Pope Francis expressed his personal wishes for his funeral and burial place, requesting to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He desired his body to be placed in a simple wooden coffin, directly in the ground, without elaborate decoration. This choice reflects the humility that characterized him throughout his life. His funeral will take place over the weekend, with public viewing starting on Wednesday.
A 27-year-old inmate was attacked with a sharp object at the Central Prisons. He sustained injuries on various parts of his body and had previously posted videos from the prison, which may be related to the attack. He had served a prison sentence for homicide and was recently released. His health condition is not critical, so he does not require hospitalization.
Pope Francis passed away due to a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, as announced by the Vatican. He had severe health issues, including chronic lung disease and the removal of part of a lung at a young age. His health worsened in recent years, leading to hospitalizations, including one in February for respiratory distress. His death was announced 12 hours after the initial report.
A violent incident occurred at the Central Prisons in the afternoon. A prisoner was injured and transported to the General Hospital of Nicosia. The injuries are likely from a sharp object. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Andri Karadoni stated that she will not be a candidate in the upcoming parliamentary elections. She is also not in discussions with any party regarding a potential candidacy. This announcement was made to put an end to the speculation surrounding rumors in the media. Karadoni clarified her position to clarify the situation.
The death of Pope Francis affects the planned transfer of the relic of Apostle Paul to Paphos. This process had sparked intense discussions and controversies in Cyprus. With the loss of the Pontiff, the transfer of the relic is unlikely to proceed now. His passing puts an end to an important aspect of this matter.
Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic world is preparing for the election of a new Pope. Eight cardinals are emerging as potential successors. Candidates include Peter Turkson, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Pietro Parolin, each with varying views on social issues. The electoral process will soon begin with the general assemblies of the cardinals.
The Auditor General is investigating the cost and utility of the presidential airplane. There are concerns about whether using the aircraft is financially advantageous compared to commercial flights. The investigation will look at the overall costs, including maintenance and staffing. In the past, the airplane faced technical issues and underwent extensive checks.
Pope Francis has passed away, and the College of Cardinals is preparing to elect a new Pope in the Sistine Chapel. The conclave process involves secrecy and prayers, with the Pope's funeral scheduled for 4 to 6 days after his death. Cardinals will gather to perform the election ritual, which can begin 15 to 20 days after the Pope's death. All participants vow to maintain confidentiality and not allow external influences on the election process.
The police continue their checks to prevent youth delinquency ahead of the Easter holidays. During checks in Paphos, a 16-year-old was arrested for possessing firecrackers, while a group of youths threw firecrackers at the police without causing any injuries. The 16-year-old admitted to having the explosives and was questioned in the presence of his parents. The investigation is ongoing by the police.
Nectarios commented on the decision to reopen the Holy Monastery of Osios Avvakum, highlighting a violation of the Penal Code due to pending criminal proceedings. He described the decision as a cover-up disguised as a religious restart. He emphasizes that the legitimate brotherhood of the Monastery remains the true one.
An international organ trafficking network exploits people in Kenya, as demonstrated by Amos Kipruto Melu, who sold his kidney in hopes of bettering his life. Although promised $6,000, he only received $4,000 and his health significantly deteriorated. His story highlights the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by criminal networks. Many young men have become involved in similar practices, facing serious health issues and psychological trauma.
The company Electroline is starting to sell cars in Cyprus through Alpan Group, which will bring the Chinese brand BYD. Alpan Group considers Electroline a leader in the electrical goods market in Cyprus. In addition to cars, Alpan Group is the exclusive distributor for Samsung phones and other small appliances. This new venture enhances Electroline's position in the Cypriot market.
Old Nicosia is a beautiful area for walks and activities, but many businesses struggle to survive. The Turkish invasion and insecurity have caused issues in the area, leading to an influx of foreign workers in abandoned spaces. Despite the challenges, there are positive examples of successful businesses with investments. The Mayor and local entrepreneurs are working to highlight the city's nightlife.
The reduction of U.S. international aid could worsen the humanitarian crisis in areas like Gaza and Sudan. The World Health Organization warns that many health aid programs are unable to continue due to the suspension of American assistance. Infrastructure destruction and displacements present serious challenges for medical teams in these regions. The situation is urgent as diseases spread unchecked.
The Ukrainian Air Force declared an alert for Russian airstrikes in Kyiv and eastern regions as the Easter truce ended. Strong explosions were reported in Mykolaiv, while President Zelensky called for an extension of the truce. Putin, on the other hand, did not order an extension of the ceasefire. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violations amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Today, the weather will be mainly clear with some local clouds and light to moderate winds. The temperature will rise to 27 degrees in the interior and 22 degrees along the western coasts. Tonight, increased cloudiness and possible fog are expected, with temperatures around 13 degrees. Until Thursday, there will be increased dust levels in the atmosphere, with a gradual rise in temperature until Wednesday.
Chara Toka discusses her father, Mario Toka, and his artistic journey during the 1970s. She shares rare material that captures his early musical creations and her memories of the time before he became well-known. She highlights the significance of these early steps in understanding his work and personality. This period will be featured in upcoming concerts.
The viability of a federal solution to the Cyprus issue is questionable due to the lack of trust between the two communities. Ongoing negotiations have not yielded meaningful results, primarily because of Turkish ambitions. Some prominent figures suggest a two-state solution as a feasible alternative. Interaction and cooperation appear necessary for progress towards a sustainable resolution.
April 24, 2004 was a significant day for Cyprus as the referendum on the Annan plan took place. Many politicians and citizens, including Dimitris Christofias and members of AKEL, voted against the plan, which was seen by many as harmful to Cyprus. The plan sparked intense debates and shifts in party positions. The United States also invested heavily in promoting the plan.
The Middle East is experiencing significant changes that are affecting security and stability. Uzi Rabi points out that Israel is shifting from being the central enemy to Iran, with new opportunities for cooperation with Arab states. Additionally, Turkey, under Erdogan, is seen as another major threat. The relationship between Israel and Cyprus is deemed critical for regional security.
Vasilis Protopapas, a political scientist, is participating in President Christodoulides' Cypriot Team, despite his previous support for Andreas Mavrogiannis. He emphasizes the need for unity and sober dialogue for resolution, believing that a Bi-zonal Bi-communal Federation is the most viable solution. He positively assesses the informal five-party meeting, stating it has kept a window of hope open for the Cyprus issue. He highlights the importance of decisive leadership in this process.