International

Colombia sees deadliest surge in violence since FARC peace deal

Colombia is experiencing its most intense wave of violence since the signing of the 2016 peace agreement with the now-defunct FARC guerrilla group. Authorities are denouncing a new offensive by rebel factions and drug cartels, reminiscent of the brutal tactics used by infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar during the 1990s, when he waged open war against the state.

“We are deeply concerned by the ongoing violence from armed actors. In just two weeks, 18 members of the security forces have been killed—even during the suspension of military operations against one of the armed groups,” wrote Juanita Goebertus, Americas Director for Human Rights Watch, on social media platform X.

On Sunday, seven soldiers were killed when a military patrol in the conflict-ridden Guaviare department was ambushed and attacked by dissident members of the FARC. Ironically, this group is currently engaged in peace talks with the government.

According to the Ministry of Defense, a total of 47 military personnel have been killed so far this year. Some of them were attacked while off duty.

“They cowardly hide among the civilian population, dress in plain clothes, and launch surprise attacks,” the ministry said in a statement. Authorities are offering a reward equivalent to $48,000 for information leading to the capture of the gunmen responsible.

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In response to the surge in violence, Colombia’s Inspector General’s Office has requested a report from the Defense Ministry on the “systematic acts of violence” against security forces.

President Gustavo Petro’s leftist government has ramped up its offensive against armed groups and recently appointed a military figure to head the Ministry of Defense, as several peace processes have stalled or collapsed.

On Friday, Interior Minister Armando Benedetti publicly admitted that Petro’s peace strategy “has not gone well.”

International

Kristi Noem credits Trump for mass migrant deportations by mexican president

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem claimed that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has deported “more than half a million” migrants due to pressure from former President Donald Trump.

During a cabinet meeting highlighting the “achievements” of Trump’s administration in its first 100 days, Noem asserted that under the Republican leader’s influence, “Mexico has finally come to the table” to negotiate on migration and fentanyl trafficking.

“The president of Mexico told me she has returned just over half a million people before they reached our border,” Noem stated, criticizing media reports that suggest the Biden administration deported more migrants than Trump’s.

“I wish those deportations were counted,” Noem added, “because those people never made it to our border—she sent them back because you made her.” She went on to thank Trump: “They never made it here because they got the message—because you were so aggressive.”

Noem has made controversial claims about Sheinbaum in the past, prompting the Mexican leader to refute them.

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On April 1, Sheinbaum responded to one such statement by declaring, “The president answers to only one authority, and that is the people of Mexico,” after Noem said on Fox News that she gave Sheinbaum “a list of things Trump would like to see” and that Mexico’s actions would determine whether Trump granted tariff relief.

International

Vatican releases special “Sede Vacante” stamps ahead of papal transition

he Vatican’s post offices and select collector shops began selling special edition stamps this week to mark the period between the death of Pope Francis and the election of his successor.

Known as “Sede Vacante” stamps, they feature an image used on official Vatican documents during the interregnum between popes — two crossed keys without the papal tiara. These stamps went on sale Monday and will remain valid for postal use only until the new pontiff appears at the window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

Until then, they can be used to send letters, postcards, and parcels. “Once the new pope is elected, the stamps lose their postal validity, but their collectible value rises,” said Francesco Santarossa, who runs a collectors’ shop across from St. Peter’s Square.

The Vatican has issued the stamps in four denominations: €1.25, €1.30, €2.45, and €3.20. Each is inscribed with “Città del Vaticano” and “Sede Vacante MMXXV” — Latin for “Vacant See 2025.”

International

Conclave to choose pope Francis’ successor could begin in early may

The conclave, which in the coming weeks must choose the successor to Pope Francis, will strictly follow a precise protocol refined over centuries.

The 135 cardinal electors, all under the age of 80, will cast their votes four times a day — except on the first day — until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. The result will be announced to the world through the burning of the ballots with a chemical that produces the eagerly awaited white smoke, accompanied by the traditional cry of “Habemus Papam.”

The start date for the conclave could be announced today, as the cardinals are set to hold their fifth meeting since the pope’s passing. Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich suggested it could begin on May 5 or 6, following the traditional nine days of mourning. According to German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the conclave could last only “a few days.”

Although the late Argentine pontiff appointed the majority of the cardinal electors, this does not necessarily ensure the selection of a like-minded successor. Francis’ leadership style differed significantly from that of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, a German theologian who was less fond of large public gatherings. It also marked a contrast with the popular Polish pope, John Paul II.

The Argentine Jesuit’s reformist papacy drew strong criticism from more conservative sectors of the Church, who are hoping for a doctrinally focused shift. His tenure was marked by efforts to combat clerical sexual abuse, elevate the role of women and laypeople, and advocate for the poor and migrants, among other causes.