Europe

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.

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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.

A fire has destroyed significant portions of the historic town hall in Limoges, France, following unrest related to nationwide cost-of-living protests. Local authorities report the roof has collapsed, with around two-thirds of the building’s exterior lost amid escalating violence in the protests.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasised that Europe “must be the first to provide for its own conventional defence” during D-Day commemorations in Normandy. He urged allies, particularly France, to demonstrate commitment to strengthening their defences amid a backdrop of reducing US troop presence in Europe.

A court in Mali has sentenced a French embassy official to 20 years in prison on charges of espionage and undermining state security. The official, detained since August 2025, faces a €5,400 fine and a ban on entering Mali, escalating tensions between the military-led government and France.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended an invitation for a direct meeting with Vladimir Putin, proposing a “full ceasefire” in an open letter. This marks a rare direct appeal since Russia’s invasion in 2022, aiming to resolve the conflict through personal engagement.

Austrian protesters blocked the Brenner Pass on Saturday to demand action against rising traffic noise and pollution. Authorities closed the vital highway from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, although traffic disruptions were less severe than anticipated, according to early reports. Local leaders seek urgent infrastructure reform.

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