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World Leaders Gather in Rome for Pope Francis’ Funeral Amid Hopes for Diplomatic Dialogue
Rome has become the center of global attention once again as world leaders and royals from 170 national delegations gather on Saturday to pay their final respects at the funeral of Pope Francis. While the day is officially one of mourning, many observers believe the event could also serve as a catalyst for informal political discussions among attending dignitaries.
Experts suggest that funerals of major global figures often evolve into opportunities for behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Pasquale Ferrara, Director General for Political Affairs and International Security at Italy’s Foreign Ministry, noted that “funeral diplomacy” is not new. “It happened at the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, where Australia and Japan initiated talks on a joint security statement for the Asia-Pacific,” Ferrara said.
Similar patterns were seen at the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, where leaders from rival nations engaged in unprecedented exchanges. Raisi’s funeral, following his death in a helicopter crash in May 2024, notably prompted the first visits to Tehran by a Tunisian president and an Egyptian foreign minister since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Saturday’s gathering in Rome presents similar opportunities, even as it poses significant diplomatic and logistical challenges. Ferrara pointed out that coordinating between the Vatican, the Italian state, and the numerous visiting delegations — many of whom are in Rome for just a few hours — requires delicate handling and flexibility.
The ceremony is expected to foster more informal encounters rather than formal negotiations. According to Ferrara, spontaneous conversations during moments of mourning can often build personal trust between leaders, laying the groundwork for future diplomacy.
During his decade-long papacy, Pope Francis carved out a unique role for the Vatican in addressing global issues such as climate change, conflict resolution, and social justice. His outreach to leaders across the political and religious spectrum leaves a wide legacy — and today, many of those he touched have gathered to honor him.
For the attending world leaders, Saturday’s funeral is not only a solemn farewell but also a rare opportunity for dialogue, potentially sowing seeds for future cooperation in a world often divided by politics and ideology.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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