Victoria Burnett is a journalist based in Madrid, Spain.

Cuba to Release 3,522 Prisoners Before Pope Francis’ Visit

12 Sept 2015  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Pope Francis' Visit

The Cuban government announced the release of 3,522 prisoners ahead of Pope Francis' visit, a gesture previously made before papal visits. The release includes women, young inmates, elderly prisoners, and those with illnesses, but excludes those charged with serious crimes. This move, seen as a goodwill gesture, comes amid warming diplomatic ties with the United States. Critics argue it is a superficial effort to appear more tolerant, highlighting ongoing repression and overpopulation in Cuban prisons. The release follows similar actions in 2011 and earlier this year under a US-Cuba diplomatic accord.

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Pope Francis' Visit Cuban Prisoner Release Cuban Politics

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Deng Ghai Deng is a prominent journalist who has made significant contributions to the field of journalism, particularly in his role as a VOA (Voice of America) journalist. Deng's career as a journalist began at VOA, an international multimedia broadcasting service funded by the U.S. government. ...

South Sudan Anticipates Pope Francis Visit

30 Jan 2023  |  www.voaafrica.com  |  English  |  Pope Francis Visit

Pope Francis is set to visit South Sudan, where he will meet with President Salva Kiir, religious leaders, and civil society groups to promote peace. Activists and political leaders express mixed feelings about the visit's potential impact on the country's peace process. The government plans to include political party leaders in the pope's reception, though no political talks will be allowed. The visit underscores the pope's commitment to South Sudan amid ongoing political challenges.

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Pope Francis Visit Peace in South Sudan

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Piotr Drabik - journalist with more than 10 years’ experience in media - in newspaper (“Dziennik Polski”), news television (TVN24), and radio (Radio ZET). Now he's working in RadioZET.pl, where I’m a part of the news team, and I'm a managing editor of a weekend online magazine. Moreover, from ...

Franciszek commented on plans for his abdication. 'It's a possibility for all popes'

02 Oct 2023  |  wiadomosci.radiozet.pl  |  Polish  |  Pope Francis

Pope Francis addressed his health, potential abdication, and future plans, including a visit to Argentina. He expressed concern for his home country and the suffering of its people. He also commented on the Middle East conflict, emphasizing the destructive nature of the arms trade. In a personal reflection, he shared his views on forgiveness and the need for a 'reform of hearts' among Christians.

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Argentina Visit Pope Francis Abdication Middle East Conflict Arms Trade

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Paolo Fucili, born in Fano (Italy) in 1971, graduated in Classical Literature at University of Bologna, is a journalist/vaticanist, who has been working since 1999 for the Italian TV channel TV2000. Starting from the Jubilee of the Holy Year 2000, he covers the activities of the Pope and the daily ...

Pope Francis met with great enthusiasm at Matthew 25 Home in Mozambique

09 Sept 2019  |  Our Sunday Visitor  |  English  |  Pope Francis visit

Pope Francis visited the Matthew 25 Home in Maputo, Mozambique, where he was met with great enthusiasm. The home, inspired by a Gospel passage, is dedicated to helping street children and the poor. The visit was part of the pope's tradition of engaging with local charitable institutions during his apostolic journeys. The event was marked by a festive atmosphere, with the pope warmly interacting with children and volunteers, reflecting his commitment to those on the margins.

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Pope Francis visit Charity work Religious events

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Jonathan Gilbert is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pope Francis’ Visit to U.S. Is His First Ever, for Several Reasons

06 Sept 2015  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Pope Francis

Pope Francis is set to visit the United States for the first time, a significant event given his predecessors' earlier visits and his own avoidance of the country. His trip will include stops in Washington, New York, and Philadelphia. Known for his preference for the poor over the powerful, Francis has been hesitant to visit the U.S. due to his critical stance on its economic and political influence, his European focus, and his discomfort with English. His visit marks a notable moment in his papacy and the relationship between the Vatican and the U.S.

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Visit to U.S. Pope Francis Catholic Church

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Recently relocated to London, Kit Gillet is a journalist with extensive experience covering Romania/Moldova, writing for The New York Times, Guardian, Economist and others. He's also a regular commentator for the BBC World Service, Monocle radio, Al Jazeera, France 24, Euronews and others.

Pope Francis, in Romania, Warns of Populism’s Dangers

31 May 2019  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Pope Francis Visit

Pope Francis visited Romania to promote unity and caution against the dangers of populism, following the European elections that empowered nationalists. He aimed to bridge the divide between the Catholic and Orthodox churches and expressed support for Romanian emigrants and the Roma minority. The visit comes amid political tension in Romania, with the Social Democrats' leader Liviu Dragnea sentenced for abuse of office. The pope's message of inclusivity and concern for marginalized groups, such as migrants and the Roma, stands in contrast to the rhetoric of far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen and Matteo Salvini.

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Pope Francis Visit Populism European Politics

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Tim Gosling is a journalist, editor and analyst based in the Czech Republic. He covers politics, business, current affairs and football across Central & Eastern Europe. Regular bylines for Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle, Foreign Policy, Politico, The Times. He provides political and economic analysis ...

Democracy Digest: Orban Says West Under Attack From ‘Progressive Biological Virus’

05 May 2023  |  Balkan Insight  |  English  |  Pope Francis Visit

Viktor Orban criticizes progressive causes as a 'biological virus' threatening the West, aligning US Democrats with this threat. Protests in Hungary over education reforms turn violent, with police clashing with students. Pope Francis's visit to Hungary is well-received, despite controversy over Orban's use of an LGBT slogan. In Slovakia, Igor Matovic faces backlash for derogatory remarks against LGBT activists, while the Smer party is embroiled in corruption allegations. In Poland, speculation surrounds a military object found near Bydgoszcz, raising concerns about air defense. Czech President Petr Pavel's active foreign policy includes discussions on arms shipments to Ukraine and nuclear waste management.

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Pope Francis Visit Hungarian Politics Protests in Hungary Slovak Politics Polish Military Speculation Czech Foreign Policy

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I am the Guardian's West Africa correspondent, based in Dakar. Previously I was The Times's correspondent in South Africa and Mexico. I can make audio and video for broadcast or the web to a very high standard. I also shoot my own photographs. I have an extensive knowledge of the region and good ...

Visiting Congo, Pope Francis Embraces the Poor and Exploited

31 Jan 2023  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Pope Francis

Pope Francis, marking his 10th year as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, visited the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing his commitment to the poor, refugees, and environmental issues. His arrival in Kinshasa was met with overwhelming support, reflecting the local church's call for global attention to the nation's moral emergency. The visit underscores Francis's focus on inclusivity and addressing the needs of the global south.

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Visit to Congo Pope Francis Catholic Church

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Sofia Nitti is a journalist and videoreporter working for French, Italian and English-speaking media outlets.

Iraq: Christians in Baghdad Celebrate Easter in Resignation

04 Apr 2021  |  www.la-croix.com  |  French  |  Pope Francis Visit

In Baghdad, Christians celebrate Easter with a sense of resignation, reflecting on the recent visit of Pope Francis, who delivered a message of hope and unity. Despite the Pope's encouragement, many remain skeptical about the future due to ongoing security and economic challenges. The Christian community, significantly diminished since 2003, continues to face an uncertain future, with many families having already emigrated and little hope for their return.

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Pope Francis Visit Religious Celebrations Christianity in Iraq

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Antonio Sampaio is a journalist based in Díli, Timor-Leste.
With more than 30 years’ experience in journalism (print, TV, radio and online) in a number of countries, Antonio Sampaio was until October this year the Dili bureau chief for the Portuguese News Agency Lusa, where he covered major ...

Pope Francis' visit was the biggest event in Timor-Leste's history since independence

12 Sept 2024  |  expresso.pt  |  Portuguese  |  Pope Francis Visit

Timor-Leste experienced its largest event since independence with the visit of Pope Francis, drawing hundreds of thousands, including many from remote areas and international visitors from Indonesia and Australia. The event marked a significant cultural and faith gathering, reflecting a generational transition as the nation seeks to solidify its identity and future direction, 25 years after its independence referendum.

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Pope Francis Visit Timor-Leste Independence

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I am a radio, television and print journalists currently in New Zealand. I spent three years living and working from from Jerusalem as a freelance reporter for the Guardian, Newsweek, Time Magazine, Al Jazeera and others. I have extensive experience delivering live radio and tv crosses while also ...

Dying Israel-Palestine congregations keep the faith

23 May 2014  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Pope Francis Visit

The article discusses the preparations and implications of Pope Francis's visit to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, highlighting the challenges faced by Palestinian Christians due to Israeli security measures and the separation wall. It underscores the declining Christian population in the region and the difficulties they face, including restricted access to holy sites and the impact of the Israeli occupation. The article also touches on the hopes of local Christians that the Pope will address these issues during his visit, despite low expectations for significant change. The visit is seen as an opportunity for the Pope to promote peace and reconciliation, accompanied by religious leaders from different faiths.

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Pope Francis Visit Israel-Palestine Conflict Christian Decline

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Derrick Silimina is a journalist based in Lusaka, Zambia.

Reflecting on Pope Francis' historic visit to South Sudan

11 Jun 2024  |  Global Sisters Report  |  English  |  Pope Francis

South Sudan, despite its resources, remains one of the poorest countries due to ongoing political and ethnic conflicts. Pope Francis' historic visit, alongside the archbishop of Canterbury and the moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, aimed to show solidarity with the South Sudanese people. The visit highlighted the need for peace, nonviolence, and government accountability. The pope's call for an end to corruption and violence was a significant moment, urging local leaders to work together for the country's future. The visit also emphasized the importance of faith and compassion in overcoming the nation's challenges.

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Religious Visit Pope Francis South Sudan Humanitarian Crisis

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