Five Years After the Devastating Earthquake in Albania: 59 Schools Reconstructed Through the “EU for Schools” Initiative

Indigenous Peoples Call for Greater Inclusion in Global Governance
Indigenous communities continue to be excluded from critical decision-making processes that impact their lives, cultures, and rights, according to Aluki Kotierk, Chair of the 24th United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
At this year’s UNPFII session, held at UN Headquarters in New York, participants are focus

Eeklo – The Orthodox religious leader of Benelux had several opportunities to meet Pope Francis, primarily through repeated personal interactions with Athenagoras Peckstadt of Eeklo. “Compared to his predecessors, Francis’ simplicity was very striking,” recalled Athenagoras Peckstadt.
Metropolitan Athenagoras Peckstadt used the moment to reflect on Pope Francis following the Pontiff’s passing. H

Here is a rewritten version of the article with a clear and engaging style:
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the papal conclave. About 120 of them cast their secret ballots by writing the name of their chosen candidate and placing the slip into a chalice on the altar.
If no candidate secures the required two-thirds majority, additional voting rounds are held—up to four pe

Brussels – Ursula von der Leyen took to X to share that Pope Francis has “inspired millions around the world, transcending the Catholic Church, through his humility and genuine love for the underprivileged.”
In a similar vein, European Council President Antonio Costa shared his aspirations on social media, expressing his hope that the teachings of Pope Francis will “lead us towards a hopeful futu

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed profound sorrow following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday in Vatican City at the age of 88.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was elected to the papacy in March 2013. He made history as the first pontiff from the Americas and quickly became known as a powerful advocate f

Genk (Eurotoday) – The death of Pope Francis deeply affected Emmanuel Henckens from Genk, a survivor of clerical sexual abuse. Selected as one of 15 victims invited to speak privately with the Pope, Henckens recalls seeing genuine sorrow in his eyes. “I saw the pain in his eyes, it also caused him a lot of grief,” he said.
Emmanuel Henckens, who endured abuse within the Catholic Church, cont

Cardinal Pietro Parolin has been instrumental in reestablishing diplomatic ties between the Vatican and China, including the landmark agreement allowing for the joint appointment of Chinese bishops with Beijing. A measured and diplomatic figure, Parolin is viewed by some critics as leaning too progressive. During the Pope’s recent illness, he garnered attention for leading a public prayer for the

Pope Francis Passes Away at 88 on Easter Monday, Leaving Behind a Profound Legacy
The global Catholic community and people around the world are mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. According to Vatican News, his death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, at 9:45 AM from Casa Santa

Bree (Eurotoday) – Gianluca Loperfido, a priest serving the communities of Bree and Bocholt in the Flemish province of Limburg, Belgium, will fondly remember Pope Francis as “a man full of joy.” Loperfido had the unique opportunity to meet the pontiff on seven separate occasions, including a final encounter just days before the Pope was hospitalized.
Recounting his meetings, Priest Loperfido exp

Pope Francis: A Legacy of Reform, Controversy, and Global Outreach
According to media reports, Pope Francis’s final major diplomatic engagement came during a brief Easter Sunday meeting with J.D. Vance, whose motorcade spent just 17 minutes within the Vatican walls during the lightning visit.
As a progressive voice within the traditional confines of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis will be