From the new Pope's message for Gaza to anti-monarchy protests in London; Europe seeks to attract US-based researchers

Pars Today - In a situation where political and military developments in the Middle East and Europe have made headlines, the new Pope, Leo XIV, has called for an end to all wars currently raging in the world in his first speech.

According to Pars Today, this news package reviews the most important news items from Europe, which you can read below:

The new Pope's peace message

Pope Leo XIV, who was elected as Pope Francis' successor on 8 May 2025, called on the great powers in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican to "have no war." Referring to the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, he criticized "a fragmented World War III" and called for lasting peace in Ukraine, an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of of all captives and prisoners and the sending of humanitarian aid. The 69-year-old American pope, who was previously Cardinal Robert Francis Provost, also welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and expressed hope for a lasting agreement between the two nuclear powers.

Diplomatic Movements in the Middle East

As Israel resumed its attacks on Gaza after violating the ceasefire on 19 January 2025, Germany's new foreign minister Johann Wadephul  traveled to the occupied territories for "critical talks." He will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the release of captives and prisoners and the strategic goals of the Gaza conflict.

Anti-monarchy protests in London

In the UK, anti-monarchy protesters demonstrated in London on "Republic Day 2025." The "Republic" group called for a more democratic Britain with slogans such as "Democracy, not monarchy."

Europe seeks to attract scientific elites

The New York Times reported that Europe is allocating 500 million euros in an effort to attract top American researchers who have suffered from the Trump administration's anti-science policies, such as the cutting of funds to universities such as Harvard. French president, Emmanuel Macron and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen saw this move as an opportunity to strengthen academic freedom in Europe.

MD/UR