Pope seen without usual papal attire

Pope Francis has been seen without his traditional papal attire as he visited St Peter’s Basilica on Thursday. The pontiff briefly stopped to greet visitors while sat in a wheelchair, wearing black trousers, a white long-sleeved shirt and a striped blanket draped around his shoulders. He also had an oxygen tube under his nose. On … Read more

Gabon’s coup leader eyes election victory

Wedaeli Chibelushi, Ousmane Badiane, Natasha Booty & Paul Njie BBC News in London, Dakar & Libreville EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock General Brice Oligui Nguema was inaugurated six days after his forces toppled the government After deposing Gabonese President Ali Bongo two years ago, Gen Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was carried through the streets by his triumphant troops, who … Read more

Tanzania opposition leader charged with treason

Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu has been charged with treason a day after he was arrested following a rally he held in the south of the country. The charge is connected to his nationwide campaign pushing for electoral reform under the slogan “No Reforms, No Election”. The country is due to go to the polls … Read more

Canadian superhero is now battling President Trump

President Donald Trump’s annexation threats and tariffs are helping drive renewed interest in a 1970s-era Canadian comic book character, ‘Captain Canuck.’ Richard Comely, the artist who co-created the superhero, says Canadians are looking up to the government agent with superhuman strength as a symbol of the country’s ‘independence.’

Army Chaplain forgives boy who stabbed him

Chris Page BBC News Ireland correspondent Brian Lawless/PA Wire The priest was stabbed multiple times at Renmore Barracks in Galway in August 2024 An Irish army chaplain has offered forgiveness to a 17-year-old boy who stabbed him at a barracks. At a court hearing, Father Paul Murphy also hugged the teenager who pleaded guilty to … Read more

Michelle Obama breaks silence on divorce rumours from Barack Obama

Michelle Obama has spoken out against rumours that her marriage to Barack Obama might be in trouble. The former first lady has not accompanied her husband to several high-profile events – including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former president Jimmy Carter – fuelling speculation that they might be separating. Without explicitly mentioning these … Read more

US Congress passes Trump-backed budget bill

The US House of Representatives has passed a budget bill that includes massive cuts to taxes and government spending on Thursday despite opposition from Democrats and Republican hard-liners. The spending plan is a key plank in Donald Trump’s legislative agenda and he has called it a “big, beautiful bill”. After the 216-214 vote, Trump posted … Read more