TRANSCRIPT
- Pope Leo XIV condemns the exploitation of the poor during his inaugural Mass
- The Prime Minister to hold talks with world leaders in Rome
- Belgian Wout van Aert wins stage nine of the Giro d'Italia
Pope Leo XIV has pledged to safeguard the teachings of the Catholic Church while also tackling modern challenges in a speech delivered during his inauguration.
An estimated 200,000 pilgrims attended the mass that officially opened Leo’s pontificate.
Addressing people in Saint Peter's Square, the new pontiff echoed the priorities of his predecessor, criticising the global economic system and called for unity.
"In our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth’s resources and marginalises the poorest. For our part, we want to be a small leaven of unity, communion and fraternity.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is preparing to meet with world leaders in Rome, after attending Pope Leo XIV's inauguration mass.
He says he will be holding talks with European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen on the potential to revive a free trade deal.
"We're up for a deal, but not any deal at any price. We're up for a deal that's in Australia's national interest. The last time around, we weren't able to achieve breakthroughs on agriculture. I had a range of discussions with Ursula Von der Leyen at that time, both in Europe, but also at other forums, including at the G20. So, we remain, it's not like the negotiations have to start at the beginning."
Australia walked away from talks on an EU trade deal in 2023 after disagreeing to proposed restrictions on agricultural products and limits on the use of terms such as feta and prosecco.
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Israel's military says it has launched extensive new ground operations in northern and southern Gaza.
Strikes have hit the southern city of Khan Younis, as well as towns in the north of Gaza, including Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp.
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says Israel's military is entering the Gaza Strip "with force”.
"As we promised, we have launched a powerful campaign against Hamas, 'Gideon's Chariots', IDF forces are simply entering with force into the Gaza Strip with a dual goal: defeating Hamas and freeing our hostages. Two goals that are intertwined, and we will achieve both."
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Ukrainian officials say Russia has launched one of the most intense drone attacks since beginning its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukraine's air force says Russia fired 273 exploding drones and decoys in overnight attacks.
Kyiv's regional governor Mykola Kalashnyk says a 28-year-old woman was killed, and three others were wounded.
Natalia Piven heard the drone flying towards her house.
"In the very beginning, during the first explosion I was at home with my little son. Then we went to the cellar all together. I always take cover in the cellar and drag children with me. Then my youngest son said: "Mommy, lets go to the kindergarden." I did not want to go and thought we will survive if there were just ten drones, it was not the first time in our life. But he insisted and we went to the kindegarden. Thanks God we are alive, but I feel very sorry for neighbours. Young woman died."
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In cycling, Belgian Wout van Aert has won stage nine of the Giro d'Italia, holding off Mexican Isaac del Toro who moved into the overall lead.
Del Toro launched his attack with just under 50 kilometres of the stage to go, forming a breakaway which also included Van Aert.
The 30-year-old says after coming back from injury and illness, this result means a lot to him.
"This victory means a lot to me. I almost cannot explain it. Yeah, it had to be here I believe, because this place is where my road career started back in 2018, and yeah, to win this stage after a long period without delivering, finally again. Yeah, it feels so good."
Meanwhile, pre-race favourite Primoz Roglic was involved in a crash and also suffered a puncture, resulting in him losing valuable time in the general classification - dropping to 10th place overall, two minutes and 25 seconds behind Del Toro.
