Makana 360 Daily Insights: Global News & Digital Trends
📌 Pope Leo addresses his clash with Trump and says the “debate” is not the focus of his Africa trip
Pope Leo said his criticism of “tyrants” who spend billions on war was not aimed personally at Donald Trump, explaining that the remarks had been written before Trump’s later attack on him. Speaking aboard a flight to Angola, he suggested that media coverage and political developments had created a misleading impression about the dispute. His comments came after Trump described the pope as weak and harmful to foreign policy, following papal criticism of war and repeated calls for peace. The exchange is especially striking because Leo is the first US-born pope in Catholic history, while his Africa visit reflects the continent’s rising importance in the Church’s global priorities.
📌 Harry and Meghan’s trip felt like a royal tour, but many Australians were not especially interested
Harry and Meghan’s four-day visit to Australia carried the feel of a royal tour, but as private citizens it drew limited public attention and some criticism over possible taxpayer-funded security. Their program focused on charity, Indigenous culture, sport, mental health, and community engagement, while largely avoiding mass public appearances. The couple showed warmth in personal encounters, yet the trip also highlighted the blurred line between philanthropy and business, with paid events and promotional activity running alongside charitable appearances. Supporters argued the visit brought real value to charities and organizations, while critics viewed parts of it as out of touch with Australia’s cost-of-living pressures and public skepticism.
📌 Zelensky condemns the US extension of a waiver allowing Russian oil sales despite sanctions
President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Washington’s decision to extend a waiver allowing Russia to sell oil already loaded at sea until 16 May, arguing that oil revenues directly finance Moscow’s war against Ukraine. The United States said the move was meant to ease energy shortages caused by the US-Israel war with Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Zelensky said Russia’s so-called shadow fleet could earn about $10 billion from these sales, helping fund further attacks. The decision drew criticism from Kyiv and European allies at a time when broader peace efforts remain stalled.
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