarization. Additionally, tensions between Fico and President Caputova, characterized by derogatory remarks and death threats, further highlight the rifts within Slovakian society.

The role of the public broadcaster, RTVS, also came under scrutiny, with some blaming its alleged bias for inciting violence. However, the broadcaster’s chief defended its role as reflecting reality and rejected accusations of partisanship.

As Slovakia stands at a crossroads, the outcome hinges partly on Fico’s response and demeanor upon recovery. Whether he chooses a conciliatory or vengeful path could significantly impact the nation’s trajectory, with many cautiously observing the unfolding events.

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Slovakia PM Robert Fico not in life-threatening condition – deputy PM

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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico underwent surgery after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during an attack in Handlova. Initially in critical condition, his health has since stabilized. The incident, deemed politically motivated, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns about democratic stability. Despite the suspect’s detention, the motive behind the shooting remains uncertain.

Deputy Prime Minister Tomas Taraba suggested that false narratives propagated by opposition parties may have fueled the attack, echoing previous concerns expressed by Fico about the potential consequences of such rhetoric. The shooting underscores simmering political tensions within Slovakia, sparking debates about the role of inflammatory discourse in shaping the country’s political climate.

The incident has ignited discussions about the broader implications of divisive language in Slovakian society. President Zuzana Caputova highlighted the serious ramifications of such rhetoric, emphasizing its potential to incite violence. The shooting serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by polarizing narratives and underscores the need for constructive dialogue and unity in the face of political differences.

Fico, known for his controversial policies, including calls to end military aid to Ukraine and efforts to abolish the public broadcaster RTVS, has faced significant opposition both domestically and within the EU since returning to power. The attack on him amplifies existing concerns about political stability and underscores the challenges facing Slovakian democracy in navigating polarized political landscapes.

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Spain Socialists win Catalan vote as separatists lose ground

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The recent regional election in Catalonia marked a significant shift in the political landscape, with the Socialists, led by Salvador Illa, emerging victorious with 42 seats. This success contrasted with a drop in support for independence to 42%, down from 49% in 2017, signaling a setback for pro-independence parties.

Despite the Socialist victory, forming a government may prove challenging, as coalition negotiations are necessary. The fragmented nature of the Catalan parliament, divided by unionist-separatist allegiances and left-right divisions, is likely to prolong post-election discussions.

The amnesty law, a contentious issue benefiting nationalists and championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, played a pivotal role in securing support. However, it has faced criticism, particularly from opponents on the right, for its perceived leniency towards separatist activities.

Calls for unity among pro-independence parties have emerged, but the complexity of the political landscape suggests that negotiations will be intricate. Despite former regional president Carles Puigdemont’s suggestion for a coalition between pro-independence parties, the path to forming a government remains uncertain.

Additionally, the election saw gains for the conservative People’s Party and the far-right Vox, while the centrist Ciudadanos lost all representation in the parliament. A new far-right party, Catalan Alliance, also secured two seats, further diversifying the political spectrum in Catalonia.

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Ukraine war: Grenade birthday gift kills army chief Zaluzhny’s aide

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A tragic incident recently occurred in Ukraine, resulting in the death of Major Hennadiy Chastyakov, a close aide to the head of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valery Zaluzhny. The incident took place during Chastyakov’s birthday celebration, where a grenade from a colleague exploded, causing his death and seriously injuring his 13-year-old son. Initial reports suggested that Chastyakov had triggered the grenade while trying to take it away from his son, but subsequent investigations revealed that it was an accident.

The Ukrainian Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, urged the public to await the official investigation, calling the incident a “tragic accident” resulting from the mishandling of ammunition. However, it was later discovered that there were five more grenades in Chastyakov’s flat, allegedly presented as gifts from a fellow army officer. Two similar grenades were found in the possession of the said colonel.

Photographs from the scene depicted several grenades alongside gift bags, suggesting that Chastyakov had brought them home in a bag with a bottle of whiskey. Reports indicated that the colleague had given him the bottle, jokingly mentioning the gift of combat grenades alongside the whiskey.

Valery Zaluzhny expressed deep sorrow over Chastyakov’s loss, describing him as a dependable support since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022. This tragedy adds to the challenges faced by the Ukrainian military, following a recent missile strike that claimed the lives of 19 soldiers during an awards ceremony in Zaporizhzhia. The decision to hold the ceremony in a volatile area drew considerable criticism.

Pro-presidential MP Maryana Bezulha criticized the negligence that led to Chastyakov’s death, emphasizing that grenades are meant for military use, not as presents. Some Ukrainian commentators questioned the official cause of the explosion, raising speculations about a potential targeted attack on Gen Zaluzhny during Chastyakov’s birthday celebration.

Regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia, the commander in chief expressed concerns about the current technological stalemate, drawing parallels to World War I. While he acknowledged the fatigue among the people, President Volodymr Zelensky and the Kremlin denied any notion of a deadlock in the war. Zelensky emphasized the need for unity and announced the postponement of the upcoming presidential elections due to the ongoing war and martial law.

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Nerves and patriotism in Moscow after 18 months of war

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Moscow’s atmosphere is heavily influenced by Russia’s imperial history. The imposing Kremlin walls and towers create a sense of insignificance among visitors on Red Square.

A similar feeling arises five miles away at Victory Park, a vast complex of museums and memorials honoring the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany. Its centerpiece, a colossal square with a 141.8-meter obelisk, pays tribute to each day of World War Two.

During my visit, the National Day of the Russian Flag is celebrated, marked by the unfolding of a massive tricolor flag, reportedly the nation’s largest. Ringed by Russian soldiers, the flag unfurls to the tune of patriotic music. The museum director’s speech underscores the unifying power of such events.

In the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin has actively promoted such patriotic gatherings.

Inside the Victory Museum, an exhibition glorifies the “heroes” of the “special military operation,” likening Russian involvement in Ukraine to the Soviet efforts in WW2.

Andrei Afanasiev, a pro-Kremlin blogger and academic, believes that patriotism gains importance during wartime, asserting that Russia is facing a Western-led conflict that necessitates self-reliance and unity. He maintains that patriotism has surged and that the Russian people are mobilized and united by the war.

Russian state TV portrays “successes” and “progress,” but the actual situation contrasts starkly. A military analyst reveals that the Russian military acknowledges being in a tough spot, having lost territory and with morale low due to their unpreparedness for modern warfare.

The analyst indicates that information about the battlefield situation is distorted as it moves up the chain of command, including to the president.

The overall atmosphere in Moscow exudes apprehension. Recent events, such as Yevgeny Prigozhin’s mutiny and the devaluation of the ruble, contribute to a sense of unease. The city’s skyline is juxtaposed with an anti-aircraft system atop the Russian Defence Ministry, symbolizing the coexistence of beauty and apprehension.

While individuals might not be perturbed by individual occurrences, there’s a prevailing sentiment of concern about the present and fear for the future.

In Gorky Park, a picturesque scene unfolds, with families enjoying the surroundings. Nearby, the Russian Defence Ministry stands, topped by an anti-aircraft system. This contrast doesn’t alarm locals, with some expressing approval for the military stance.

Fear has taken root in Moscow. Opposition activists convene in inconspicuous spaces, with Yulia Galyamina leading the meeting. She laments the frequent arrests of activists but remains committed to her cause. Other activists, using pseudonyms due to fear, underscore the presence of anti-war sentiment in Russia and their dedication to the cause.

Despite the challenges, they believe in humanity’s ultimate triumph and vow to persevere.

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Vladimir Putin vows to hold accountable the leaders of the Wagner mutiny

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Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has accused the leaders of the recent Wagner mutiny of seeking to create chaos and conflict within Russia. In a strongly-worded speech, Putin vowed to bring the organizers of the revolt to justice. However, he distinguished the regular Wagner troops as “patriots” and provided them with options to join the army, go to Belarus, or return home. Putin did not specifically mention Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, who had previously denied any involvement in attempting to overthrow Putin’s regime.

Wagner is a private army of mercenaries that has been fighting alongside the Russian military in Ukraine. The mutiny, which was short-lived, involved Wagner fighters seizing a major Russian city and advancing towards Moscow in a convoy of military vehicles. Prigozhin claimed that the revolt was in response to government plans to take direct control of Wagner, citing concerns over mistakes made by defense officials during the war with Ukraine. He insisted that Wagner had always acted in Russia’s interests.

Prigozhin’s comments were his first public statements since reaching a deal to end the mutiny, reportedly involving him going to Belarus with dropped criminal charges. However, Russian state media reported that he remains under investigation. Putin emphasized in his address to the Russian people that the organizers of the march on Moscow would face justice and criticized Prigozhin for betraying Russia. He used the speech to assert his authority and counter the perception of a weak response to the mutiny.

Putin accused the West of wanting Russians to turn against each other, although US President Joe Biden denied any involvement by the US or its allies in the rebellion. Putin claimed that his handling of the crisis prevented a catastrophe, but many Russians witnessed events differently and may not be convinced by his statements. He reiterated his promise to allow Wagner troops who did not engage in violence against fellow Russians to leave for Belarus or sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense or other military and law enforcement structures. Putin credited the unity of Russian society and thanked Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko for his role in peacefully resolving the situation.

The contrast between Putin’s portrayal of a united country and the scenes in Rostov, where locals welcomed and embraced the Wagner fighters, led Putin to suggest that the mercenaries had been deceived and used. The rebellion occurred after months of tensions between Wagner and Russia’s military leadership. The situation escalated when Wagner mercenaries crossed the Ukrainian border and took control of the regional military command in Rostov-on-Don, while a column of military vehicles headed towards Moscow. Prigozhin claimed that the “march of justice” exposed serious security problems across the country and mentioned Lukashenko’s involvement in brokering an agreement to end the mutiny. He expressed regret for the deaths of Russian troops during the conflict but justified their actions as self-defense.

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