Black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the first vote to elect the 267th pope was inconclusive. As tradition dictates, the smoke at 21:01 local time confirmed no cardinal received the two-thirds majority required. The crowd in St. Peter’s Square expressed disappointment as they await the next round of voting.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, King Abdullah II of Jordan warned that Israel’s expansion of its offensive to include Iran threatens global security, stating, “It is impossible to say where the borders of this battlefield will end. This is a threat to people all over the world.”
He strongly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, saying, “Today, the world is in a state of moral collapse. What was once seen as an atrocity—like the bombing of a hospital—has become commonplace. Since then, the WHO has documented nearly 700 attacks on Gaza’s healthcare facilities.”
“The targeting of civilians, health workers, and journalists has become routine. Famine is being used as a weapon against children,” he added.
King Abdullah called on the international community to act not only in Ukraine but also in Palestine: “The world’s longest and most destructive conflict must end. Palestinians deserve freedom, sovereignty, and statehood, like all people.”
He warned that without decisive action, Israeli bulldozers “will also flatten the borders that define moral conduct.” Reaffirming Jordan’s commitment to peace, he said the only solution lies in a just peace based on international law and mutual recognition.
Prev
1 of 7
Next
TR