In Sri Lankan society, the betel leaf is not merely a plant leaf, but a paramount cultural symbol intertwined with our rituals, customs, and hospitality. A sheaf of betel leaves holds a
A controversial Sotheby’s auction featuring sacred artefacts believed to be linked to the historical Buddha has been indefinitely postponed following a formal objection from the Indian government. The move has reignited global
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by Our Correspondent in London Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was born on 14 September 1955 in Chicago, Illinois, to a family of mixed European and Latin American heritage.
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The moment white smoke billowed from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel, the world knew that the Cardinals had chosen a new Bishop of Rome. The age-old ritual, rich in symbolism and
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by Our Correspondent in London The Sistine Chapel, with its awe-inspiring Renaissance frescoes, serves as the majestic stage for the Catholic Church’s most sacred ritual: the election of a new pope. Yet,
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Hiking is considered one of the most popular outdoor activities worldwide, offering numerous mental and physical health benefits, and allowing us to connect with nature. Walking long distances, often through diverse biomes and
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Europe’s justice systems are in crisis, facing chronic underfunding that is leading to crumbling infrastructure, growing case backlogs, and eroding trust in the rule of law, senior lawyers warn. In countries across
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Tom Cruise has been making films in Britain for nearly 40 years, forging such deep ties with the UK that he’s now being honoured with a Bafta Fellowship. From Kenneth Branagh to
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by Eric Life often teaches us its deepest lessons only after we’ve had the chance to use them. The irony is that many of these truths are simple—so simple, in fact, that
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The Vatican has come under fire following the announcement that Cardinal Roger Michael Mahony, a senior figure long associated with covering up child sex abuse in the Catholic Church, will take part
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As Pope Francis’ death has sparked waves of reflection within the Catholic Church, a growing group of conservative Catholics in the United States is hoping for a significant shift towards a more
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