The Vatican is poised to announce the return of several dozen Indigenous artifacts to Canada, marking a significant step in addressing the Catholic Church’s historical role in suppressing Indigenous cultures in the Americas. The items, including an Inuit kayak, are part of the Vatican Museum’s ethnographic collection, known as the Anima Mundi museum. This move comes amid growing global debates over the restitution of cultural goods taken from Indigenous peoples during colonial periods. The decision follows Pope Francis’s 2022 meeting with Indigenous leaders, during which he apologized for the Church’s involvement in Canada’s residential school system. The leaders, shown artifacts such as wampum belts, war clubs, and masks, requested their return. Francis later expressed support for returning items on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing the importance of making gestures of reconciliation. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops has been collaborating with Indigenous groups to facilitate the return, with an official announcement expected soon. The artifacts, accompanied by provenance information, will first be sent to the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, where experts and Indigenous communities will determine their origins and future. This process follows the “church-to-church” model used in 2023 when the Vatican returned Parthenon Marbles to Greece. The return of these items, acquired during an era of “Catholic Imperialism,” is seen as a pivotal moment in recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and fostering healing.
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UN chief defends science and weather forecasting as Trump threatens both
In a powerful address to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the critical role of science and meteorology in combating climate change and saving lives. Speaking at a special WMO meeting on Wednesday, Guterres lauded the agency’s efforts in developing early-warning systems that help nations prepare for climate-related disasters such as floods, storms, wildfires, and heatwaves. He emphasized that these systems have protected communities and saved millions of lives annually, calling climate change a ‘dangerous and existential threat.’ Guterres’ remarks come amid a contentious anti-science stance in the United States, where the Trump administration has slashed funding for the National Weather Service and dismissed hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Last week, the WMO reported a record surge in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, reaching unprecedented heights in human history and exacerbating extreme weather events. Guterres urged scientists to remain fearless in their pursuit of truth, describing WMO staff as the ‘quiet force’ guiding rational climate decisions.
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Five family members of Ashling Murphy’s killer jailed
Five relatives of Jozef Puska, the convicted murderer of Ashling Murphy in the Republic of Ireland, have been sentenced for their involvement in obstructing justice. The tragic incident occurred in January 2022 when Murphy, a young woman, was fatally stabbed while walking near her home in Tullamore, County Offaly. Puska’s wife, Lucia Istokova, and his brothers, Marek and Lubomir Puska Jr., were found guilty of withholding crucial information from the Irish police, known as gardaí. Istokova received a 20-month prison sentence, while the brothers were each sentenced to two and a half years. The maximum penalty for this offense is five years. Additionally, Puska’s sisters-in-law, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina Grundzova, were convicted of assisting an offender by destroying evidence, specifically burning Puska’s clothes. Gaziova was sentenced to two years, and Grundzova to one year and nine months, with the maximum sentence for this crime being 10 years. During the trial, the Murphy family expressed their profound grief and frustration. Raymond Murphy, Ashling’s father, stated that the family’s small solace in knowing Puska was imprisoned and isolated would have been stripped away if his relatives had successfully concealed his guilt. Ashling’s sister, Amy, described how the murder had devastated their lives, robbing them of joy and meaning. The judge acknowledged the Murphy family’s immense suffering, emphasizing the limitations of the criminal justice system in alleviating their pain. She noted that the defendants’ actions represented a deliberate effort to protect Puska, despite his confession to the murder.
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Man charged with sexually assaulting girl defers bail application
A 26-year-old man, accused of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl in Dublin in the early hours of Monday, has postponed his application for bail. Due to Republic of Ireland’s strict regulations regarding sexual assault cases, the identity of the accused remains undisclosed. During the court proceedings, the defense solicitor indicated that no bail application would be submitted on Wednesday but reserved the possibility for a future request. Judge Alan Mitchell stipulated that a 48-hour notice must be provided before any bail application is made. Additionally, the judge approved a request for a comprehensive evaluation of the accused’s fitness to stand trial. This includes both medical and psychiatric assessments, with the provision of necessary medical treatment as required. The accused, who communicated through an interpreter, has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear via videolink at Cloverhill District Court on November 5.
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Putin directs drills of Russian nuclear forces as his summit with Trump is put on hold
Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw extensive drills of the nation’s strategic nuclear forces on Wednesday, which included the test-firing of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long-range cruise missiles. The exercises, involving all components of Russia’s nuclear triad, were conducted amid the postponement of a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed that a Yars ICBM was launched from the Plesetsk facility in northwestern Russia, while a Sineva ICBM was fired from a submarine in the Barents Sea. Additionally, Tu-95 strategic bombers participated in the maneuvers, demonstrating Russia’s nuclear capabilities. General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, reported to Putin via video link that the drills were designed to simulate procedures for authorizing the use of nuclear weapons. Putin, seated alone at a round table, monitored the exercises through live feeds featuring Gerasimov and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The Kremlin emphasized that the drills had been pre-planned, though they coincided with Trump’s announcement that the proposed summit in Budapest was on hold. Trump cited concerns over the meeting’s potential inefficiency, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed the need for thorough preparation to ensure productive discussions. The postponement comes as Russia remains opposed to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, and Trump’s stance on key issues in the conflict continues to evolve.
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In pictures: Violent protest outside Dublin migrant hotel
A tense and volatile situation unfolded in Dublin on Tuesday evening as a protest outside a hotel housing asylum seekers escalated into violence. The Citywest Hotel in Saggart became the focal point of unrest, with riot police deployed to maintain order. Demonstrators, reportedly incensed by an alleged sexual assault of a young girl in the area earlier in the week, clashed with Gardaí (Irish police). The officers faced a barrage of bricks, fireworks, and glass bottles, leading to significant property damage, including a police van set ablaze. Authorities swiftly responded, arresting six individuals, five of whom have since been charged. The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding immigration policies and the treatment of asylum seekers in Ireland, raising concerns about public safety and social cohesion.
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Fire and shooting at a camp in Belgrade hosting the president’s loyalists injures 1
A fire accompanied by reported gunfire at a camp supporting Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in central Belgrade on Wednesday left one person injured, according to officials. President Vucic swiftly labeled the incident as a ‘terrorist attack,’ attributing it to political motives. The camp, colloquially known as ‘Caciland,’ was established in March as a human shield against ongoing anti-government protests, which have posed the most significant challenge to Vucic’s rule in recent months. The fire broke out in the early hours, engulfing one of the tents after a series of popping sounds resembling gunfire. Footage showed police officers taking cover and drawing their weapons, urging bystanders to do the same. Vucic held an impromptu press conference, presenting video evidence of the alleged shooter, who reportedly confessed to being ‘annoyed by the tents’ and seeking police intervention. Pro-government media outlets accused opposition figures of orchestrating the attack. Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar confirmed that one individual sustained serious injuries from the shooting, describing the perpetrator as ‘a man who thinks differently.’ The incident occurred just days before a planned mass rally in Novi Sad, marking the anniversary of a tragic canopy collapse that killed 16 people and sparked widespread youth-led protests against Vucic’s authoritarian governance. Authorities have intensified efforts to suppress dissent, including reports of arbitrary arrests and police violence, as protesters continue to demand early parliamentary elections.
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Orbán and his main rival plan dueling demonstrations as Hungary’s elections near
Hungary’s political landscape is set for a dramatic showdown as the nation’s two leading parties prepare to hold competing demonstrations on Thursday, coinciding with a national holiday. The events, expected to draw hundreds of thousands, mark the unofficial launch of the campaign for the 2025 parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungary’s long-serving leader, faces a challenging political climate as he trails in recent polls behind his primary rival, Péter Magyar, a former insider within Orbán’s Fidesz party. Orbán aims to rally his base, which has been unsettled by political scandals, economic stagnation, and rising living costs. Meanwhile, Magyar seeks to capitalize on widespread dissatisfaction, transforming his rally into both a political event and an anti-government protest. Observers will closely monitor the turnout and fervor of the crowds, which could signal shifting dynamics in Hungary’s deeply polarized political environment. The demonstrations also coincide with the 69th anniversary of Hungary’s 1956 anti-Soviet uprising, a date laden with historical significance. Orbán’s recent alignment with Russia, including his warm relations with the Kremlin and combative stance toward Ukraine, has drawn criticism and sparked protests. His supporters, however, remain steadfast, organizing a “peace march” where Orbán is expected to emphasize the perceived threats posed by Ukraine and the necessity of dialogue with Moscow. Magyar, on the other hand, has focused his campaign on addressing pressing domestic issues such as inflation, healthcare, and economic stagnation, particularly in rural areas that have traditionally supported Fidesz. The political rivalry has intensified, with Orbán’s government leveraging its media apparatus to discredit Magyar, accusing him of collusion with Ukrainian secret services and spreading AI-generated misinformation. Magyar has dismissed these allegations, maintaining his focus on improving Hungary’s standard of living and restoring its standing within the European Union. As the campaign heats up, Orbán’s declining popularity, coupled with corruption allegations and EU scrutiny, adds further complexity to Hungary’s political future.
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The first EU-Egypt summit is to focus on economic ties, migration and Gaza
In a landmark meeting in Brussels, Egypt and the European Union (EU) convened for their first bilateral talks on Wednesday, focusing on critical issues such as security, trade, migration, and the ongoing instability in Gaza. The summit brought together Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa, who are poised to announce enhanced European economic assistance to Egypt and its inclusion in the EU’s Horizons research program. This meeting underscores the EU’s strategic efforts to deepen ties with Mediterranean nations, including Egypt, as part of its broader ‘Pact for the Mediterranean’ initiative, which aims to foster regional integration and address migration challenges. The EU has already pledged significant financial support to Egypt, including a 7.4 billion euro ($8.6 billion) aid package announced last year, to bolster its struggling economy amid soaring inflation, the fallout from the Israel-Hamas conflict, and disruptions to Suez Canal revenues due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Migration remains a pressing concern for both parties, with Egypt serving as a key transit point for migrants and refugees seeking entry into Europe. Human rights organizations have urged the EU to address Egypt’s human rights record while calling for greater support for Gaza. The summit highlights the EU’s broader geopolitical strategy to navigate global uncertainties, including the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s export controls, by forging stronger alliances with regional partners.
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This seat taken? Thieves busted for stealing over 1,000 restaurant chairs in Spain
MADRID (AP) — In a bizarre yet significant operation, Spanish authorities have dismantled a criminal network specializing in the theft of outdoor seating from restaurants and bars. The National Police announced on Wednesday the arrest of seven individuals accused of stealing over 1,100 chairs in just two months. The suspects, comprising six men and one woman, targeted 18 establishments in Madrid and Talavera de la Reina, a smaller city southwest of the capital, during August and September. The stolen chairs, primarily made of metal or hard plastic, were resold both domestically and internationally, including in Morocco and Romania. The total estimated value of the stolen property is approximately €60,000 ($69,000). In Spain, it is common for restaurants and bars to leave outdoor furniture, often chained together, unattended overnight. The suspects now face charges of theft and involvement in a criminal organization.