International
Bolsonaro exalts the tycoon Elon Musk for defending freedoms, in front of a crowd in Rio
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022) received a large show of support during the march he convened in Rio de Janeiro to defend democracy and freedom of expression, in the middle of a dispute between the Justice of his country and the tycoon Elon Musk over censorship and disinformation.
The far-right leader was accompanied by thousands of followers who gathered in front of Copacabana beach dressed in green and yellow T-shirts, the colors of the Brazilian flag, raised as a symbol of patriotism by the bolsonaristas.
However, the appointment in the capital of Fluminense, Bolsonaro’s main political fortress, was visibly smaller than the one held two months ago in São Paulo, where about 185,000 people accompanied him on Avenida Paulista.
The leader of the Brazilian far-right arrived confident at the meeting for the tensions caused by the billionaire owner of the social network X after the criticism of Alexandre de Moraes, the magistrate of the Supreme Court of Justice who leads the investigations against him.
The judge, who has Bolsonaro in his sights for his alleged participation in the coup attempt that sought to overthrow the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in January 2023, was accused by the billionaire of censoring social networks.
It was precisely that issue that focused the speech of the leader of the Brazilian far-right, who defended freedom of expression and exalted Musk, of whom he said he had “the courage to show with some evidence” where the country’s democracy was heading.
In his speech, the former president posed as a victim of “the persecution” and “cowardice” of those who want to see him far from the political cause, and rantled against Lula’s government, whom he accused of being a “lover of the dictatorship.”
As he did in São Paulo, the far-righter again defended himself from the accusations that fall on him for “inciting” his followers to violently invade the headquarters of the three powers on January 8 of last year and asked for amnesty for those who participated in the acts, although he avoided explicitly mentioning Judge De Moraes or the highest court of justice.
That work was left in the hands of Silas Malafía, the influential evangelical pastor allied to Bolsonaro, who ranted about the Supreme Court, called De Moraes “dictator of the toga” and even charged the military.
In Copacabana, Bolsonaro was accompanied by his wife, three of his children and several political allies.
In the crowd, between the flags of Brazil and Israel, they chanted “no to the dictatorship,” “freedom for Brazil” and “Lula thief, prison.”
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.
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.
Kristi Noem credits Trump for mass migrant deportations by mexican president
Vatican releases special “Sede Vacante” stamps ahead of papal transition
Conclave to choose pope Francis’ successor could begin in early may
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