Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned recent riots and looting across major cities, asserting that those responsible for the unrest will be held accountable. He urged politicians to reject violence and highlighted the distinction between peaceful protests and chaotic actions amid heightened tensions ahead of next year’s presidential election.

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Pope Leo XIV led the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, following his discharge from hospital after lung surgery for a pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The Pontiff expressed gratitude to supporters and doctors, indicating he will gradually resume activities, including a planned trip to Latin America in November.

French President Macron pledged to hold accountable all individuals who incited recent chaos, reinforcing the commitment to justice for the crimes committed. Prime Minister Lecornu highlighted the unsustainability of using limited public funds to address the ongoing damage caused by vandalism.

In Belgium, a recent documentary on sexual abuse in the Catholic Church has caused shock and soul-searching, reigniting a debate about the way religion is funded in the country. Unlike in neighbouring France, the Belgian state finances officially recognised religions, with representatives of the Catholic Church receiving the best pay. But the abuse scandal has seen many people demand a change in the rules. The justice ministry has asked the Church to remove members of the clergy guilty of sexual abuse from the list of those paid by the state, and a parliamentary inquiry is underway. Our correspondent reports.

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