LIVE: Pope Leo visits Metz, France
Reuters
Pope Leo finishes his four-day visit to France with meetings and a mass in the eastern city of Metz, before returning to Rome.
Showing posts with label Visits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Visits. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2026
Friday, September 25, 2026
At Trump meeting, Xi Jinping lays out terms to avoid US-China military conflict
Chinese president’s proposals for lessening tensions come amid period of intense competition between the two countries over AI and trade
Xi Jinping has called for extensive cooperation with Washington to avoid the “Thucydides trap” that could put the US and China on a military collision course amid rising tensions over artificial intelligence, trade and Taiwan.
At the start of his summit meeting with Donald Trump in the White House, the Chinese president laid out terms for a mutual understanding that he said could steer the two competing superpowers away from future military conflict and on to a road of mutual gain.
Rather than confrontation, conditions for “achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and making America great again go hand in hand” and should be the goal, Xi said, citing Trump’s political catchphrase.
“We should strengthen communication. China and the United States are different in national conditions, but through candid, in-depth and continued dialogue, our two countries can understand each other better, seek common ground while shelving differences, and build up mutual trust,” said Xi, with Trump looking on.
“We should coexist in peace. China and the United States, as two major countries, stand to gain from cooperation and will both lose in confrontation. Our two militaries should maintain regular dialog and improve mechanisms for crisis communication and prevention.”
With such conditions in place, Xi said, “the Thucydides trap can be overcome”, referring to the phenomenon, defined by the Greek historian, of tensions that arise when an emerging power challenges the dominance of an established power.
Xi invoked the phrase in his meeting with Trump in Beijing in May, asking the US president how he planned to avoid it.
His proposals for lessening tensions – which also included the invitation of 100,000 young Americans to visit China on student exchanges – come amid a period of intense competition between the two powers over artificial intelligence and trade, with each side imposing tariffs on the other.
Monday, August 31, 2026
NYC first lady Rama Duwaji jets off to Europe for posh Islamic calligraphy retreat
By Adry Torres and David Spector
Published Aug. 29, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji is once again jetting off to Europe for a posh, Islamic- centered women’s retreat, The Post has learned.
Gotham’s controversial first lady will be resuming her role as the “artist-in-residence” with The Women Sanctuary for the third time this year when they host the “Journey through Islamic Calligraphy” retreat in Porto, Portugal.
The spiritual wellness gathering is set to take place in two sessions from Sept. 16-21 and 25-30, according to the group’s website.
Published Aug. 29, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s wife Rama Duwaji is once again jetting off to Europe for a posh, Islamic- centered women’s retreat, The Post has learned.
Gotham’s controversial first lady will be resuming her role as the “artist-in-residence” with The Women Sanctuary for the third time this year when they host the “Journey through Islamic Calligraphy” retreat in Porto, Portugal.
The spiritual wellness gathering is set to take place in two sessions from Sept. 16-21 and 25-30, according to the group’s website.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is joined by his wife, First Lady Rama Duwaji, following a news conference at Gracie Mansion on Jan. 12.James Keivom
“Some days, we will explore the rich history of Islam in Portugal, uncovering the traces of a remarkable legacy still woven into the landscape. On others, we will gather for a marvelous illustration workshop with our artist-in-residence, Rama Duwaji, celebrating this heritage,” the retreat’s website says.
Other afternoons will be dedicated to picnics, poolside hangouts, walks and chats.
“We believe these unhurried moments are just as much a part of the retreat as the program itself; a space for suhbah, spiritual reflection, and presence, where hearts can soften, souls can be nourished, and remembrance can arise naturally amidst the beauty of creation,” The Women Sanctuary boasts.
The retreat, priced from $4,300 for a shared room to $5,260 for a private room with a private bathroom, will take place at the manor house in the tranquil countryside of Arcos de Valdevez.
“Surrounded by nature, the venue provides a truly restorative environment, featuring an exceptional heated outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens,” says the Women Sanctuary website.
Critics scoffed at Duwaji’s latest high-flying jaunt.
“Some days, we will explore the rich history of Islam in Portugal, uncovering the traces of a remarkable legacy still woven into the landscape. On others, we will gather for a marvelous illustration workshop with our artist-in-residence, Rama Duwaji, celebrating this heritage,” the retreat’s website says.
Other afternoons will be dedicated to picnics, poolside hangouts, walks and chats.
“We believe these unhurried moments are just as much a part of the retreat as the program itself; a space for suhbah, spiritual reflection, and presence, where hearts can soften, souls can be nourished, and remembrance can arise naturally amidst the beauty of creation,” The Women Sanctuary boasts.
The retreat, priced from $4,300 for a shared room to $5,260 for a private room with a private bathroom, will take place at the manor house in the tranquil countryside of Arcos de Valdevez.
“Surrounded by nature, the venue provides a truly restorative environment, featuring an exceptional heated outdoor pool, a heated indoor pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens,” says the Women Sanctuary website.
Critics scoffed at Duwaji’s latest high-flying jaunt.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Pope Leo appoints Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly to Vatican dicastery
written by Courtney Mares 3:05 PM August 25, 2026
Pope Leo XIV meets with Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly of the Knights of Columbus Oct. 6, 2025, during an audience with a Knights delegation at the Vatican. On Aug. 25, 2026, Pope Leo appointed Kelly as a member of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
(OSV News) — Pope Leo XIV on Aug. 25 appointed the Knights of Columbus’ Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly as a member of the Vatican Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life.
Kelly has served as the supreme Knight and CEO of the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization since 2021. The Knights of Columbus have 2.1 million members throughout the world.
“I am deeply grateful to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for appointing me as a member of the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life,” Kelly said following the Vatican’s announcement.
“Since our founding by Blessed Michael McGivney in 1882, the Knights of Columbus has been dedicated to strengthening Catholic laymen in the faith, to supporting Catholic family life and to building up a culture of life,” he added. “I look forward to supporting this vital work of the Catholic Church.”
As a member of the Vatican dicastery, Kelly will contribute to the dicastery’s mission of enhancing the apostolate of the lay faithful, the pastoral care of young people and the mission of the family according to God’s plan. The dicastery is also dedicated to the promotion and protection of life and the dignity of the elderly.
About 2 dozen serve as members of dicastery
About two dozen people, including cardinals, married lay couples and scholars from around the world, currently serve as members of the laity dicastery. Kelly will join fellow American members Helen Alvaré, lecturer at the George Mason University School of Law, and Cardinal Robert W. McElroy of Washington. The role does not require members to move to Rome.
Pope Francis established the dicastery in 2016, combining the responsibilities of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and the Pontifical Council for the Family. Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, the former bishop of Dallas, has served as the prefect of the dicastery since its founding.
The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life plays a key role in organizing World Youth Day, the next which is scheduled to take place in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 3-8, 2027. The dicastery also organizes the World Meeting of Families and the annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
The Privilege of White: Why Only Seven Royal Women Are Allowed to Wear This Rare Color Before the Pope
Why some queens wear white and others must keep to black for papal audiences.
For most leaders or representatives, the protocol is simple: conservative, modest, black attire. For women, this is often a dress that falls below the knees and has full-length or three-quarters-length sleeves. A veil or mantilla is also worn. For men, a dark-colored suit and tie are expected. However, for a very small number of women — seven, to be exact — it’s all right to wear white, a color that is typically frowned upon in front of the Pope.
These seven women are Catholic queens and princesses who have been granted il privilegio del bianco (privilege of white), and are allowed to wear long-sleeved white dresses and an optional white veil or mantilla. These royal women include Queen Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain; Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium; Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg; Princess Charlene of Monaco; and Princess Marina of Savoy.
However, being a Catholic queen or princess isn’t enough to be given the rare privilege. They must also be a part of marriages or countries that are traditionally Catholic. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was raised as a Roman Catholic, and remains one to this day. But her husband, King Willem-Alexander, is Protestant, as is his family and their three children. Therefore, she is not allowed to wear white.
Another point that is taken into account is how far back the Queen or Princess’s country’s ties to the Catholic Church go. Spain‘s ties to Catholicism go far back, as do those of Belgium and Luxembourg. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho and the Princess of Liechtenstein are both Catholic, but have not been granted the honor of wearing white by the Vatican.
On March 28, Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco, and many were quick to point out that Princess Charlene wasn’t the only royal wearing white; 11-year-old Princess Gabriella was, too. While chances are she will also be granted the same privilege as her mother when she’s an adult, for now, it’s just as likely that she was exercising her privilege of being a child.
Mar 31, 2026 5:37 PM EDT
- Most leaders meeting the Pope must wear modest, black attire following strict protocol.
- Only seven Catholic queens or princesses may wear white, via "il privilegio del bianco."
- Eligibility depends on royal status, Catholic tradition, and historical church ties.
For most leaders or representatives, the protocol is simple: conservative, modest, black attire. For women, this is often a dress that falls below the knees and has full-length or three-quarters-length sleeves. A veil or mantilla is also worn. For men, a dark-colored suit and tie are expected. However, for a very small number of women — seven, to be exact — it’s all right to wear white, a color that is typically frowned upon in front of the Pope.
These seven women are Catholic queens and princesses who have been granted il privilegio del bianco (privilege of white), and are allowed to wear long-sleeved white dresses and an optional white veil or mantilla. These royal women include Queen Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain; Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium; Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg; Princess Charlene of Monaco; and Princess Marina of Savoy.
However, being a Catholic queen or princess isn’t enough to be given the rare privilege. They must also be a part of marriages or countries that are traditionally Catholic. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was raised as a Roman Catholic, and remains one to this day. But her husband, King Willem-Alexander, is Protestant, as is his family and their three children. Therefore, she is not allowed to wear white.
Another point that is taken into account is how far back the Queen or Princess’s country’s ties to the Catholic Church go. Spain‘s ties to Catholicism go far back, as do those of Belgium and Luxembourg. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho and the Princess of Liechtenstein are both Catholic, but have not been granted the honor of wearing white by the Vatican.
On March 28, Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco, and many were quick to point out that Princess Charlene wasn’t the only royal wearing white; 11-year-old Princess Gabriella was, too. While chances are she will also be granted the same privilege as her mother when she’s an adult, for now, it’s just as likely that she was exercising her privilege of being a child.
Friday, July 24, 2026
Thursday, May 07, 2026
Friday, February 27, 2026
Thursday, December 04, 2025
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Pope Leo's first papal trip signals desire to bridge Catholic-Orthodox divides
ISTANBUL (RNS) — An upcoming visit between two of Christianity's most prominent figures is a welcome sign that reflects what's already happening in many churches in Turkey.
David I. Klein
November 14, 2025
ISTANBUL (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV is set to touch down in Istanbul at the end of November before visiting Lebanon for his first international trip since his papal election in May. The pontiff will visit eight cities from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, sitting down with both political and faith leaders and leading Masses for Catholic locals and pilgrims.
Though Leo will first meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and various religious leaders, one of the most significant aspects of his visit will be joint ceremonies with Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople and one of Eastern Orthodox Christianity’s chief spiritual leaders.
The two together are slated to visit the Turkish city of İznik, once Greek-speaking Nicaea that 1,700 years ago played host to the first ecumenical council. There, early church fathers determined some of Christianity’s most basic doctrines, such as setting the date of Easter, explaining the trinity and clarifying the divinity of Jesus. It was agreed that Jesus was “God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one s ubstance with the Father,” as reads the Nicene Creed, which many churches hold to be the fundamental declaration of Christian faith.
The anniversary of Nicaea isn’t just a historical moment. It’s a symbol around which ecumenically minded leaders in both Orthodox and Catholic churches have continued to work on bridging the centuries-old divisions between the churches.
RELATED: On anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea, Christian leaders seek to return to ecumenism
The pope and patriarch standing together at Nicaea has been in the works for some time. Luca Refatti, an Istanbul-based Catholic priest, told RNS the trip was planned by Pope Francis but delayed by his sickness and canceled by his death earlier this year. That it was chosen for Pope Leo’s first apostolic international trip is a signal he will follow in Francis’ footsteps in bridging relations with other churches, Refatti said.
“To celebrate this moment is important because it is reminding us of our unity,” said Refatti, who stressed that the First Council of Nicaea — which occurred only a few years after Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire — predates divisions of most modern churches. “Nicaea is important because it is basically the symbol, the creed, where every Christian is united. Now, Orthodox, Catholics, Syriacs, Armenians, everybody recognizes and accepts the creed of Nicaea.”
French pilgrims look at archaeological excavations of the ancient Byzantine-era Christian Saint Neophytos Basilica, in İznik, also known by its ancient name Nicaea, northwestern Turkey, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, ahead of the visit of Pope Leo XIV to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
David I. Klein
November 14, 2025
ISTANBUL (RNS) — Pope Leo XIV is set to touch down in Istanbul at the end of November before visiting Lebanon for his first international trip since his papal election in May. The pontiff will visit eight cities from Nov. 27 to Dec. 2, sitting down with both political and faith leaders and leading Masses for Catholic locals and pilgrims.
Though Leo will first meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and various religious leaders, one of the most significant aspects of his visit will be joint ceremonies with Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople and one of Eastern Orthodox Christianity’s chief spiritual leaders.
The two together are slated to visit the Turkish city of İznik, once Greek-speaking Nicaea that 1,700 years ago played host to the first ecumenical council. There, early church fathers determined some of Christianity’s most basic doctrines, such as setting the date of Easter, explaining the trinity and clarifying the divinity of Jesus. It was agreed that Jesus was “God from God, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one s ubstance with the Father,” as reads the Nicene Creed, which many churches hold to be the fundamental declaration of Christian faith.
The anniversary of Nicaea isn’t just a historical moment. It’s a symbol around which ecumenically minded leaders in both Orthodox and Catholic churches have continued to work on bridging the centuries-old divisions between the churches.
RELATED: On anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea, Christian leaders seek to return to ecumenism
The pope and patriarch standing together at Nicaea has been in the works for some time. Luca Refatti, an Istanbul-based Catholic priest, told RNS the trip was planned by Pope Francis but delayed by his sickness and canceled by his death earlier this year. That it was chosen for Pope Leo’s first apostolic international trip is a signal he will follow in Francis’ footsteps in bridging relations with other churches, Refatti said.
“To celebrate this moment is important because it is reminding us of our unity,” said Refatti, who stressed that the First Council of Nicaea — which occurred only a few years after Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire — predates divisions of most modern churches. “Nicaea is important because it is basically the symbol, the creed, where every Christian is united. Now, Orthodox, Catholics, Syriacs, Armenians, everybody recognizes and accepts the creed of Nicaea.”
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Friday, October 17, 2025
Zohran Mamdani Criticizes Andrew Cuomo For Not Visiting Enough Mosques: ‘Name a Single Mosque’
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=133Gqfx1Ydg Mediaite Fri, October 17, 2025 at 12:51 AM EDT |
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New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani criticized former New York governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday for not visiting enough mosques during his time in office.
“It took Andrew Cuomo being beaten by a Muslim candidate in the Democratic primary for him to set foot in a mosque,” said Mamdani during a live debate against Cuomo. “He had more than ten years and he couldn’t name a single mosque at the last debate we had that he visited.”
Mamdani continued, “What Muslims want in this city is what every community wants and deserves. They want equality and they want respect, and it took me to get you to even see those Muslims as part of this city, and that frankly is something that is shameful and is why so many New Yorkers have lost faith in this politics.”
After Cuomo protested, “I’ve worked with the Muslim community for many, many years,” Mamdani asked, “Name a single mosque you went to while you were the governor. Can you name a single mosque you went to in ten years?”
“Before you were ever here, before you were even in state government, I worked with the Muslim community,” responded Cuomo. “Imams presided over state of the states. We worked in religious working groups, tolerance groups, anti-Semitic groups, etcetera.”
“You couldn’t visit a mosque,” Mamdani concluded.
The former New York governor campaigned at a mosque for the first time in his race last month.
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Friday, October 11, 2024
Pope Francis to welcome Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy back to Vatican
Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet privately on the margins of the Group of Seven summit in Borgo Egnazia, in Italy's southern Puglia region, June 14, 2024. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
October 09, 2024
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Francis will welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy back to the Vatican Oct. 11, four months after their last meeting, the Vatican press office announced.
The pope and the president had met in southern Italy June 14 on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit. Zelenskyy also had met with the pope at the Vatican in May 2023 and, in February 2020, before Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In a brief video clip of the pope’s June meeting with Zelenskyy in southern Italy, the president could be heard telling the pope, “Thank you so much, thank you for your prayers for Ukraine, for Ukrainians, for peace in Ukraine, for Ukrainian children.”
Later, on a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ukraine’s president said he also thanked the pope for “his spiritual closeness to our people, and humanitarian aid for Ukrainians.”
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Thursday, September 05, 2024
Pope says battling climate change and religious extremism a common cause
Pope Francis (C) and Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar (center, L) pose with religious leaders at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on September 5. Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP/Getty Images
On visit to Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, Pope says battling climate change and religious extremism a common cause
Updated 2:32 AM EDT, Thu September 5, 2024
Jakarta, IndonesiaCNN —
Since his papacy began in 2013, Pope Francis has signaled his intention to build bridges with other faiths. The global growth of Islam, and the rise of extremism across religions, also made this an urgent priority.
On Thursday, in the biggest mosque in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, the pontiff used a joint statement with Indonesia’s Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar to pinpoint “two serious crises” facing the world: dehumanization and climate change.
“The global phenomenon of dehumanization is marked especially by widespread violence and conflict, frequently leading to an alarming number of victims,” said the statement, signed in the sprawling capital Jakarta.
“It is particularly worrying that religion is often instrumentalized in this regard, causing suffering to many, especially women, children and the elderly,” it continued. “The role of religion, however, should include promoting and safeguarding the dignity of every human life.”
On climate change, the declaration stated that “human exploitation of creation” had led to “various destructive consequences such as natural disasters, global warming and unpredictable weather patterns,” and an “obstacle to the harmonious coexistence of peoples.”
On visit to Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, Pope says battling climate change and religious extremism a common cause
Updated 2:32 AM EDT, Thu September 5, 2024
Jakarta, IndonesiaCNN —
Since his papacy began in 2013, Pope Francis has signaled his intention to build bridges with other faiths. The global growth of Islam, and the rise of extremism across religions, also made this an urgent priority.
On Thursday, in the biggest mosque in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, the pontiff used a joint statement with Indonesia’s Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar to pinpoint “two serious crises” facing the world: dehumanization and climate change.
“The global phenomenon of dehumanization is marked especially by widespread violence and conflict, frequently leading to an alarming number of victims,” said the statement, signed in the sprawling capital Jakarta.
“It is particularly worrying that religion is often instrumentalized in this regard, causing suffering to many, especially women, children and the elderly,” it continued. “The role of religion, however, should include promoting and safeguarding the dignity of every human life.”
On climate change, the declaration stated that “human exploitation of creation” had led to “various destructive consequences such as natural disasters, global warming and unpredictable weather patterns,” and an “obstacle to the harmonious coexistence of peoples.”
Monday, September 02, 2024
Pope Francis arrives at Jakarta airport | REUTERS
LIVE: Pope Francis arrives at Jakarta airport | REUTERS
Reuters
#Pope #PopeFrancis #Jakarta
Pope Francis arrives at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Indonesia's Jakarta where the 87-year-old leader of the global Catholic Church will start an ambitious 12-day tour to four countries in Southeast Asia. #Pope #PopeFrancis #Jakarta #Indonesia #live #Reuters #news
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Friday, September 08, 2023
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