
To understand Vatican politics, follow the US dollar
Last Wednesday evening, with an Italian cellist playing in the background, a well-dressed group of about 120 wealthy American Catholic philanthropists and business leaders attended a drinks reception in the Ritz Ballroom of the St Regis Hotel in Rome.
The event, hosted by an influential US-based Catholic organisation, the Papal Foundation, began with a speech by its chairman, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, a charismatic conservative-leaning prelate from New York. Dolan, 75, joked that the ballroom, with its chandeliers, columns and ceiling frescoes, was pleasant enough 'but not as nice as the Sistine Chapel', where he will be sequestered from Wednesday with 132 other cardinals for the conclave to select the next pope.
The previous day, President Trump had appeared to nominate Dolan as his preferred candidate.
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Libya Herald
2 hours ago
- Libya Herald
Tripoli Chamber holds virtual meetings to hasten ISO certification for Libyan fish exports to EU
The Tripoli Chamber of Commerce held virtual meetings yesterday devoted to Libya obtaining ISO certificates to allow the export of marine products directly to the European Union. Tripoli Chamber said this comes within the framework of its efforts exerted to support the export of marine products to global markets. The virtual meetings were led for the Chamber by its Chairman Anwar Abu Sitta, with the Italian interlocutor of the WestMed Blue Economy Initiative of the European Union and the 5+5 Group, Leonardo Manzari, where the meeting focused on marine activities, fisheries and marine economy. The meeting also included Masouda Abu Arousha, the national interlocutor of WestMed Organization of the European Union, and in the presence of Ali Al-Shaqrouni, Chairman of the Libyan Maritime Bloc, and Zakaria Franca, Advisor to the Libyan Italian Chamber of Commerce. The meeting was devoted to how Libya obtains ISO certificates, issued by the European Union, to allow the export of marine products directly to the European Union countries and also on the extent of the participation of Libyan companies in the projects proposed by the European Union for human development and training, and how to support small and medium enterprises for entrepreneurs specialized in this sector. Communication with concerned government agencies to be intensified The meeting agreed to intensify communication with the concerned government agencies to facilitate the process of implementing international standards to complete the conditions required by the European Union to obtain the ISO certificate that allows the export of Libyan products to Europe. This would open the way for local exporters to export to the EU directly by legal means, which contributes to raising the value and development of this vital sector to diversify the level of national income. It was noted that ISO is an international certificate of standardization that sets global standards for various industries and sectors. ISO certifications include quality, safety, efficiency, and environmental standards. Upon obtaining ISO certification, it is recognized that an individual or organization adheres to specific standards that ensure the quality of work and services.


Belfast Telegraph
4 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Bishop of Derry: ‘I had very difficult times trying to bring comfort to victims of violence and their families… These people were the real heroes'
Speaking exclusively to the Belfast Telegraph ahead of a service in St Columb's Cathedral on Monday to mark the 50th anniversary of his consecration as Bishop of Derry and Raphoe in 1975, he said: 'This is one of the most touching invitations of my career and it has brought back so many memories of the vast changes in church life and politics during the last half-century.' Robin Eames, now in his 89th year, came to Derry as bishop when he was only 37. At his Consecration in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh he invited the Catholic Bishop of Derry Edward Daly to walk with him down the aisle. 'I believe that this was the first time it happened. I wanted to show that he and I were friends, and that I was holding out the hand of friendship to the whole Catholic community in Derry.' Lord Eames also made a point of visiting the homes of people in the Bogside. 'This was to let them know that I was not their enemy and that I wanted to understand their feelings. During one of the first meetings a man opened the door, shook my hand and said 'Welcome to Derry, my name is John Hume'. We met frequently afterwards and he always impressed me greatly.' After five years in Derry, Eames became Bishop of Down and Dromore. 'The divisions in Belfast were deeper than in Derry, and the attitudes had hardened. These were some of the worst years of the Troubles,' he said. 'My experience in Derry had taught me much about bridge-building and I received great warmth and support from all sides in that city. In Belfast I got on well with the Roman Catholic Bishop of Down and Connor Cahal Daly, and the relationships between all the main Churches improved greatly.' In 1986 Eames became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, a post which he held until his retirement in 2006. He worked closely with Catholic Primates Tomas O'Fiach, Cahal Daly, and Sean Brady. 'I always related to them as human beings and not only as senior Church figures. I asked them to take me as I am, and they did the same for me. Our friendships helped us through some very testing situations. It was a privilege to work with them.' One of the most difficult challenges he faced as Archbishop was the prolonged stand-off at Drumcree between residents and members of the Orange Order which led to widespread violence. 'I received many demands, particularly from the Irish Republic, to close the Drumcree parish church, but I could not shut a building where people from all backgrounds came to worship. I was severely criticized, which was personally hurtful, but closing the church was something I could not do in all conscience. "I deeply regret that the Drumcree dispute lasted so long and showed the world the deep divisions in our community. However, I believe it was the right decision to keep the church open.' In 2009 Lord Eames and the former Catholic priest Denis Bradley produced their report for the Consultative Group on the Past which was shelved amid controversy over its recommendations. 'Obviously I was disappointed but if people look at the small print it still has the seeds of a solution to our divisions. A former Northern Ireland Secretary told me if he had accepted the report it would have prevented what took place later on.' Robin Eames also travelled the world as a clerical trouble-shooter dealing with major issues facing the Anglican Communion. 'I was sent by Archbishop Robert Runcie, and my experience in Derry helped me build bridges that would last. I became friends with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who once stayed in our home in Armagh. We shared many of the same problems in Northern Ireland and South Africa as prisoners of our past.' Lord Eames also played a key role behind the scenes in the creation of the 1993 Downing Street Declaration which, he believes, formed the path towards the Good Friday Agreement. 'I had the highest regard for Sir John Major and Albert Reynolds who played such a major part in producing the Declaration.' He has also been a cross-bencher in the Lords since his retirement as Archbishop, something he says has taught him that basic understanding of 'Englishness' and 'Irishness' has been 'one of the root causes of a great many problems between the two parts of the UK'. Lord Eames has served as chairman of some of the Anglican Communion's most important Commissions. He has received numerous awards, and is a member of the Order of Merit — a very special honour bestowed on him personally by the late Queen Elizabeth . It is confined to a maximum of 24 people, and the current members include Sir David Attenborough and the artist David Hockney Badly injured in a fall last year, Lord Eames is making a steady recovery, and reflected on the past and present. 'There have been so many changes in all the churches but for me the basic message and challenge of Christianity remain the same.' 'I had very difficult times in my ministry trying to comfort victims of violence and their families, and sometimes I am still overwhelmed when I recall how bad it all was. Yet I also remember those who impressed us with their courage and faith from the depths of adversity. 'I was with Gordon and Joan Wilson on the day their daughter Marie was killed in the Enniskillen bomb. Their Christianity and example in dealing with that immense personal tragedy was an inspiration to all of us, and they were not the only ones. They are real heroes. 'I look back on my life and praise God for giving me strength to minister to all sorts of people. I also pay tribute to my wife Christine who has been a tower of strength to me throughout my ministry. I have so much for which to be thankful.'


Edinburgh Reporter
5 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Brand Scotland – UK Government signs agreement with Scottish Chambers of Commerce
A Brand Scotland overseas trade missions initiative was signed on Friday by the Scotland Office and Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC) in a partnership agreement. This collaboration will be supported by UK Government funding of up to £100,000 for 2025/26 which will help to promote Scottish trade and is aimed at attracting foreign direct investment into Scotland. Brand Scotland is part of the UK Government's Plan for Change boosting economic growth by promoting Scottish products and services while attracting international inward investment. The initiative will include a series of trade missions all designed to showcase Scottish businesses across the globe. Ian Murray and Liz Cameron signed the agreement at the UK Government's Queen Elizabeth HQ in Edinburgh. Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'This agreement will help give Scotland a global platform to sell everything our brilliant country has to offer – from whisky and seafood to our world class services. 'The trio of trade deals secured by the Prime Minister in recent weeks is a huge opportunity for Scotland's economy – with the most populous country in the world, the richest country in the world and our most important market. This partnership with the Scottish Chambers of Commerce will create valuable opportunities for Scottish firms and help kickstart economic growth as part of our Plan for Change. 'I have already been to Norway, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States to bang the drum for Scotland and with this partnership we will take businesses to even more markets. The Scotland Office will be Scotland's window to the world.' Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive and Director Dr Liz Cameron, CBE, said: 'Delivering impactful trade missions that will sell Brand Scotland and our innovative and dynamic businesses will strengthen our global presence. This partnership with the Scotland Office is vital for economic growth and will help more businesses trade internationally and encourage more inward investment. 'The world wants our quality products and services and this significant investment in Brand Scotland will create even more opportunities to sell our nation internationally. Our businesses continue to successfully engage with SCC overseas missions and now by combining forces between SCC and the Scotland Office, we can drive our economy further by providing valuable platforms and alliances for more exporters to sell their fantastic products and services to new global markets. 'Scotland is open for business and we welcome Brand Scotland's support to allow us to trade with confidence on a world stage.' Leading entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors have also welcomed the agreement. Founder & CEO of Greenock-based PG Paper Dr Poonam Gupta, OBE, said: 'At PG Paper, international trade is the backbone of our business. We have built a multi-million pound business by connecting with over 60 countries. This partnership between the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office sends a clear message: Scotland is ambitious, outward-looking, and ready to lead. The Scotland Office initiative will help businesses like ours expand our international reach, forge high-value connections, and drive economic impact both at home and abroad. This is exactly the kind of bold, collaborative action Scotland needs to accelerate exports and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.' CEO of Aberdeen-based PCL Group Dr Jeanette Forbes, OBE, said: 'As a global IT and energy tech company operating in over 27 countries, we know first-hand how critical international trade is to business growth and innovation. Trade missions are strategic enablers that unlock new markets, foster long-term relationships, and elevate Scotland's global standing. The collaboration between Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the Scotland Office is exactly the type of public-private partnership needed to amplify Scotland's voice on the world stage and grow our economies.' Details of trade missions will be confirmed later. The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, (with his younger daughter) and Liz Cameron, CBE Like this: Like Related