Pope leads world’s Catholics into Lent at Ash Wednesday rite
Pope Francis led the world’s 1.3 billion Roman Catholics into the penitential season of Lent, reminding them on Ash Wednesday that everyone will be “dust in the universe” regardless of their status on earth.
Climate activist Thunberg heads growing field of Nobel Peace Prize candidates
Teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, pro-democracy campaigners in Hong Kong and the NATO military alliance are among those tipped for the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, following nominations by politicians.
‘Call him Harry’: Prince insists on informality as he starts last royal duties
Britain’s Prince Harry started the last round of his royal duties on an informal note on Wednesday, making it clear the audience listening to his speech on sustainable travel in Edinburgh should simply call him Harry.
Scared or bored, hotel guests face four-star lockdown in Tenerife
“It’s absolutely awful,” says 45-year-old Lara Pennington, one of more than 700 guests spending a second day in lockdown at a four-star Tenerife hotel on Wednesday after four cases of coronavirus were detected there among a group of Italians.
French Riviera city cancels carnival over coronavirus fears
The French Mediterranean city of Nice has canceled the last major day of its carnival due to concerns over the spreading coronavirus outbreak in Europe, its mayor said on Wednesday.
Russia suspends some South Korea flights, Iranian visas over coronavirus
Russia said on Wednesday it would suspend flights to and from South Korea from March 1 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, except those operated by national carrier Aeroflot and a subsidiary, Aurora.
Trial of U.S. men accused of killing Italian policeman opens in Rome
The trial of two young Americans accused of stabbing an Italian policeman to death last year began in Rome on Wednesday, with the lawyer for the family of the slain officer immediately asking for an adjournment.
Wrestlers fight for peace in ravaged South Sudan
South Sudanese wrestler Kur Bol Jok strode into the arena, his chest – smeared with ashes and dust – puffed out as he faced his opponent, bracing for the fight.
Greece confirms first coronavirus case, a woman back from Milan
A Greek woman who recently returned home from northern Italy became Greece’s first coronavirus case and is being closely monitored, while authorities have ordered the closing of one school in Thessaloniki, the health ministry said on Wednesday.
North Macedonia confirms first case of coronavirus
North Macedonia has confirmed its first case of the coronavirus infection, diagnosed in a woman who recently returned home from Italy, the health minister said on Wednesday.
