A “group of free thinkers” has been chosen to detect unseen threats to New Zealand’s national security, advising the Prime Minister of danger before it arrives. The chief executive of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Andrew Kibblewhite, said members of the group had been selected for their areas of expertise. “They’re a group Read more
No extra security measures will be taken during upcoming trips by Pope Francis to Albania and Turkey despite alleged assassination threats. Threats to kill the Pope by the terrorist Islamic State were revealed by Iraq’s ambassador to the Holy See in an interview in an Italian newspaper on Tuesday. But Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi, Read more
No matter how well it has been planned, the July 22-28 visit of Pope Francis to Brazil for World Youth Day is sure to be “a bit of an adventure” because the Pope is “full of surprises”, according to the papal spokesman. Reflecting the simplicity and humility that has characterised his pontificate, the Pope’s WYD Read more
Vatican Spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi has insisted Pope Francis’ bodyguards show flexibility when the pope embarks on impromptu walkabouts. “If the pope says, ‘I want to go greet these people’, the pope goes ahead, and the security people go along,” said Lombardi “This is something brand new.” “You have to respect the pope’s personal style,” Read more
Pope Benedict’s decision to live in the Vatican after he resigns will provide him with security and privacy. It will also offer legal protection from any attempt to prosecute him in connection with sexual abuse cases around the world, Church sources and legal experts say. “His continued presence in the Vatican is necessary, otherwise he Read more
Life is getting back to normal in Tripoli according to its Apostolic Vicar, Bishop Giovanni Martinelli. “Life begins to return slowly back to normality. There are no particular difficulties,” the bishop said. “In the past days Masses were celebrated without problems and safely,” he added. “Among the Catholics present in Libya I once again want Read more
A new map of food security risk around the world is, in some ways, depressingly familiar. Sub-saharan Africa leaps out as the place where the most people fear for their next meal, while the rich world has more to fear from obesity. But there’s plenty of salutary reminders and fascinating detail, like India’s food problems Read more