Latest news with #ChristianValues
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
First Sea Lord's ‘affair' exposed after husband filed complaint
The First Sea Lord's alleged affair with a female subordinate was exposed after her husband filed a complaint, The Telegraph can reveal. Last month, Sir Ben Key was forced to step back from all duties over allegations of misconduct, which are under investigation by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It was alleged that, in breach of the Navy's service standards, the 59-year-old was having an affair with a junior ranking staff member. It is understood that the non-serving husband of the female member of staff reported his findings to the Ministry of Defence after he discovered the 'consensual' relationship between Sir Ben and his wife. He felt as though the head of the Navy should be held to the same standards as those below him as Sir Ben has regularly spoken out about poor behaviour of those under his command in the past. A source familiar with the events told The Telegraph: 'The husband was upset, because this is a man who prides himself on his Christian values and how he was raised by missionaries – but was doing this with someone else's wife.' 'Tried to go away quietly' Sir Ben, who is married with three children, had previously announced that he would retire as First Sea Lord this summer, despite being considered a frontrunner to become the next Chief of the Defence Staff. Earlier this week, The Telegraph reported that Air Marshal Sir Richard Knight, currently Chief of the Air Staff, will take over the post in the autumn when Admiral Sir Tony Radakin stands down. It is understood Sir Ben tried to go away 'quietly' when he learnt that his extra-marital affair had been discovered, but that the Chief of the Defence Staff insisted there would be an investigation before his official retirement in order not to be accused of a 'cover-up'. The source added that a number of female officers within the Navy felt they deserved a public apology from Sir Ben over what they deemed to be 'double standards'. 'The female naval workforce feel shockingly let down by his moral high stance and hypocrisy,' the source said. 'Judged for their professional conduct' Earlier this year, during a parliamentary defence select committee discussing women in the Armed Forces, Sir Ben expressed his disapproval of inappropriate relationships within the military. He said: 'We are absolutely determined to create a Royal Navy in which people are judged for their professional conduct, welcomed for the contribution that they make, and accepted for who they are. 'Behaviours that run counter to that will not be accepted, and particularly those around unwelcome sexual behaviours. 'We have removed people from the service, including those who have commanded, where we have discovered that their behaviours were not appropriate, or we have removed people from positions of responsibility before situations have got out of hand.' As a serving member of the military, Sir Ben will probably have fallen foul of the Navy's 'service test', which prohibits relationships between commanders and their subordinates. The military also does not allow behaviour that could harm another serving member's marriage.
Reuters
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Reaction to Cardinal Prevost becoming Pope Leo XIV, first US pontiff
May 8 (Reuters) - Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, taking the name Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S. pontiff. Here is the reaction from notable figures: "What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" "Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your election as Pope. I am confident that the constructive dialogue and cooperation established between Russia and the Vatican will continue to develop on the basis of the Christian values that unite us." "I wish you, Your Holiness, success in fulfilling the high mission entrusted to you, as well as good health and well-being," he said in a telegram published on the Kremlin website. "A historic moment for the Catholic Church and its millions of faithful. To Pope Leo XIV, to all Catholics in France and around the world, I send a fraternal message." "On this May 8th, may this new pontificate bring peace and hope." "The forces of Heaven have clearly given their verdict. No more words, Mr. Judge. End." "Congratulations to Leo XIV on his assumption of office. May his leadership and wisdom guide us in difficult times. The world needs the awakening of the lions," he posted on X, apparently referring to Leon, which means lion, the symbol of President Milei. "God bless you and may the Forces of Heaven be with you." "Habemus Papam! I congratulate Pope Leo XIV on taking this office that carries such great responsibilities and wish him much strength and wisdom for his pontificate." "I warmly congratulate you on your election as the head of the Catholic Church. Through your office, you offer hope and guidance to millions of believers worldwide in these times of great challenges. For many people, you are a beacon of justice and reconciliation. In Germany, people look to your pontificate with confidence and positive expectation." "I wish you much strength, good health, and God's blessing for the tasks that lie ahead of you." "Congratulations to the whole Catholic Church on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV as @Pontifex_en. May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity." "We have a Pope! there is hope!"
Reuters
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Russian President Putin tells new pope he trusts in constructive dialogue
May 8 (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated new pope Leo on his election on Thursday and said he trusted that constructive dialogue would be maintained, based on Christian values, Russian news agencies quoted the Kremlin as saying. "I am certain that the constructive dialogue and interaction that has been established between Russia and the Vatican will develop further on the basis of the Christian values that unite us," news agencies quoted Putin as saying.
