"In the light of Easter, let us allow ourselves to be amazed by Christ! Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us! Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!" he said.

Leo also warned against what he described as a growing desensitisation to violence, lamenting a world becoming indifferent to the deaths of thousands and the wider consequences of conflict.

"On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination, and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars and marked by a hatred and indifference that make us feel powerless in the face of evil," the pontiff, who hails from Chicago in the United States , said.

Popes have long been viewed as a moral compass in times of crisis, and Leo’s Easter message appeared to continue that tradition — while also reflecting the unique position of the papacy as both a spiritual authority and a head of state.

Although the pontiff did not name specific leaders in his Easter address, his remarks come against the backdrop of escalating global tensions and ongoing conflicts .

Just days earlier, however, Leo had been more direct.

Speaking to journalists, he referenced remarks by Donald Trump, saying he hoped the US leader was seeking an “off-ramp” to reduce violence and halt the cycle of hatred, particularly in conflict zones such as the Middle East.

He also called on leaders to return to dialogue and reduce the level of violence , stressing that peace — especially during Easter — should prevail.

As conflicts persist across multiple regions, Leo’s call for restraint, dialogue and peace positions the Vatican once again at the centre of global appeals for an end to violence.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s flag is one of the most recognisable in the world: a white cross set against a red background. Unlike most national flags, however, its proportions are 1:1, making it perfectly square.

Historical records show the white cross was used by Swiss confederate troops as early as the 14th century during battles against Habsburg forces . Over time, it evolved into a unifying emblem for the Swiss Confederation.

The modern square format was formally defined in federal law in the 19th century. According to the Swiss Federal Chancellery, the cross represents faith, honour and freedom, while the red background reflects historic military banners.

Although Switzerland’s civil and merchant ensigns are rectangular for practical use at sea, the official national flag remains square.

The design is also closely associated with the International Committee of the Red Cross, which was founded in Geneva in 1863. The Red Cross emblem is effectively the inverse of the Swiss flag, adopted in tribute to its country of origin.

Vatican

The only other country with a square flag is Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state.

Adopted on 7 June 1929, following the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy, the Vatican flag is divided vertically into two equal bands of yellow and white. Centred in the white half are the crossed keys of Saint Peter beneath the Papal Tiara.

According to the Holy See’s official documentation, the gold and silver keys symbolise spiritual and worldly authority, referencing the biblical passage in which Saint Peter is given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. The tiara represents the papacy.

Like Switzerland’s, the Vatican’s national flag is officially square in proportion.

The overwhelming majority of national flags are rectangular, typically using proportions such as 2:3 or 1:2. Standardised shapes allow for consistency in diplomatic settings, international institutions and global events.

Square flags are uncommon largely for practical reasons. Rectangular designs are easier to manufacture and more suited to maritime and military use, where flags must be visible in the wind .

While other flags, such as Nepal’s (which is triangular), break conventional shape rules, Switzerland and Vatican City remain the only recognised sovereign states whose official national flags are square.

According to a Washington Post report , Parolin had begun probing US intentions as early as Christmas Eve, asking the American ambassador to the Holy See whether Washington was targeting drug traffickers or pursuing outright regime change.

What Parolin was ultimately pushing for, the report said, was time. 

He urged US officials to exercise patience and allow Maduro to step aside peacefully, potentially accepting asylum in Russia. Moscow, Parolin suggested, was prepared to guarantee the Venezuelan leader’s security if an exit could be arranged.

Those efforts failed. Just over a week later, US Special Operations forces swooped into Maduro’s residence in Caracas and captured him and his wife — an operation that left about 75 people dead. 

This week, Parolin and the Holy See Press Office confirmed the outlines of the Post report. 

Without elaborating on his conversations with US officials or the source of Russia’s alleged offer, Parolin said Venezuela had been plunged into a “situation of great uncertainty.” 

“We had tried precisely — as, among other things, has appeared in some newspapers — to find a solution that would avoid any bloodshed, trying perhaps to reach an agreement even with Maduro and with other figures in the regime, but this was not possible,” he said.

Pope ‘deeply concerned’

Pope Leo XIV himself has voiced unease. 

A day after the January 3 operation, Pope Leo XIV used his Angelus address to express “deep concern” for Venezuela, stressing respect for human rights and national sovereignty. 

“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration,” he said, calling for paths of “justice and peace."

His remarks took on added weight after Donald Trump suggested that US control over Venezuela — and its vast oil reserves — could last “years.”

Not the first time

The Vatican’s intervention was not unprecedented. 

Formally represented in global affairs by the Holy See, the Catholic Church occupies an unusual diplomatic space: the world’s smallest state, with no army and fewer than 1,000 residents, yet led by a pontiff with moral authority over some 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. 

For centuries, popes have acted as mediators and moral brokers, relying on soft power.

From Cold War diplomacy to conflict mediation in Latin America, the Vatican has repeatedly sought to insert restraint where power politics threaten bloodshed. 

Its failed bid to secure an exile for Maduro proves just that. 

Across major gathering points such as La Candelaria and La Pastora, large screens broadcast the event via state-controlled channel VTV. Rather than offering the neutral liturgical feed expected at such occasions, the coverage interspersed speeches from President Nicolás Maduro and archival footage of Pope Francis.

The presence of high-profile political figures, visible security deployments and what appeared to be paramilitary “colectivo” elements marked a shift in tone. Rather than strictly religious observance, it appeared to be used as a vehicle to reinforce the government’s narrative and to signal control during a moment of national ritual.

While the Vatican described the act as a “moment of unity”, critics warn that the Venezuelan administration has repurposed what should be a spiritual event into a demonstration of political legitimacy. The selection of broadcast channels and the placement of monuments, alongside the timing of the event provisions (including a national holiday), underscore the political dimension.

For global observers, the episode raises questions about church-state relations, media control, and how symbolic events can be weaponised by governments. In an era of international scrutiny on human rights and democratic norms, the use of canonisation as a tool of state messaging carries implications well beyond Venezuelan borders.

This diplomatic move comes in the wake of increased U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, targeting alleged Venezuelan drug trafficking vessels. The U.S. has conducted several strikes, resulting in casualties and raising concerns over sovereignty and international law. Maduro has condemned these actions as attempts to destabilise his government, further straining bilateral relations.

In his communication, Maduro expressed faith in Pope Leo XIV's ability to mediate, noting the pontiff's balanced approach and commitment to peace. He emphasised that the Vatican's diplomatic influence could play a pivotal role in de-escalating the situation and fostering dialogue.

The Venezuelan government has also invoked constitutional provisions, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez indicating that Maduro has signed a decree granting himself special powers in response to what he perceives as external aggression. This move underscores the seriousness with which Caracas views the current crisis.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, with hopes that diplomatic efforts, including those from the Vatican, can mitigate the risk of further escalation and contribute to a peaceful resolution.

“Officially, the Holy See does not believe that we can make any declaration at this time about that,” he added. "There's a very technical definition about what genocide might be, but more and more people are raising the issue."

The July interview was Pope Leo XIV’s first since his election in May.

Days before the interview was published, on September 16, an independent UN inquiry formally concluded that Israel is committing four of the five acts defined as genocide under the Genocide Convention: killing Palestinians, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to destroy the group, and preventing births.

The 72-page report detailed evidence of deliberate targeting of civilians, including children, and highlighted mass displacement and famine caused by Israeli blockades preventing aid from entering Gaza.

Pope Leo XIV said it was “so horrible to see the images that we see on television,” adding, “hopefully we won’t grow numb.”

“We can’t ignore this. Somehow, we have to continue to push, to try and make a change there,” he said.

The UN inquiry’s findings are the strongest yet on the scale of the killings in Gaza and mark the first time a UN-mandated investigative body has concluded that Israel’s actions meet the criteria for genocide.

However, the UN emphasised that it cannot make a legal determination on whether a situation constitutes genocide under international law, noting that such a ruling can only be made by a competent national or international court. 

A case before the International Court of Justice, filed by South Africa, seeks to have Israel’s actions declared genocide. However, experts say this is unlikely to conclude before 2027.

US President Donald Trump, who has openly stated his desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize, has sought to intervene in the war. He has held ceasefire talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is scheduled to meet him again on September 29.

The pope criticised the lack of progress in peace efforts despite US involvement.

"Even with some very clear statements being made by the United States government, recently by President Trump, there has not been a clear response in terms of finding effective ways to alleviate the suffering of the people, the innocent people in Gaza, and that is obviously of great concern," he said.

Other organisations have also defined the Gaza war as genocide. Amnesty International, in a December 2024 report, accused Israel of carrying out systematic killings, starvation, forced displacement and the destruction of civilian life.

Health authorities in Gaza put the death toll since October 2023 at 65,062, with a further 165,697 wounded.

The event marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church as Leo XIV prepares to officially begin his papacy with the inaugural celebration at the Vatican.

The election of Pope Leo XIV on May 8 was historic, as he became the first American to ascend to the highest office of the Catholic Church. 

He succeeds Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, Easter Monday. Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.

“I think first of all, nobody was really expecting an American pope to be announced in this conclave… He had similar experiences to us at Villanova. I think that was a pretty surreal moment,” one student told AFP.

“I'm in my dorm with my door open, and just all across the floor, I hear people start, like, yelling. Everyone's like, so excited. I ran out of my room because I knew one of my friends was down the hall, and we just looked at each other. We're like the new pope is from Villanova,” another student recalled the excitement on campus.

The election of Pope Leo XIV has also prompted questions regarding the future direction of the Church, particularly concerning the inclusion of women in leadership roles—a key initiative of Pope Francis.

According to the Vatican , women’s representation in the Church workforce increased from 19.2% to 23.4% after a decade of Francis’ papacy.

Pope Leo XIV, who also obtained a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in 1982, is expected to uphold this legacy.

“He did have female theologians as his professors. And so I think even just experientially that's a given… I think in terms of Pope Francis appointing women to key leadership positions, I don't think that will change,” a member of the Villanova faculty noted.

Early Life in Chicago

Born in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian descent, Pope Leo XIV grew up in a working-class neighbourhood in Dolton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

He served as an altar boy and was known for his early devotion to the Church.

His brother John recalled that even as a young child, Leo preferred playing "priest" over other games.

A life in missionary work

After his ordination in 1982, Prevost moved to Peru three years later.

He spent over a decade working as a parish pastor and seminary teacher in Trujillo.

In 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Chiclayo, a region in northern Peru. He later became an Archbishop and was made a cardinal in 2023.

Pope Francis also placed him in charge of the Vatican’s powerful Dicastery for Bishops, responsible for selecting bishops around the world.

During his time in Peru, he earned citizenship and the admiration of the people. In 2022, during severe floods, he was seen wading through mud to help communities in need.

In a photo released by the Diocese of Chulucanas, he is shown leading celebrations there just last year.

Why the name Leo?

By choosing the name Leo, he follows a line of popes known for strength and social teaching. Pope Leo I persuaded Attila the Hun not to attack Rome in 452. Pope Leo XIII was famous for his writings on workers’ rights during the Industrial Revolution.

Church observers say Leo XIV may be signalling a similar concern for social justice.

An American, but also Latin American

Although he was born in the United States, the Vatican described him as the second pope from the Americas, following Francis from Argentina.

His decades in Peru allowed him to build strong ties with Latin America. His international background helped present him as a “compromise candidate” during the conclave, easing concerns over a US pope’s possible political implications.

What family and friends say

Leo’s brothers, Louis and John Prevost, have spoken about the new pope’s lifelong dedication to the Church.

“I think the very fact that in his heart, in his very soul, he wanted to be a missionary. He didn’t want the bishop. He didn’t want the cardinal, but that’s what he’s asked to do, so that’s what he did,” John told CNN .

Reverend John Lydon, a former roommate, described him to the BBC as “down to earth” and “very concerned with the poor.”

Leadership style and religious beliefs

Pope Leo XIV is considered a moderate. His brother John said he is “not far-left or far-right,” and expects him to be “a second Pope Francis.”

Leo is known to support many of Francis’ reforms. As cardinal, he oversaw the inclusion of three women in the Dicastery for Bishops and said their views enriched the decision-making process.

He also supported Francis’ stance on giving communion to divorced and remarried Catholics and showed moderate support for blessings of same-sex couples.

However, he has stressed that bishops must apply such teachings in ways that reflect local cultures.

On environmental issues, he has called for urgent action. Speaking in 2024, he said humanity must build a “relationship of reciprocity” with nature and backed efforts at the Vatican to reduce emissions.

Views on politics and society

Leo XIV has been outspoken on migration and social justice. In April, when former US President Donald Trump met El Salvador’s president about using a controversial prison, he reposted a tweet that said: “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?”

He has also shared criticism of US policies on immigration, including an article that challenged Vice President JD Vance’s interpretation of Christian teachings.

Response to abuse crisis

While Leo XIV has said the Church must be transparent in handling abuse cases, his past handling of allegations has drawn criticism.

SNAP, a US-based group supporting victims of clergy abuse, raised concerns about his election. In 2023, the Augustinian order he once led in Chicago paid $2 million to settle a rape accusation involving a priest who was not included on a public list of offenders.

Survivors filed a complaint with the Vatican, accusing Prevost and others of inaction. The diocese denied any cover-up.

His first words as pope

In his first words as pope, Leo XIV paid tribute to his predecessor. “We still hear in our ears the weak but always courageous voice of Pope Francis who blessed us,” he told cheering crowds in St Peter’s Square. “United and hand in hand with God, let us advance together.”

Among the first visitors was Nicola Conticello, a 60-year-old tourist from Catania, who arrived at 5 a.m. local time. "I felt the need to be here this morning, to stand in line. It was something I had to do. He was a great man who truly left us a powerful message — a call to help those in need, the poor. A great pope," he told the AFP.

A microbiologist and Catholic deacon from the Netherlands, spoke of his desire to be close to the late pope, saying, "We were at the funeral yesterday, and now we really would like to pray with the Pope."

Pilgrims from around the world expressed deep emotion at being part of the historic event. Kathryn Gilligan, a 59-year-old American tourist visiting for Holy Week, called it an unforgettable moment. "It was all so beautiful," she shared with the AFP. "To be able to be present for this is unbelievable, and it's an experience of a lifetime and a historical moment as well. We were here to honour a saint, and we look forward to our next Holy Father," she added.

Daniele Abate, a 51-year-old from Sicily, noted, "He proved once again that he was simple to the last and demonstrated his holiness and simplicity."

Some, like Solange Lalanne, a Chilean tourist, found it difficult to get close to the funeral due to security and large crowds. "I saw very little," she said, describing how the area was tightly controlled, restricting access to the procession route. Still, she expressed gratitude for witnessing part of the ceremony, even from a distance.

Among the faithful was Manuel Chipenda, a seminarian from Uganda , who participated in the liturgical service near Via della Conciliazione. "The ceremony was beautiful," he said. "We have a feeling of hope, because we know that God has welcomed the Holy Father Pope Francis." 

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88.

Among those in attendance were U.S. President Donald Trump , Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, members of European royal families, and red-robed cardinals from across the globe.

The atmosphere was a poignant mix of solemnity and gratitude, with many speaking warmly of Pope Francis’s legacy of humility, compassion, and social justice .

“This is history, and I’m very proud to be here," said Nerina Lyons, an 80-year-old tourist from Houston, Texas. She added, "It’s cold, but I feel warmth anyway because of his love for us. He's watching over us, God is for sure, but also Papa Francesco."

For many pilgrims, the journey to honour the late pontiff was long and marked by deep devotion. Giorgina, a 74-year-old visitor from Peru, recounted spending the night outside the square. “We’ve been here all night. All night outside. They won’t let us through and we want to get in,” she told the AFP.

Others shared stories of unexpected connections forged during their pilgrimage. Eglina, a 29-year-old from Lithuania, said she met fellow mourners on her flight from London. "We’ve been waiting about three hours. It’s been an incredible experience, even just standing here together," she said.

For many, the day was not only about saying goodbye but also about expressing profound gratitude. Marzena, a 47-year-old from Forlì, Italy, spoke through tears. "I thank him for everything he did for the world, for us. He helped me understand so many things. I don't even know how to say it, I'm very emotional," she said. "I want to offer my prayer, from me and from the whole world, especially from the poor, because he was a Pope for the poor. I’m not rich myself," she added.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

Here are the top five topics dominating conversation in the wake of the pope’s death:

1. U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s last-minute meeting with the Pope

One of the final people to meet Pope Francis was U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who visited the pontiff at the Vatican just 24 hours before his death. Vance, who has previously clashed with the pope on immigration and social policy, called the moment “a great blessing,” expressing surprise and gratitude for the encounter.

"I was lucky that I got to shake his hand and tell him that I pray for him every day, because ... I did, and I do," Vance told reporters .

2. Pope Francis’ easter sunday appearance

Just one day before his death, Pope Francis made a remarkable return to the public eye, emerging from convalescence to greet thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square. Riding through the crowd in his popemobile and offering blessings, he appeared in good spirits despite his recent battle with double pneumonia. “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the pope), “Bravo!” the crowd shouted.

The surprise appearance has since been widely seen as a final moment of grace and connection with the people.

3. Meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla

Days before his death, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the pope at the Casa Santa Marta, where he had been recovering. The private meeting marked their 20th wedding anniversary and was filled with mutual well-wishes and quiet reflection. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen noted they were "delighted the Pope was well enough to host them - and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person". The Holy See Press Office also stated in a statement , “Pope Francis met privately with Their Majesties, King Charles and Queen Camilla, this afternoon. In the course of the meeting, the Pope expressed his best wishes to Their Majesties on the occasion of their wedding anniversary and reciprocated His Majesty’s wishes for a speedy recovery of his health.”

4. Official announcement and funeral plans

The Vatican officially confirmed Pope Francis’ death at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, calling it a moment of “deep sorrow” and gratitude for a life spent in service of the marginalised. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni announced that the pope’s body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, where the public may pay their respects. The pope's body was later laid in state for a public viewing.

The funeral arrangements, now underway, are expected to draw millions of mourners and dignitaries from around the world.

5. Internet jokes and conspiracy theories about JD Vance

In a bizarre twist, the internet has latched onto the timing of JD Vance’s meeting with the pope, spawning memes and jokes suggesting the vice president may have hastened the pontiff’s passing. While untrue, the commentary reflects deep ideological divisions, Pope Francis was seen by many as a progressive voice in the Church, often at odds with the MAGA-aligned wing of U.S. politics.

Vance, who once attempted to reinterpret Catholic doctrine to align with Trump’s hardline immigration stance, is now the subject of satirical headlines such as, “Did JD Vance Kill the Pope? An Investigation.”

Here’s a look at the defining moments and legacies that the world is celebrating as it bids farewell to a pope who touched lives far beyond the walls of the Church.

A pope of radical compassion

Pope Francis broke centuries of tradition with a papacy grounded in radical inclusivity. He famously washed the feet of Muslim refugees, women inmates, the elderly, and the disabled, acts of humility that reflected his unshakeable commitment to the marginalised.

In his final public address, Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza, reiterating his stance on advocating for the oppressed even in his final days. Hospitalised and frail, he continued to reach out daily to priests and parishioners at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City.

LGBTQIA+ ally in the Vatican

Perhaps more than any of his predecessors, Pope Francis was a vocal ally of the LGBTQIA+ community, famously declaring “Who am I to judge?” early in his papacy and later allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, a turning point for LGBTQ+ Catholics worldwide.

“Rest in peace. He was a much kinder and accepting pope than his predecessors,” wrote one user on X. “I hope the next pope is just as kind for the sake of the world.”

Climate Justice

Francis didn't stop at spiritual matters; he took on  climate change as a moral and existential issue, calling environmental destruction a "structural sin." In 2015 and again in 2024, he wrote landmark encyclicals grounded in science and faith, urging global action. He even met with Greta Thunberg and challenged oil executives to address global warming.

Champion of the poor, the working class and charity

Francis was never shy about his roots, he proudly carried the identity of “the Pope of the Poor.” He embraced the symbol of Christ the Worker when he cheerfully received a replica of the hammer-and-sickle crucifix, crafted by slain Bolivian activist Fr. Luis Espinal. And when criticised for supporting economic justice, he famously responded during a visit to Indonesia, saying, “caring for the poor doesn’t mean being communist.”

From his first moments as pope, Francis broke convention: forgoing papal palaces, riding in a modest Ford Focus, delivering impromptu homilies, and kissing babies in the crowd. He brought a sense of accessibility and warmth to a role that had long seemed distant.

And who could forget when he blessed and auctioned off a custom Lamborghini gifted to him, raising $950,000 for charity.

Opened to the public on Wednesday, St. Peter's Basilica allows visitors to pay their final respects. The pontiff's coffin will remain on display until his funeral. Due to the high number of attendees, the Vatican may extend visiting hours beyond midnight in Rome to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.

More than 20,000 people have already gathered at the Vatican to honor Pope Francis. The coffin is positioned before the Papal Altar for public viewing over three days. President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines has also announced four days of national mourning, reflecting the profound impact of the pope's passing on the Filipino community and highlighting his contribution to peace and compassion during his visit to the country.

Pope Francis's body was moved to St. Peter's Basilica in a solemn procession led by cardinals, where it lies in state for public mourning. The emotional impact of his death was noted by Cardinal Mario Zenari, who remarked on the late pope's joyous character as thousands queued to pay their respects. In Jerusalem, a Mass was conducted at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in remembrance of the pope, demonstrating his global influence.

Crowds in the Vatican remained visible, streaming inside the Basilica as they prepared to say their goodbyes. The funeral on Saturday is anticipated to draw over 200,000 attendees, united in their grief and respect for the late pontiff.

As the procession made its way across the square, bells tolled as thousands of worshippers gathered to pay tribute.

More than 200,000 mourners are expected to come to St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to pay their last respects to the pontiff.

Upon convening in the Sistine Chapel, typically within 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, the cardinals follow a strict protocol. After announcing "extra omnes" to exclude all but the voting cardinals and select officials, the doors to the chapel are securely locked, and the cardinals take an oath of secrecy, cutting off all communication with the outside world . Their phones are confiscated, and the chapel is meticulously checked for any listening devices to safeguard confidentiality throughout the conclave.

The conclave takes place at St. Martha’s House, a designated facility near the chapel where the cardinals, including Pope Francis, have resided during prior conclaves. The proceedings commence with a mass, followed by deliberations and voting that ensues daily, both morning and afternoon, until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. A day is reserved for prayer after every seven ballots, and should the process fail after 30 ballots, a simple majority will suffice for election.

Any baptized male may potentially be elected as pope, but a serving cardinal is typically the choice. Each elector receives a ballot card inscribed with the phrase eligo in summum pontificem, indicating their selection. The secrecy of the ballot does not preclude the possibility of intrigue or lobbying among the cardinals. After each voting round, the ballots are burned, with chemical agents added to produce white smoke for a successful election or black smoke for inconclusive results.

Once a candidate is determined, he is asked to accept the election and decide upon a papal name. Following this, the cardinals vow their allegiance to the newly elected pope, who is then escorted to the adjacent Room of Tears for dressing in the traditional white cassock, skull cap, and red slippers. The Vatican has prepared three sets of vestments to accommodate different sizes.

Finally, the dean of the cardinals announces the election of the new pope from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, addressing the congregation gathered below with the words: “I announce to you with great joy: We have a pope”. This announcement marks a significant moment for Catholics worldwide, signifying the continuation of their faith under new leadership.

In his address, Pope Francis criticised "restrictive laws" and the "militarisation of borders," urging instead for the establishment of safe migration routes. "There are those who work systematically and with every means possible to repel migrants. And this, when done with awareness and responsibility, is a grave sin," he declared.

The Pope reiterated that the Mediterranean Sea, where over 3,000 migrants went missing last year according to UN figures, has tragically become a "cemetery." He also highlighted that deserts, often seen as natural death traps, are sometimes places where migrants are intentionally abandoned. "In the time of satellites and drones, there are migrant men, women, and children that no one must see. Only God sees them and hears their cry," he lamented.

While not pointing fingers at any specific country, Pope Francis emphasised that his concerns extend to all terrains where migrants suffer in isolation, including oceans, lakes, rivers, forests, jungles, and steppes. "We can all agree on one thing: migrants should not be in those seas and in those lethal deserts," he urged. "But it is not through more restrictive laws, it is not with the militarisation of borders, it is not with rejection that we will obtain this result."

Let's look at the top five countries with the lowest number of prisoners with an explanation of their approach to law enforcement and correctional policies, according to the 2023 report of the World Prison Brief .

Vatican

The Vatican City has no prisoners. This country is possibly the sole nation worldwide without a prison. It maintains several detention cells for holding individuals awaiting trial. Convicted individuals who are sentenced to incarceration fulfill their sentences in Italian prisons, by the Lateran Treaty. However, the Vatican government bears the expenses of imprisonment.

Liechtenstein

Another tiny European nation, Liechtenstein, boasts remarkably low incarceration rates. With a population of about 39,000, the country typically had 12 prisoners as of July 2023. Liechtenstein’s approach to criminal justice focuses heavily on rehabilitation and community service rather than incarceration, which has contributed to its low prison numbers.

Monaco

Monaco, known for its wealth and luxury, also has one of the lowest prison populations in the world. With a population of around 38,000, the Principality usually has a prison population of under 30 individuals. As of July 2023, the country had 14 prisoners. Monaco's high standard of living, rigorous law enforcement, and a strong focus on economic stability and social welfare contribute to its low crime and incarceration rates.

Seychelles

Seychelles' detention facilities, designed to accommodate 757 individuals, housed 285 detainees as of June 2021, according to the World Prison Brief, a nongovernmental organisation. This reflects a decrease in the prison population, which stood at 340 in 2020. Additionally, a distinct detention centre for male pretrial detainees is located in Victoria. However, as of July 2023, the country had 362 prisoners.

Luxembourg

In 2022, Luxembourg's prisoner count stood at 98.1 per 100,000 people, a slight rise from 87.8 per 100,000 in the preceding year. Over 12 years, the nation's incarceration rate has generally trended downward from a peak of 137.4 per 100,000 in 2010, with increases occurring only three times: from 2012 to 2013, from 2015 to 2016, and from 2021 to 2022. The year 2021 marked the lowest rate within this period, with 87.8 prisoners per 100,000 population. In July 2023, the country recorded 685 prisoners.

Vietnamese movie producers face the challenge of high production costs and low profits. It costs $200,000 to $2.2 million to make a film in Vietnam, but it's difficult to make a good product with a budget of less than $800,300. Despite this, Vietnam's cinema industry is one of the fastest growing in the world. Tuoi Tre News reports that the lack of fixed film studios and cinema infrastructure contributes to the high production costs and low number of movies produced annually. Efforts are being made to invest in the cinema industry and support Vietnamese films, but the challenge remains.

Smog causes flight cancellations

Dozens of flights to northern Vietnam have been cancelled due to smog and ash from the Upper Laos region. The smog has been obstructing vision and restricting flights to Dien Bien airport. The airport often experiences fog in April, reducing vision by 2,000-4,800 metres. VNEXPRESS sources say that since its upgrade, the airport has invested in air quality monitoring systems and is now capable of serving large planes. Since December, the airport has served over 900 flights and 70,000 passengers.

Investment in agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the United States Department of Agriculture have launched the Fertilize Right Project in Vietnam. The project aims to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural production in six provinces. According to Vietnam Plus , more than 2,600 individuals will benefit from training and greenhouse gas emissions are expected to reduce annually. The project activities are based on the "four rights" of nutrient management, aligning with Vietnam's crop production law. The project is expected to improve livelihoods, soil health, and food security for rice farmers.

Vatican diplomat visits Vietnam

The Vatican's top diplomat, Richard Gallagher, visited Vietnam to normalise relations on April 9. The Holy See’s foreign minister's six-day visit is part of ongoing efforts to improve ties, which could impact relations with China. Catholicism is the most practised religion in Vietnam. There is speculation that Pope Francis could visit the country in the future, The Washington Post reports.

Approval of a five-day holiday

Ministries have approved a five-day holiday for Reunification Day and Labour Day. The holiday will run from April 27 to May 1, with the normal working day on April 29 being exchanged and compensated on another day. The Vietnam General Confederation of Labour conducted a survey and found that 87% of trade union officials and workers are in favour of the exchange. Viet Nam News adds that the arrangement is aimed at stimulating tourism, social consumption, and promoting economic growth. Other ministries have also agreed with the proposal.