News Feed

1. Pope Leo draws hard line on breakaway traditionalists, but it could get messy

   

   As the Vatican excommunicated four bishops of the ultra-traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X this week, notice was also served that the society’s priests and lay Catholics who formally adhere to it are also considered cut off from the Roman Catholic Church — a move that raises the spiritual stakes for thousands of followers worldwide.

2. Trump promises 'really long' Fourth of July speech despite heat warning

   

   U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to deliver a ‘really long’ Fourth of July speech despite many celebrations for America’s 250 birthday in Washington have already been cancelled due to severe heat.

3. St. Petersburg oil terminal hit as Ukraine presses long-range drone campaign

   

   A Ukrainian drone attack struck an oil terminal in St. Petersburg on Saturday, Russian officials said, as Kyiv pressed on with the bombardment of Russia’s oil infrastructure.

4. Crowds mourn Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iran begins days-long funeral ceremonies

   

   Hundreds of thousands of mourners began a days-long funeral on Saturday for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s late supreme leader, beating their chests in sorrow before the glass case containing his flag-draped coffin in Tehran and calling for revenge against Israel and the United States.

5. Gaza has become frozen in 'humanitarian purgatory' — and it could get worse

   

   Nine months after Hamas and Israel agreed to a hard-fought ceasefire in Gaza, the term has become a cruel irony for the two million Palestinians trapped inside the territory.