Latest news with #US-Peruvian
Euronews
12-05-2025
- General
- Euronews
Has Ukraine finally convinced Washington to stand by Kyiv's side?
Chicago and the Peruvian city of Chiclayo have been celebrating the election of Robert Prevost as the new pope. Prevost, 69, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV, has close ties with them both, having grown up in Chicago and later lived for decades in Peru, first as a missionary and then as the bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. After the dual US-Peruvian citizen was announced as the next leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday evening, following four rounds of voting in the conclave, people in the US and Peru spoke of their joy. At the Frances Xavier Warde School in Chicago, Mary Perrotti, the director of advancement, said her pupils were elated by the elevation of a 'native son' to the papacy. 'Our students are just beside themselves. They're beyond excited and can't believe a Chicagoan is their new pope. They were in awe,' said Perrotti. 'Our young people have a model now of a leader with justice and compassion at the heart of his ministries — and who is from their home,' she added. 'It's such a deep feeling of connection for them.' John Doughney, who was in the same year as Pope Leo XIV in school, remembered him as a 'friend to everyone' and as a 'kind, caring, compassionate young man'. 'Even when he was 12 and 13, it was apparent to all of us that he knew what his calling was,' he said. 'It would've shocked all of us if he didn't go into the priesthood. We're so proud of him.' Thousands of miles south of Chicago, people rejoiced at the news in Peru, including in Chiclayo and in the capital Lima. Pope Leo XIV may be the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, but Peru, which gave him citizenship in 2015, also claims him as its own. In his first address as pope from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, he switched to Spanish to wish his former diocese well. 'Greetings…to all of you, and in particular, to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop, shared their faith,' he said. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte suggested that his election was a 'historic moment' for Peru. 'He chose to be one of us, to live among us, and to carry in his heart the faith, culture, and dreams of this nation,' she said, noting he was a Peruvian citizen by 'choice and conviction'. The bells of Lima's cathedral tolled after his victory was announced. 'For us Peruvians, it is a source of pride that this is a pope who represents our country,' said teacher Isabel Panez. 'We would like him to visit us here in Peru,' she added. Since the first presidential debates last year, Donald Trump refused to answer the question about how he saw the end of Russia's war in Ukraine. He famously promised to end it within 24 hours, but he was less decisive when asked whether its end would mean Ukraine's victory. Ever since, Kyiv has been trying to convince Trump to decide who to back — more specifically, to side with Ukraine. From meeting Trump in New York in September 2024 before the presidential election to being accused of being a "dictator" and finally the unprecedentedly heated argument in the Oval Office in February, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been trying to convince the sitting US president that Ukraine is not an obstacle to a ceasefire, let alone any peace deal. In late March, Ukraine agreed to a US-proposed immediate 30-day ceasefire in Russia's ongoing invasion, if the Kremlin adheres to the same terms. Two months later, there is still no ceasefire in Ukraine, and Kyiv regularly reiterates that it is still ready for it at any moment, if Russia agrees. In the meantime, Russia unilaterally announced two short periods of ceasefire: one over Easter and one now, around Moscow's Victory Parade day. Both times, the Kremlin violated its own truce and refused a counterproposal for an unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. During this time, Ukraine finally managed to negotiate and sign the minerals deal with the US, and the Ukrainian parliament even ratified the partnership, giving the US access to profit from Ukraine's vast mineral resources. Russia's cooperation with the US has not moved forward, and the only "compromise" Moscow reportedly was ready to accept was its readiness not to claim Ukraine's territories that Russia never controlled in the first place, such as large parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukraine seems to have tried almost everything to prove to the US that Kyiv is not an obstacle to a ceasefire, while at the same the same time increasing pressure on Russia, intensifying the drone attacks on Moscow region days before the Victory Day parade, paralyzing the airspace over Russia's capital exactly in the moment when President Vladimir Putin was expecting the high-level guests. The strategy might have worked. On Thursday evening, Trump and Zelenskyy had a lengthy phone call to discuss the ratified minerals deal. Ukraine's president later made a statement on X that wasn't about the minerals deal but again about Ukraine's commitment and willingness to an unconditional ceasefire. 'Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire starting right now, from this very moment — a 30-day silence," Zelenskyy said. "But it must be real. No missile or drone strikes, no hundreds of assaults on the front. The Russians must respond appropriately – by supporting the ceasefire. They must prove their willingness to end the war.' Zelenskyy used this opportunity to reiterate that this is not the first time Kyiv has made this offer. "Thirty days that could become the beginning of years of peace. A ceasefire, lasting and reliable, will be a real indicator of movement toward peace," he said. Symbolically making this statement on Ukraine's Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism, Zelenskyy added: 'America can help with this. The world needs America now just as it did eighty years ago.' Trump took to his Truth Social platform with a more moderate statement that the talks between Russia and Ukraine continue, indicating that Washington would be willing to settle for a shorter ceasefire lasting less than 30 days. "The US calls for, ideally, a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. Hopefully, an acceptable ceasefire will be observed, and both countries will be held accountable for respecting the sanctity of these direct negotiations," Trump posted. "If the ceasefire is not respected, the US and its partners will impose further sanctions," he stated in an apparent threat to the Kremlin, adding that "everybody should want it to stop." 'I do, and the United States of America does, also. As president, I will stay committed to securing peace between Russia and Ukraine, together with the Europeans, and a lasting peace it will be," Trump emphasised. Trump then continued with a similar statement to Zelenskyy's: "It can all be done very quickly, and I will be available on a moment's notice if my services are needed." Earlier, in a clear sign of increased frustration in Washington, US Vice President JD Vance said that Russia is asking for "too much" in its negotiations with Ukraine. Speaking at a security conference in the US capital, he said that the White House is focused on getting the two sides to hold direct talks and even threatened that the US is ready to walk away. 'I wouldn't say that the Russians are uninterested in bringing this thing to a resolution," Vance said. "What I would say is, right now, the Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict. We think they're asking for too much. Ok?" The Kremlin clearly doesn't think it is asking for too much. On Thursday, Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov admitted that Moscow "probably disappoints Washington" in some way. "They disappoint us too, perhaps even more than we disappoint them, and for a long time', Ushakov continued, adding that the sides are nevertheless "heading toward a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin." In the meantime, Putin is holding a different meeting in Moscow, hosting China's president Xi Jinping who is visiting Russia's capital for a bilateral meeting with Putin and participating in his Victory Day parade on Friday. Prior to his arrival in Moscow, Xi Jinping wrote an article published in both Chinese and Russian media, drawing a parallel between modern-day US 'hegemony' and the 'arrogant fascist forces' of 80 years ago. 'The just forces of the world, including China and the Soviet Union, fought bravely and defeated the arrogant fascist forces side-by-side', he wrote. 'Eighty years later, unilateralism, hegemony and bullying are extremely harmful. Humanity is once again at the crossroads.' In a joint statement after the talks on Thursday, Xi and Putin said that the war in Ukraine could only be resolved by removing its "root causes", indicating China's support of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Xi also stated that Russia and China should "be true friends of steel that have been through a hundred trials by fire" as the two leaders pledged to strengthen coordination in all areas, including the military, and to "decisively counter Washington's course of 'dual containment'" of Beijing and Moscow. Next week, Trump is visiting the Middle East. Between next Tuesday and Friday, he will go to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. All three of these countries have been playing a critical role in Ukraine's efforts to put an end to Russia's war in Ukraine with their help in prisoner-of-war exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children, forcefully deported by Moscow. The Kremlin hasn't commented on the possibility of Russia's president going to the Middle East. The mayor of Nagasaki has announced the city will invite representatives "of all countries" and regions to the peace memorial marking the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the city. The invitation to the 157 countries and regions that have diplomatic missions in Japan will include Russia, Belarus and Israel, who were excluded last year. Mayor Shiro Suzuki said he wants all representatives to see the brutal consequences of atomic weapons use as a lesson at a time of growing divisions and conflicts. The United States dropped its second atomic bomb on Nagasaki on 9 August 1945, three days after the first bombing of Hiroshima, together killing more than 210,000 people. Japan surrendered on 15 August, ending World War II and its nearly half-century of aggression across Asia. Suzuki said his city is returning to its "fundamental purpose" of the ceremony, to mourn the atomic bomb victims and pray for lasting world peace. "We want to go beyond national borders, overcome ideological differences and any other divisions to have global representatives gather in Nagasaki," he said. He added: "At a time of worsening divisions of the international society, I feel more strongly than ever about the importance for representatives of all countries to participate in the Nagasaki peace memorial and learn the atrocious and inhumane outcomes of the nuclear weapons use through their own eyes, ears and hearts." Suzuki did not invite Israel to the 2024 anniversary, citing concern of "unforeseeable situations" such as violent protests over the war in Gaza disrupting the memorial. But Israel's exclusion drew criticisms and boycott by ambassadors from the US and five other Group of Seven nations — Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the U.K. — and the European Union. Russia and its ally Belarus have not been invited to the Nagasaki memorial event since 2022 following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Japan, despite being the world's only country to have suffered nuclear attacks, relies on the US nuclear umbrella and its 'extended deterrence' amid growing tension in the region and supports atomic weapons possession for deterrence.
Perth Now
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
PM to travel to Rome for Pope's inauguration
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will join world leaders in Rome to attend the papal inauguration mass for Pope Leo XIV. The Prime Minister confirmed he had been invited to the Pope's formal inauguration on Sunday and logistics were being finalised so he could travel from Jakarta to Rome and the Vatican City. Mr Albanese will head to Jakarta on Wednesday to meet Indonesian President Prabowi Subianto, on his first international trip since winning his second term at the May 3 election. He will then head to Rome where the inauguration mass for Pope Leo will be held at St Peter's Square on Sunday. Mr Albanese, a Catholic, said he would represent Australia at the event after Governor-General Sam Mostyn attended Pope Francis' funeral during the election campaign. 'My government looks forward to continuing Australia's strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV's pontificate,' he said. Anthony Albanese will travel to Rome to attend Pope Leo XIV's confirmation ceremony. Photo by Francesco Sforza Vatican Media viaand NewsWire. Credit: Supplied Mr Albanese said the trip would also provide him an opportunity to have bilateral discussions with a range of world leaders who will also be there. He will have a chance to meet leaders he has not met before, including Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney. 'Leaders are reaching out and organising meetings on the side given people will be in Rome,' Mr Albanese said. Robert Prevost, 69, was announced as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church last Thursday after the conclave deliberated for two days – one of the shortest papal elections in history. The first American pope was introduced as Leo XIV to the tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square. Seen as a moderate, Pope Leo was in 2023 promoted to cardinal by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. Before his arrival in the Vatican two years ago, he had spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru and holds dual US-Peruvian citizenship. He has been praised for his work in the South American country, but often shunned the limelight, keeping a low profile even after arriving in the Catholic Church's centre of power. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday. Mr Albanese and then opposition leader Peter Dutton suspended campaigning the following day out of respect for the pontiff's death.
West Australian
12-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will travel to Rome for Pope Leo's inauguration ceremony
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will join world leaders in Rome to attend the papal inauguration mass for Pope Leo XIV. The Prime Minister confirmed he had been invited to the Pope's formal inauguration on Sunday and logistics were being finalised so he could travel from Jakarta to Rome and the Vatican City. Mr Albanese will head to Jakarta on Wednesday to meet Indonesian President Prabowi Subianto, on his first international trip since winning his second term at the May 3 election. He will then head to Rome where the inauguration mass for Pope Leo will be held at St Peter's Square on Sunday. Mr Albanese, a Catholic, said he would represent Australia at the event after Governor-General Sam Mostyn attended Pope Francis' funeral during the election campaign. 'My government looks forward to continuing Australia's strong relationship with the Holy See under Pope Leo XIV's pontificate,' he said. Mr Albanese said the trip would also provide him an opportunity to have bilateral discussions with a range of world leaders who will also be there. He will have a chance to meet leaders he has not met before, including Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney. 'Leaders are reaching out and organising meetings on the side given people will be in Rome,' Mr Albanese said. Robert Prevost, 69, was announced as the 267th leader of the Catholic Church last Thursday after the conclave deliberated for two days – one of the shortest papal elections in history. The first American pope was introduced as Leo XIV to the tens of thousands gathered in St Peter's Square. Seen as a moderate, Pope Leo was in 2023 promoted to cardinal by his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. Before his arrival in the Vatican two years ago, he had spent much of his life as a missionary in Peru and holds dual US-Peruvian citizenship. He has been praised for his work in the South American country, but often shunned the limelight, keeping a low profile even after arriving in the Catholic Church's centre of power. Pope Francis died on Easter Monday. Mr Albanese and then opposition leader Peter Dutton suspended campaigning the following day out of respect for the pontiff's death.
Int'l Business Times
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
First American Pope Leo XIV is Not a Fan of Trump's Administration
On 08 May 2025, white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel, signalling the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV , the first American pontiff in history. Born in Chicago, this 69-year-old missionary-turned-cardinal has made waves not only for his historic appointment but also for his sharp criticism of US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Despite Trump's warm congratulations, calling it a 'great honour' for America, Leo's past social media posts reveal a deep rift, particularly over immigration policies. Here's why the new pope's stance could spark tension and how it shapes his papacy. Confront Trump's Immigration Stance Before ascending to the papacy, Cardinal Prevost didn't hold back on X , where he shared posts slamming Trump's immigration policies. One striking post from February 2025 read, 'Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?' in response to Trump's crackdowns on migrants. He also reposted criticism of Trump's family separation policy, calling it a 'disgrace.' These weren't isolated jabs, Prevost consistently shared articles, like a 2015 Washington Pos t piece titled 'Cardinal Dolan: Why Donald Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric is so problematic', highlighting his alignment with Pope Francis's pro-immigrant ethos. Leo's critique extended to Vance, whom he accused of misinterpreting Christian teachings. A post Prevost shared stated, 'JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.' This bold stance, rooted in compassion for the marginalised, signals that Leo XIV intends to continue Francis's legacy of challenging policies that clash with Catholic values. Navigate a Polarised Reception Trump's reaction to Leo's election has been surprisingly upbeat, with the president posting on Truth Social , 'It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.' Yet, the MAGA base hasn't taken kindly to Leo's views. Social media erupted with backlash, branding the pope 'not very Maga.' Some supporters even mocked his resurfaced posts, with one X user joking they'd 'love to be a fly on the wall' during a Trump-Leo meeting. This tension was amplified when Trump faced criticism for posting an AI-generated image of himself as pope, a move Catholic leaders called 'mocking.' Despite the divide, Leo's election has drawn praise from figures like former President Joe Biden , who wrote, 'Habemus papam – May God bless Pope Leo XIV of Illinois.' His dual US-Peruvian nationality and missionary work in Peru add a global perspective, making him a bridge between American and Latin American Catholics. Shape a Francis-Inspired Papacy Leo XIV's early actions suggest he'll double down on issues like poverty and immigration, much like his predecessor. His first balcony address, where he declared, 'God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail,' set a tone of unity and compassion. Vatican experts note his close ties to Francis, having served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, though he's faced scrutiny over handling priest abuse cases. Still, his focus on the poor aligns with Catholic social teaching, potentially putting him at odds with Trump's administration. The pope's outspokenness could complicate US-Vatican relations, especially as Trump pushes policies Leo has called out. With 56% of US Catholics voting for Trump in 2024, Leo's challenge is to lead a divided flock while staying true to his principles. Steer Faith Through Controversy Pope Leo XIV's election as the first American pope is a historic milestone, but his vocal criticism of Trump and Vance sets the stage for a turbulent papacy. His question—'Do you not see the suffering?'—is a call to conscience that resonates beyond politics. Originally published on IBTimes UK
Euronews
09-05-2025
- General
- Euronews
Chicago and Chiclayo celebrate election of Pope Leo XIV
Chicago and the Peruvian city of Chiclayo have been celebrating the election of Robert Prevost as the new pope. Prevost, 69, who has taken the papal name Leo XIV, has close ties with them both, having grown up in Chicago and later lived for decades in Peru, first as a missionary and then as the bishop of the northern city of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. After the dual US-Peruvian citizen was announced as the next leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday evening, following four rounds of voting in the conclave, people in the US and Peru spoke of their joy. At the Frances Xavier Warde School in Chicago, Mary Perrotti, the director of advancement, said her pupils were elated by the elevation of a 'native son' to the papacy. 'Our students are just beside themselves. They're beyond excited and can't believe a Chicagoan is their new pope. They were in awe,' said Perrotti. 'Our young people have a model now of a leader with justice and compassion at the heart of his ministries — and who is from their home,' she added. 'It's such a deep feeling of connection for them.' John Doughney, who was in the same year as Pope Leo XIV in school, remembered him as a 'friend to everyone' and as a 'kind, caring, compassionate young man'. 'Even when he was 12 and 13, it was apparent to all of us that he knew what his calling was,' he said. 'It would've shocked all of us if he didn't go into the priesthood. We're so proud of him.' Thousands of miles south of Chicago, people rejoiced at the news in Peru, including in Chiclayo and in the capital Lima. Pope Leo XIV may be the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church, but Peru, which gave him citizenship in 2015, also claims him as its own. In his first address as pope from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, he switched to Spanish to wish his former diocese well. 'Greetings…to all of you, and in particular, to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where a faithful people have accompanied their bishop, shared their faith,' he said. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte suggested that his election was a 'historic moment' for Peru. 'He chose to be one of us, to live among us, and to carry in his heart the faith, culture, and dreams of this nation,' she said, noting he was a Peruvian citizen by 'choice and conviction'. The bells of Lima's cathedral tolled after his victory was announced. 'For us Peruvians, it is a source of pride that this is a pope who represents our country,' said teacher Isabel Panez. 'We would like him to visit us here in Peru,' she added.
