Latest news with #pilgrims
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Tens of thousands of Catholics head to Vatican's Jubilee of Youth
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV made a surprise appearance in a crowd of 120,000 young Catholics who gathered on Tuesday in Rome for the Vatican's Jubilee of Youth — an event that takes place every 25 years. The week-long event is taking place just over two months after Leo XIV became the head of the Catholic Church and the first American pope. Since Monday, groups of pilgrims — chanting and draped in flags of their countries — have flooded the streets of Italy's capital and the corners of the Vatican City. The Vatican had last week said it expected some half a million people from more than 150 countries to take part, with this year's events dedicated to faith and culture. Some 120,000 people attended the opening mass at St. Peter's Basilica Tuesday evening, according to the Vatican, where the Pope said he had a special welcome for people from regions affected by war, naming Ukraine and Palestine. Afterwards, he made a surprise appearance in the crowd aboard his 'Popemobile.' The week will culminate with a giant mass led by Pope Leo on Sunday. The Jubilee of Youth is aimed at people aged between 18 and 35. Pilgrims told AFP the subjects they most wanted to discuss at the events were wars, climate change, social inequalities and the dangers linked to AI. 'The most important topic for me is war. Everyone is talking about it, thinking about it, and we want to know what the pope thinks about it and what he expects from us,' said 25-year-old Tiago Santos from Portugal. The event is taking place after almost two years of Israeli bombardment of Gaza, which has left tens of thousands of Palestinians dead and UN groups warning of starvation in the blockaded territory. Thousands have also been killed in Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion, with Moscow continuing deadly attacks despite Western pressure to end its campaign. Teophanie Nasta, a 26-year-old from Lebanon traveling overseas for the first time, said that despite the conflicts in the Middle East she was filled with 'faith in humanity by seeing so many young people' gathered for the church. In an unprecedented move, the Vatican dedicated a series of events to Catholic influencers — a sign of growing importance of social media for the church. Speaking to them on Tuesday morning, Pope Leo warned against the dangers of undermining 'human dignity' in the AI era.
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
The best European walking trails you should try this year
As the weather (finally) heats up, many travellers are itching to get outdoors and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Rediscovering the joys of slow travel is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of a landscape. Walking allows you to take time to observe your surroundings and stop to admire the views. This spring and summer, consider exploring some of Europe 's most iconic hiking trails, paths trod for centuries by pilgrims, traders, and travellers, connecting historical sites and breathtaking landscapes. As the days lengthen, it's the perfect time to lace up your boots and experience the continent's beauty on foot. Here are some of Europe's best walking trails to try: The Camino de Santiago, Spain For centuries, pilgrims have traversed the ancient pathways leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the burial site of St. James the Apostle. The most renowned of these routes, the 500-mile Camino Francés, or French Way, begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, nestled in the French Pyrenees. Marked by the ubiquitous scallop shell, the Camino winds through medieval towns, vineyards, and picturesque countryside, echoing the journeys of countless pilgrims over millennia. Modern-day walkers continue the tradition, carrying pilgrim passports and collecting stamps at albergues (hostels) along the route. For those seeking a less arduous experience, numerous companies offer organised tours, handling luggage transport between accommodations. While the Camino's origins are steeped in religious tradition, today's pilgrims embark on the journey for a variety of reasons. Beyond the spiritual aspect, the Camino offers a unique opportunity to forge connections and experience the camaraderie of fellow travellers, creating a shared experience of challenge and discovery. The South West Coast Path, UK Britain's longest National Trail stretches 630 miles, offering breathtaking coastal scenery from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. Originally carved out by coastguards patrolling for smugglers, the path hugs the coastline, traversing through Devon and Cornwall before reaching its final destination. Hikers can experience a diverse range of landscapes, from the dramatic cliffs of North Devon and the historic tin mines of Botallack, Cornwall, to the lush tropical gardens of the Cornish Riviera and the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door in Dorset. The trail also boasts numerous beaches and secluded coves, perfect for rest and reflection. For those planning to explore this extensive route, the South West Coast Path website provides detailed information on different sections, along with recommendations for accommodation along the way. Cinque Terre Coastal Trail, Italy Connecting five colourful fishing villages on the Ligurian coast, this trail attracts more than 2.5 million visitors per year. Originating in medieval times, these paths were once the only way local people could travel between the villages before the railway was built in the 1870s. Sections of the trail range in length, starting at just a few miles. The most popular Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) runs for seven miles, where the Via dell'Amore (Lovers' Lane) section delivers sweeping views of the Mediterranean. Take time to stop in the key villages – gasp at Riomaggiore's houses cascading to the sea; sip wine on Manarola's terraces; and explore Vernazza's natural harbour dominated by its medieval castle. West Highland Way, Scotland Journey through the heart of the Scottish Highlands on the iconic West Highland Way, a 96-mile trek from Glasgow to Fort William showcasing breathtaking scenery. This popular route offers hikers a diverse landscape of pristine lochs, desolate moorlands, and glacier-carved valleys like the dramatic Glencoe, all while offering glimpses of local wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles. Starting in Milngavie, the trail skirts the shores of Loch Lomond, Britain's largest lake, before traversing the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor. The path then leads through Glencoe, a valley steeped in history and marked by the tragic 1692 massacre, where hikers can admire the distinctive pyramid-shaped mountains. A challenging climb up the Devil's Staircase, the highest point on the trail at 539metres, rewards hikers with panoramic views.
Associated Press
3 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Crowd surge at Hindu temple in northern India leaves at least 6 dead
LUCKNOW, India (AP) — A crowd surge at a popular Hindu temple in northern India left at least six people dead and others injured, local authorities said Sunday. The incident in the pilgrimage city of Haridwar occurred after a high-voltage electric wire reportedly fell on a temple path, triggering panic among the large crowd of devotees. Vinay Shankar Pandey, a senior government official in Uttarakhand state, confirmed the deaths and said worshippers scrambled for safety following the incident. Local officials said thousands of pilgrims had gathered at the hilltop temple, which is a major site for Hindu devotees, especially on weekends and festival days.
The National
20-07-2025
- The National
Best photos of July 20: Karbala pilgrimage to camels in Al Ain
Shiite pilgrims gather at a rest stop in Basra province, Iraq, on July 19 as they perform the annual march from the southern port of Al Faw to the holy city of Karbala in time for the Arbaeen festival marking the 40th day after Ashura, commemorating the killing of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein. AFP
Arab News
19-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia suspends seven Umrah companies for housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended seven Umrah companies over violations of regulatory controls, including housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported this week. The violations were identified as part of the ministry's ongoing oversight efforts to improve the quality of services provided to the 'Guests of God,' according to the SPA report. 'The Ministry explained that these violations constitute serious transgressions that affect the safety and comfort of pilgrims,' it said. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it had immediately begun taking legal measures against the violating companies in preparation for the implementation of the penalties stipulated by the law, according to the report. 'The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirmed its keenness to ensure that pilgrims receive their full rights, in accordance with the highest standards of quality and efficiency, stressing that it will not be lenient with any party that fails to fulfill its contractual obligations or endangers the safety of pilgrims,' the report read further. The ministry called on all Umrah companies and institutions to fully comply with the approved regulations and instructions, and to ensure the provision of agreed-upon services within the specified timetables to contribute to enhancing the experience of pilgrims and achieving their satisfaction during their stay in the Kingdom.
