International

Bolsonaro remains silent before police amid accusations of “coup attempt” in Brazil

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro remained silent during his appearance before the police this Thursday, in relation to his alleged participation in a “coup plan” to stay in power after his term. Bolsonaro is suspected of having conspired to discredit the electoral process and prevent leftist Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from assuming the presidency of Brazil in January last year.

The hearing, which lasted approximately half an hour, took place at the headquarters of the Federal Police in Brasilia, just three days before a demonstration called by the former president in Sao Paulo to repudiate the accusations against him.

Bolsonaro chose not to make statements during the hearing, according to his defense, who regretted not having had sufficient access to the content of the process against him. Lawyer Paulo Cunha, Bolsonaro’s representative, stated that his client “was never in favor of any type of coup movement” and reiterated his innocence, highlighting that “he does not fear anything because he did not commit any crime.”

The investigation, which led the police to launch Operation Tempus Veritatis on February 8, has implicated several Bolsonaro allies, including former ministers, with raids, passport confiscations and arrests in different parts of the country.

This is not the first time that Bolsonaro has appeared before the police since leaving the presidency. In the past, he has been cited for other cases, such as alleged falsification of COVID-19 vaccination certificates and his alleged participation in riots that occurred in January 2023.

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The former president has repeatedly denied the accusations against him and has claimed to be a victim of political persecution. Despite facing multiple investigations, Bolsonaro has maintained his leadership of the opposition and has promised that Sunday’s demonstration in Sao Paulo will be a “peaceful event” to show his support and deny the accusations against him.

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.