On his final day of lying in state before his funeral, tens of thousands of people poured into St. Peter’s Basilica to pay him a final homage.
The basilica’s doors were only shut for three hours overnight, but the building remained open until Friday morning for the majority of Thursday night into Friday.
Long lines spanned St. Peter’s Square and the nearby streets before being escorted through the basilica’s central altar, where Francis’s open coffin was on a Friday dais.
People were rushing forward slowly, some even waiting for hours to arrive for a brief moment to pay their respects to Francis.
The 88-year-old pope’s body was delivered to St. Peter’s on Wednesday in a somber procession after suffering a stroke on Monday in his rooms at the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse.
Around 250, 000 people from all over the world have since said goodbye to the pontiff, according to the Vatican.
According to Patricio Castriota, a visitor who is from Argentina and like the pope, “it’s a very strong feeling (to be here).” “I’m so sorry for this farewell, but I’m so grateful that I got to see him.”
He is the only pope to have come from South America and had many admirable intentions for the Catholic Church, Castriota said. He attempted to clear up some of the bad (some of it), though not entirely.
Francis, who became pope in 2013, was known for his endearing and even humorous demeanor as the first pontiff of the Western Hemisphere.
His 12-year papacy was occasionally turbulent, with Francis attempting to reform a divided institution while battling traditionalists who opposed his numerous reforms.
Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo, who is the church’s pastor on the French island of Corsica, said, “He humanized the church, without desacralizing it.”
When St. Peter’s Square was closed just before the viewing period was over, hundreds of disappointed residents were turned away. On Friday, a formal rite to seal the late pope’s coffin was held before 7 p.m. (17:00 GMT).
Hoda Abdel-Hamid, a journalist for Al Jazeera, reported from the Vatican that the cardinals were supposed to attend a private ceremony to complete the coffin.
Twelve coins representing the papacy’s year will be buried inside the coffin. A paper describing his papacy and legacy will also be present, she added.
About 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs were among the at least 130 foreign delegations confirmed their attendance at Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, according to the Vatican.
Donald Trump, the president of the United States, will face leaders like Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his unanticipated first foreign trip of his second term, which will take him to Rome for the funeral.
At the funeral will be Emmanuel Macron, the former leader of France and former German chancellor Olaf Scholz, along with Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, both of whom have been senior European Union officials.
The Belfast band, which featured Mo Chara, Mógla Bap, and DJ Próva, ended their set on April 18 at the second weekend of the Californian music festival Coachella with three messages displayed on a large screen.
Kneecap ‘will not stay silent’ as they release statement after Palestine message at Coachella(Image: HELEN SLOAN SMPSP)
Kneecap have stated that they will “not stay silent” as they criticize the “coordinated smear campaign” against them for their “Free Palestine” statement at Coachella.
The Belfast band, which featured Mo Chara, Mógla Bap, and DJ Próva, ended their set on April 18 at the second weekend of the Californian music festival Coachella with three messages displayed on a large screen. that accused Israel of genocide and war crimes against the Palestinian people.
The US government, which supports Israel despite its war crimes, is said to be sending the messages “F*** Israel.” Palestine that is free.
Many of their fans praised the statement, but Sharon Osbourne received criticism for it. The band’s manager confirmed to RTE Radio following their set that they had received death threats, and explained that they had been “too severe” to disclose on air.
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Kneecap’s ‘F**k Israel, Free Palestine’ message at Coachella(Image: Kneecap/X)
Taking to their Instagram page on Friday, Kneecap released a statement on their set at Coachella, telling fans: “Since our statements at Coachella – exposing the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people – we have faced a coordinated smear campaign. For over a year, we have used our shows to call out the British and Irish governments’ complicity in war crimes.
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“The recent attacks against us, largely coming from the US, are the result of deliberate deception and lies. We are putting an end to a number of these malicious efforts. Let’s be absolutely clear.
Kneecap continued, “Our audience is growing, and we are telling the truth, which is the reason we are being targeted.” Those who attack us want to banish criticism of a mass murder. They fabricate false accusations of antisemitism to deceive, irritate, and cover genocide.
Kneecap said they have faced a ‘coordinated smear campaign’(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
No matter what religion anyone practices, we do not condone anyone. We are aware of the widespread resentment of the Jewish people toward this genocide as well. We will not remain silent because the governments of the nations we work for contribute to some of the most heinous crimes of our lifetimes.
This won’t change thanks to media speculation. The Palestinian population is the only area of concern for us. The number of murdered children has increased. The young audience members understand the lies we tell. They support justice and humanity. And that gives us a lot of hope.
Daniel Lambert, the band’s manager, praised them for “building a career for themselves on the basis of the Irish language, music, culture, and identity” in an interview with RTE Radio.
They are willing to do that despite the fact that it may hurt their career, despite the fact that it may hurt their income, and they should be praised a lot for it, he added. They have the courage and conviction to do so, especially given where they’ve come from in post-conflict society.
Young people should take an extremely strong position, especially those with working-class backgrounds. “He was questioned about the possibility of painting everyone in Israel with the same brush.
Daniel said: “Absolutely not. I think when you refer to ‘Israel’ in messaging, as we did, that you’re referring to the Israeli government.”
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He continued, adding that the real issue was the tens of thousands of civilian casualties that Israeli forces in Gaza had caused when suggesting the rappers’ message at Coachella was offensive.
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The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) director of rugby, Dave Reddin, has been appointed as the worst kept secret in Welsh rugby, finally.
Reddin has been credited with helping to fix the problem of Welsh rugby after working with World Cup-winning rugby coach Sir Clive Woodward and England football manager Gareth Southgate and helping to guide Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.
Reddin delivered his first official speech in style, definitely in the style of his first public appearance.
“Global rugby grieving for Wales”
The Huw Evans Agency
Reddin explained why he chose the position he describes as “a real standout opportunity” while introducing himself to his new boss, WRU CEO Abi Tierney.
He claimed that “global rugby has probably been grieving for Wales and where they have recently been.”
I was inspired by the possibility of being a part of a system at its lowest point, but one that [has the drive to change.
I was attempting to determine whether or not it was the right opportunity at the beginning of the process. The vision they shared was compelling, according to Richard [Collier-Keywood, WRU chairman].
“It’s about changing the system to make it authentically Welsh, utilizing the advantages that Wales has as a small nation, the close proximity to regional areas, and the national team.”
seeking guidance
The Huw Evans Agency
Reddin revealed that he had discussed taking the position with prominent rugby players.
Dan Biggar, Jamie Roberts, and Woodward, who Reddin described as “an influential person in my career,” were just a few examples.
Reddin sought the opinions of those who “have been connected to the Welsh system in the past” when he consulted others.
He said, “I made an effort to think carefully and had my eyes wide open when I came in.
You want to know whether things can be fixed with any job, especially one that has a low ebb system or organization.
“I wanted to spend enough time understanding that, and I’m here because everyone was able to respond to my inquiries in that regard.
Not afraid to strike up difficult conversations
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Reddin insists that he is not afraid to stir up some frights.
Reddin said, “It’s about building good relationships with people.”
I’ll just say that I don’t fear the difficult conversations.
“I don’t want to come in and coerce with the culture that’s here, but I want to come in, listen, and learn.”
We want to be in a different place in the future than we are right now, so I believe it’s about changing the culture and evolving things.
Reddin insists that Welsh rugby is not “everything is broken” and that there is no such thing as “everything.”
There are certainly some promising areas of excellence in the Welsh game, he continued.
When people are working in a situation where the results aren’t going well, that’s the first thing I want to concentrate on. What’s going well is always a good foundation.
It’s very simple to become resentful and introspective. It’s crucial to start by attempting to change that mindset so that we can concentrate on some of the things that must inevitably need to change.
Reddin acknowledged that he will have questions about his knowledge in his new role in Welsh rugby as he steps into the cauldron after having previously played for England.
He believes he can provide a valuable, unique perspective.
“Hopefully I’m bringing some unique experiences, along with a healthy dose of ignorance, humility, and curiosity,” said Reddin.
That gives me a new perspective, which serves as a strength.
I lack the history or emotional resonance with what has transpired. I have a fresh start, allowing myself to see things differently than others.
Head coach search for Reddin’s in-tray
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After Warren Gatland left during the Six Nations, Reddin’s in-tray will appoint a new men’s head coach, with Cardiff’s Matt Sherratt taking over in a caretaker role for the final three games.
The long-term successor to Gatland will have a direct report to Reddin.
Reddin remarked, “I have a responsibility to lead that, and I hold myself accountable for that choice.”
“The head coach is going to be the most important decision, and that is where my focus should be.”
I need to get very involved in that, and our strategy must be rigorous. We don’t want this to be a short-term appointment, so that’s appropriate.
Steve Tandy, the current Scotland coach, has emerged as the clear choice for the position, but Reddin says the search is still ongoing.
Because almost every coach in rugby, Reddin said, “There were 150 names on the list and he (Tandy) will definitely be one of them.”
A process is ongoing and will come to an end naturally.
Time period test
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Reddin arrives at a time when Wales’ men’s side has lost 17 Test matches in a row and the women’s team is on the verge of another Six Nations wooden spoon.
How long should he be allowed to turn things around, then?
Reddin remarked, “I don’t know if I’m honest.
The Welsh rugby team’s “path to success won’t follow a straight line.” I am aware that our performance will be determined on-field. That serves as the success indicator in the public.
The “green shoots don’t always show up on the field right away,” according to the saying.
On experience, I would draw lessons that can sometimes occur a little bit faster than we would anticipate.
However, I don’t believe it’s possible for our teams to suddenly achieve a winning streak in the Six Nations.
Reddin claims that he is hoping for a positive turn in his fortunes.
“Very positive performance and results are the indicator in the short term,” said Reddin.
Vancouver, Canada – Leslie Macfarlane claimed last year that she and her husband were experiencing “absolute rage” before fear when she learned they were being removed from a mobile home park in a Vancouver suburb.
Her residence was scheduled to be destroyed as part of the massive redevelopment of a low-rise apartment building.
The 67-year-old retiree was aware of the difficulty of finding rental housing in the notoriously expensive Lower Mainland. Her housing search turned out to be futile, she correctly predicted.
According to Macfarlane, “We couldn’t afford anything.”
For an apartment with half the space, the couple’s housing costs would have nearly tripled, going from about $1,100 to $3,000. The pair made the decision to relocate to Gibsons, a small coastal British Columbian town, where Macfarlane was born and raised.
“If you had a job, you could afford a place to rent,” I recall when raising my kids. You might not be able to afford a lot of rent, but it is still possible. According to Macfarlane, that is no longer the case.
The small town’s costs, which are only accessible by ferry, are “higher on everything,” according to Macfarlane, especially for groceries.
She has been buying less as the price of groceries rises.
“We’re getting to the point where we’re replacing carts with hand baskets of food each week.”
The two biggest issues facing Macfarlane are affordability of housing and the rising cost of groceries, according to the federal election scheduled for April 28.
Post-pandemic inflation
When Justin Trudeau was first elected in 2015, he had promised “sunny ways,” but many Canadians have since been plunged into inflationary shock as a result.
The cost of consumer goods has dramatically increased since Trudeau’s re-election in 2021. The largest annual change since 1983, a yearly change, was 8.1 percent higher than the previous year during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Statistics Canada, in June 2022. Tiff Macklem, the governor of the Bank of Canada, attributed the high inflation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as shipping delays and pandemic-related delays.
Actual prices are still much higher than they were in 2020 despite a slower inflation rate and a 2.3% increase since then.
Canadians have had trouble adjusting to the rising living costs.
According to David Macdonald, senior economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, consumers experience the effects more profoundly when they regularly purchase goods like food and gasoline.
He claimed that “people take that inflation more personally.”
Prior to the pandemic, affordability of housing in Canada had been a top concern, but Macdonald claimed that interest rates had increased as a result as interest rates were raised by the Bank of Canada.
Rates increased to 5% in 2023 before starting to increase in 2022. The Bank of Canada finally cut rates midway through 2024, which is now 2.75 percent.
You weren’t safe anywhere, according to Macdonald. “Even if you were renting or owning, both sides were suffering significantly higher interest rates,” said one witness.
According to Macdonald, rent increases have been “mind-boggling” in some important Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
Average asking rents in Canada have increased by almost 18% since March 2020.
Regardless of country or political ideology, inflation has bad news for politicians in power, according to Macdonald.
According to Macdonald, “inflation didn’t just happen here; it also happened everywhere.” “You got pummeled at the election box in the next election if you were in power during that time.”
pressures from immigration
Some Canadians began to criticize Trudeau’s high immigration goals as a cause of the nation’s out-of-touch housing costs.
According to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, the population grew almost three times as quickly as the housing stock did last year. Under Trudeau, he has criticized the “massive uncontrolled population growth” that “strained our housing, healthcare, and job markets.”
According to Irene Bloemraad, a professor of political science and sociology at the University of British Columbia and co-director of the Centre for Migration Studies, Trudeau had been elected on a platform that included making the immigration debate more inclusive and multicultural.
Immigration numbers increased until 2020, when the pandemic resulted in a “dramatic drop” in immigration.
According to Bloemraad, Canadian businesses, universities, and provincial governments felt a great need for more workers, students, and others as the country’s economy began to expand in 2021, particularly after a brief period of slow migration.
The number of temporary visas for employees and students has quickly increased thanks to the federal government.
According to her, “there is an argument that the government overshot, that they were just too aggressive in doing this,” given how the rapid influx of new residents in particular metropolitan areas impacted those housing markets.
In a late-2024 Environics poll, 48% of Canadians thought the country accepted too many immigrants, up from 27% in 2022.
Because it is immediately identifiable, immigration is a common target for people’s worries, according to Bloemraad. “People forget that housing costs were also extremely high prior to COVID.” This has not just happened, according to the statement.
In October of last year, Trudeau’s administration announced a reduction in immigration projections, setting a target of 395, 000 permanent residents by 2025 from the anticipated 485, 000 permanent residents by 2024. The reduction was more of a reset than a significant shift in direction, according to Blemraad, who noted that the numbers for 2025 are currently a little higher than they were in 2019.
[Photo: Chris Helgren/Reuters] The rapid influx of newcomers into some Canadian metropolitan areas has a negative impact on those housing markets.
The affordability crisis worsens.
Shahad Ishak, a resident of Toronto, claimed that Trudeau may have gotten off track with his election promises.
She told Al Jazeera, “He sold a lot of promises to people.”
She had the opportunity to purchase a home when she immigrated to Canada from Kuwait in 2013.
“But it only got worse there.” Never will I purchase a home at this time in my life.
And settling in Canada wasn’t simple.
Because the landlord refused to rent to her without a credit history in 2016, she was forced to use her savings and make payments six months in advance. She also encountered obstacles before because she had no prior experience in Canada.
She was required to work in “very harsh conditions,” including one at a call center.
Despite having almost nine years of experience working in corporate banking in Kuwait, she was eventually hired as a bank teller.
She had to work weekends and her job only offered her the minimum wage. She eventually resigned because it made no sense to work as a weekend babysitter for her two children. Hashak returned to school and is pursuing a sociology PhD.
Four of her close friends, all engineers, immigrated because of the cost-cut crisis.
How do people survive here, Ishak said, “makes me wonder”? because the pay is insufficient.
She anticipates that the upcoming administration will give more of the cost of renting housing a priority.
Ishak points out that this election feels different because of the current economic crisis and because foreign policy will play a significant role.
Trudeau calls it quits
Trudeau resigned as party leader in January after the Liberal Party experienced political unrest and disappointing poll results.
According to a Nanos poll, Conservative Party leader Poilievre, who had waged an aggressive campaign to remove Trudeau, was on track to win a “comfortable” majority.
Much of Poilievre’s sails were taken away by Trudeau as he stepped down. The Conservatives’ “huge” advantage sank in the direction of freedom.
Canadians have downgraded affordability on their list of election priorities as a result of the growing concern over tariffs and annexation threats from US President Donald Trump.
Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney’s replacement, Justin Trudeau, is now in the lead in the polls, benefiting from the perception that the public would be the best choice to negotiate with Trump.
The economist Macdonald claimed that Trudeau leaving may have “washed this election” of inflationary rage in some ways.
According to Macdonald, “Regular people are still really upset that grocery store prices are 30% higher than they were five years ago.” He continued, “Canadians are probably angrier with the US at this time.”
Following Marta Kostyuk’s defeat in the second round, Emma Raducanu will miss the Madrid Open.
The British number two appeared to be preparing for a comeback in the second set, but Kostyuk, the 24th seed, won 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.
Raducanu made her comeback from a month-long absence from competitive games.
The British women’s team’s performance came to an end in the Spanish capital with Sonay Kartal losing to Elina Svitolina from Ukraine and Katie Boulter falling to Jasmine Paolini in the sixth round.
Italian Paolini, who had lost just three games to Boulter in 61 minutes and finished with a score of 6-1, 6-2, in the world, was among the six.
The 2024 French Open winner won six of her seven break points, securing a last-32 tie with Maria Sakkari from Greece.
Boulter, who defeated Katerina Siniakova in the first round of the WTA clay-court match, won only 11 points of 46 on serve and committed 21 errors without making any errors.
Svitolina, the 17th seed, defeated world number 60 Kartal, who won her first clay-court match in the opening round in the Spanish capital, 6-3 6-1.
Miami run impossible for Raducanu to replicate
After reaching the Miami Open quarter-finals last month, Raducanu took a “physical and mental” break, which included her first competitive game since then.
It was also the first outdoor clay victory in almost three years.
However, the former US Open champion had to fight back on Friday when she was only competing in her 18th competitive clay-court match. She had to break down for 3-3 in the first set before immediately dropping her serve after two double faults for Kostyuk.
In order to force a deciding set, Raducanu improved in the second set, winning four games in a row in a row.
However, the Briton’s subpar opening game gave Kostyuk a chance to win and advance to the third round, where she will face Veronika Kudermetova.
Meanwhile, eighth seed Zheng Qinwen struggled to recover from Anastasia Potapova, who had defeated top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-4.
Paula Badosa, a player from Spain, has broken her back.
After the pair united earlier this year, Gwyneth Paltrow has unveiled rumors that she has been feuding with Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, in a recent interview.
Gwyneth Paltrow slams feud rumors, telling them she isn’t close to Meghan Markle.
Gwyneth Paltrow revealed she doesn’t know Meghan Markle ‘super well’ as she shut down the feud rumours about them. The Shakespeare in Love actress, 52, said she only ‘hung out’ with the Duchess of Sussex, 43, a number of times and added she was ‘proud of her’.
Gwyneth, the actress in Iron Man and Avengers, quickly disseminated all the rumors swirling about their friendship and quickly clarified whether there were any conflicts between them by promising to “be a pawn in some drummed up triangulation of women feuds” before pleading, “Leave us out of it.”
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Gwyneth was asked about the so-called feud on a recent podcast(Image: @The World’s First Podcast With Erin & Sara Foster/YouTube)
Gwyneth was questioned about the rumors that she and Meghan allegedly “hate each other” in a recent episode of The World’s First Podcast with Erin &, Sara Foster.
You know what I won’t be at this point in my life, she said. For your f***ing clickbait, I won’t be a pawn in some drummed up, you know, triangulation of women feud. Leave us out of it, please. Don’t do that, for example. That is not what I’m going to do.
Meghan has only the best wishes, I promise. Like, she’s doing amazing things. She deserves praise. Every woman has a right to enter any endeavor she chooses, but most people should “just check themselves.”
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Meghan featured in Gwyneth’s recent Q&A session(Image: Instagram/gwynethpaltrow)
She continued, “She lives in Montecito, I’ve seen her, I’ve hung out with her a few times,” Gwyneth continued. She appears to be very lovely. Although I don’t know her very well, she seems incredibly lovely.
Last month, the actress took part in a Q&A session on her Instagram and answered a fan who asked if she was “comprehending the Meghan Markle beef that social media says you two have?”
Before she turned her head in the direction of a confused Gwyneth, “I genuinely do not understand this at all, whatsoever,” she said, “Do you understand this?
She then moved her iPhone camera to reveal Meghan sitting right next to her. Meghan shrugged her shoulders as she giggled and leaned back in her chair while enjoying a slice of pie.
Body language expert Darren Stanton claims that some online followers have since suggested the video was merely a stunt, but that is not the case.
He noted how “the Duchess’ movements were loose and relaxed,” adding that there might be tension and awkwardness if it were all for show.
Further, Darren added that Meghan and Gwyneth’s relationship is more likely to be genuine because of the relaxed atmosphere. It first demonstrates that you have two extremely strong women. “he said”. They are quick to defend themselves while also being friendly with their fans and coworkers.
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