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Libyan Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Libyan Express
Migrant population in Libya rises to 858,000 amid Sudan conflict
BY Libyan Express May 23, 2025 - 06:38 Updated: May 23, 2025 - 06:38 Migrants and refugees sit on a rubber boat before being rescued by a ship run by Maltese NGO Moas and Italian Red Cross off the Libyan coast | Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images Libya hosted more than 858,000 migrants in the first two months of 2025, representing a 4% increase from December 2024 figures, according to new data from the International Organisation for Migration. The latest Displacement Tracking Matrix report shows the migrant population has grown from 824,131 at the end of last year, driven largely by people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Sudanese nationals now comprise the largest group at 31% of all migrants, followed by those from Niger (22%), Egypt (20%) and Chad (10%). These four countries account for 83% of Libya's migrant population, which includes people from 46 different nationalities. Men make up 78% of migrants, with women and children representing 22% of the total. The western region of Libya hosts just over half of all migrants (52%), attracted by employment opportunities in construction and manufacturing. The eastern region accommodates 35% of the migrant population. The capital Tripoli hosts 15% of all migrants, whilst the coastal cities of Misurata and Benghazi each accommodate 10%. The report highlights severe humanitarian challenges facing migrant communities. More than three-quarters (76%) lack access to healthcare, primarily due to high costs and poor service quality. Educational barriers affect migrant children particularly severely, with 65% of school-age children not attending classes. The IOM cited economic hardship, lack of documentation, poor social integration and language barriers as the main obstacles. The increase in migrant numbers comes as Libya continues to serve as both a destination and transit country for people seeking better economic opportunities or fleeing conflict in other parts of Africa and the Middle East. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Extra.ie
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
White smoke emerges from Sistine Chapel as new Pope elected
A new Pope has been elected with white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel confirming the news to the world. The pontiff is the 267th Pope, becoming the religious leader of Catholics across the globe and someone believed to be called to be the successor to St Peter, who was the first. Shortly after 5pm UK time on Thursday, crowds in St Peter's Square bore witness to history as white smoke billowed into the air from a specially-erected chimney at the chapel, in the age-old tradition. Onlookers erupted into cheers and applause as bells tolled to confirm the news. White smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Pic: Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images Some 133 cardinals entered the chapel on Wednesday afternoon, with the secret conclave meeting getting under way behind closed doors shortly before 5pm UK time, as the group were cut off from all communications with the outside world. The timing means it took cardinals only around 24 hours to elect their new leader. Each of the electors, mostly dressed in distinctive bright red vestments, had taken an oath pledging secrecy ahead of the process of casting anonymous ballots for their chosen name. At a special mass ahead of the conclave, cardinals were reminded of the 'choice of exceptional importance' they must make. Three UK cardinals took part in conclave – Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Rome-based Cardinal Arthur Roche. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who is Irish-born, is seen as an American cardinal having ministered mainly in the US. Cardinal Nichols had called on people to pray for himself and other cardinals as they embarked on the secret voting process, adding that he felt 'quite intimidated' knowing the world was watching to see who they would choose. White smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. Pic: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images The voting cardinals – those aged under 80 who were the only ones eligible to cast a ballot – were urged to 'invoke the help of the Holy Spirit' to help them elect a pope 'whom the Church and humanity need at this difficult and complex turning point in history'. In the mass in St Peter's Basilica ahead of conclave, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re said the pontiff would need to be a person who can 'awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today's society, characterised by great technological progress but which tends to forget God'. Once a new Pope accepts his election, it is usual that he would appear fairly quickly thereafter on the front balcony of St Peter's Basilica which overlooks St Peter's Square. An announcement in Latin of 'Habemus Papam' – meaning 'we have a Pope' is made alongside the new pontiff's appearance. This conclave was thought to be one of the most diverse of any meeting of cardinals before, representing some 70 countries and hailing from places like Mongolia, Sweden and Tonga which had not had a cardinal before. Pope Francis had appointed some 108 of the 133 cardinals who took part in the conclave to choose his successor. Francis was vocal on politics, speaking out against war and climate change, as he urged more focus on the poor and downtrodden of the world. His funeral last month drew hundreds of thousands of mourners, including world leaders such as US president Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Such was Francis's popularity, he was dubbed by many to have been 'the people's pope'.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
US tourist in Rome impaled on metal spike at Colosseum
(KTLA) – An American on vacation in Rome is reportedly recovering after climbing a fence at the ruins of the Colosseum, falling and being impaled on a metal spike in front of other horrified tourists, according to multiple media outlets. The incident, according to the Italian news outlet Day Italian News, happened at around 5 p.m. Friday, with shocked witnesses immediately calling for help. The 47-year-old man, who has yet to be identified, reportedly took the spike to the lower back, screamed in pain and passed out, Huffpost reported. He 'remained stuck in a painful and dramatic position' while first responders were en route, witnesses told the Italian outlet. A general view shows people gathering at the Colosseum monument in Rome on April 7, 2023, prior to the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) prayer service as part of celebrations of the Holy Week.(Photo by Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images) An ambulance in Rome, Italy, seen on March 14, 2025.. (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images) After assessing the situation, paramedics gave the man a sedative while they worked to pull him off the spike, which took about 20 minutes, Day Italian reported. Medical personnel worked to contain the bleeding at the scene and then rushed the man to Rome's San Giovanni Hospital for emergency surgery for the deep wound. Gunman shoots 2 people at packed California campground, turns gun on self The man was reportedly in stable condition after the surgery, which required more than 80 stitches, though it is unclear if there was any permanent damage done to his spine. It is unclear why the American, who currently lives in Taiwan and was visiting Italy with family and friends, climbed the fence in the first place. Some reports suggest he was trying to take a selfie or attempting to get a better view of the world-famous tourist attraction. Or, as Day Italian News reported, 'it is assumed he simply wanted to get closer to the monument.' Police in Rome opened an investigation into the incident and have since questioned the man. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
IOL News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Massive crowds expected for second day of Pope Francis's lying in state
Tens of thousands of mourners are saying their last goodbyes to Pope Francis at St Peter's Basilica. Image: Andreas Solaro / AFP Huge crowds were expected on Thursday for a glimpse of Pope Francis's body on the second day of public tributes, after St Peter's Basilica stayed open almost all night to accommodate the crowds. Close to 20,000 people filtered past the Catholic leader's red-lined wooden coffin in the first eight hours of the lying in state on Wednesday. Instead of closing at midnight, it allowed people in until 5:30am on Thursday morning, before reopening at 7:00am, the Vatican said. Italy is preparing a massive security operation for the funeral in front of St Peter's, with world leaders including US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky due to join hundreds of thousands of mourners. Francis died on Monday after 12 years as head of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, during which time he made a name for himself as a pope of the marginalised. Mourners queued for up to four hours on Wednesday to say their goodbyes to Francis, who was dressed in his papal vestments - a red chasuble, white mitre and black shoes - and held a rosary. Each mourner was ushered past the casket within seconds, many hurriedly catching the moment on their smartphones. Argentine Federico Rueda, 46, said that despite the rush, he would not have missed the opportunity. "It is worth missing out on other places to say goodbye to an Argentine: a very worthy pope," he said as he stood proudly wearing the jersey of Argentina's national football team, the current world champions. Mexican Leobardo Guevara, 24, draped in his country's flag, said he felt "a sense of peace" as he filed past the body of the first pope from the Americas. Francis, an energetic reformer who became pope in 2013, died on Monday aged 88 after suffering a stroke. His death at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican came less than a month after he was released from five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia. Francis's casket was initially put on display for Vatican officials and clergy in the Santa Marta chapel, before being transferred to St Peter's Wednesday in a procession including cardinals, clergy and Swiss Guards. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among those who paid respects on Wednesday, and scores of world leaders and dignitaries plan to attend the funeral. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel They include Argentine President Javier Milei and Britain's Prince William, although Russia - which has for centuries had icy ties with the Vatican - said it would send its culture minister. Authorities, who expect up to 170 foreign delegations, have ramped up security for the funeral. Italy's civil protection agency estimates that "several hundred thousand" people will descend on Rome on what was already set to be a busy weekend due to a public holiday. No conclave date yet After the funeral, Francis's coffin will be taken to his favourite church, Rome's papal basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. His will requested that he be interred in the ground, his simple tomb marked with just one word: Franciscus. Following that, all eyes will turn to the process to choose Francis's successor. Cardinals from around the world are returning to Rome for the conclave, which will begin no fewer than 15 days and no more than 20 days after a pope's death. Only those under the age of 80 - currently some 135 cardinals - are eligible to vote. Cardinals have agreed that the traditional nine days of mourning for the pope, the so-called "novemdiales", will begin on Saturday and conclude on May 4. Another meeting of cardinals of all ages was set for Thursday at 9:00am. However, the Vatican brushed aside hopes of an announcement of the conclave date, insisting the focus is on the funeral. At the time of his death, Francis was under doctors' orders to rest for two months. But the headstrong pope continued to make public appearances despite appearing tired and short of breath. On Easter Sunday, one day before he died, he circled St Peter's Square in his popemobile to greet the crowds, stopping to kiss babies along the way. AFP
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tributes honor Pope Francis's legacy, Hegseth reportedly shared attack details in 2nd Signal chat, 3 more states log measles cases
Good morning, everyone. We're starting today with sad news out of the Vatican. Subscribe to get this newsletter in your inbox each morning. NEED TO KNOW Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty Images Pope Francis dies at 88 The Vatican announced that Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, who was known for his efforts to modernize and reform the Roman Catholic Church, died this morning at 88. The pope's death: It comes a day after he greeted and blessed Easter crowds, and weeks after an extended hospital stay for pneumonia. 'He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love,' the Vatican said. Read about his life and legacy. [Yahoo News/Time] Tributes: World leaders and celebrities honored the pontiff, including Vice President JD Vance, who saw the pope yesterday, and French President Emmanuel Macron, who remembered him for his efforts 'to bring joy and hope to the poorest.' [Variety] Mourning period: Pope Francis's funeral will be held after his body lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica during a nine-day mourning period. During that time, cardinals will prepare to choose the next pontiff. Here are some of the candidates. [GMA/Reuters] IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Nathan Howard/AP ➡️ Signal controversy continues Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shared details of March's attack on Yemen in a Signal group chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer, nearly a month after a separate chat leak raised national security concerns. [Reuters] 🏛️ White House pushback Over the weekend, the Supreme Court ruled the White House must pause certain deportations, there were over 80 anti-Trump protests nationwide and Sen. Chris Van Hollen argued for Kilmar Abrego Garcia's due process rights. [CNN] 🩺 Measles update Louisiana, Virginia and Missouri reported their first measles cases of 2025, bringing the total number of states with at least one case to 27. Officials say 96% of this year's cases are in the unvaccinated or those whose status is unknown. [ABC News] 🎵 Coachella's 2nd weekend Ed Sheeran staged not one, not two but three performances at the festival, while Green Day's frontman playfully referenced his supposed feud with Charli XCX by donning a 'Brat' hat after she wore a 'Miss Should Be Headliner' sash. [Variety/Billboard] 🏀 NBA playoffs tip off The Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and defending champ Boston Celtics won Game 1 in the NBA playoffs' first-round series yesterday. Watch Steph Curry sink several threes, and other highlights. [Yahoo Sports] WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY ⚾ On the field, the Mets face their rival, the Phillies, for the first time since last season's National League Division Series at 7:10 p.m. ET on the MLB app. [SNY] 🏀 On the court, the first round of the NBA playoffs continues with the Pistons taking on the Knicks and the Clippers going up against the Nuggets, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT. [Yahoo Sports] ☀️ And don't forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area. TODAY IN HISTORY AP In 1934, the Daily Mail printed the 'surgeon's photograph,' an image that reportedly depicted the Loch Ness Monster, sparking global interest in the mythical creature. Though it ended up being a hoax, the search continues, with a big one dubbed 'The Quest' scheduled for next month. [USA Today] 3 QUESTIONS... about marijuana Yesterday was 420, the annual marijuana holiday. I asked Yahoo News reporter Mike Bebernes about what he found after looking into Americans' shifting feelings toward the drug. Jessica: How have attitudes around pot changed over the years? Mike: Public opinion on marijuana has completely flipped over the past two decades. In 1995, 75% of Americans opposed legalization. Today, strong majorities now support it, and most people say pot is safer than alcohol or tobacco. Jessica: Where is marijuana legal now, anyway? Mike: Recreational use is legal in 24 states, and 39 states allow medical marijuana. Even some of the states where it's officially illegal permit medical use of cannabis products with low levels of THC — the chemical in weed that gets you high. Jessica: So, does that mean more people are using cannabis? Mike: Yes, but with some caveats. The share of Americans who smoke weed has doubled, but they're still only 15% of the population. Overall, pot use has gone up by only a modest amount, with the biggest increase among people 65 or older. Go deeper: Read more of Mike's findings. FEEL-GOOD MOMENT KENS 5: Your San Antonio News Source via Youtube At 10 years old, Alisa Perales will make history next month when she becomes the youngest graduate of Crafton Hills College in California. '[Learning] is very fun to me — almost as fun as playing outside or riding a bike or whatever,' she said. Read her story. [People] Have a great day. See you tomorrow. 💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: If you're tired of waiting for your avocados to ripen, try pickling them instead. [The Takeout] About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News. Start your day with The Yodel to get caught up on weather, national news, politics, entertainment and sports — in four minutes or less.
