Blitz Bureau
Pope’s hopePope Leo has said that God would inspire world leaders to calm global tensions and reduce hatred in an address to mark his first anniversary as head of the Catholic Church, a day after he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican. Leo, who has drawn the ire of US President Donald Trump after criticizing the Iran war, asked worshippers on May 8 to pray that global governments would turn away from violence.
Boycotting festival
Nobel laureate JM Coetzee has declined to attend an upcoming literature festival in Israel, writing an excoriating letter to organisers citing the country’s “genocidal campaign” in Gaza, stating: “It will take many years for Israel to clear its name”. The festival is scheduled to take place from May 25 to 28. Coetzee revealed he had once been a supporter of Israel. “The campaign of annihilation in Gaza has changed all that,” he said.
Mega jet deal
Budget airline AirAsia is ordering 150 Airbus A220-300 jets in a deal valued at about $19 billion at list prices, marking the largest single order ever placed for the A220 planes.The deal was announced on May 7 at Quebec in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. AirAsia said in a statement that the A220 aircraft is more fuel efficient and emits less carbon. Delivery of the aircraft is due to begin in 2028.