International
Kamala Harris urges the military to protect Venezuelans in a letter to opponents

The vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, sent a letter to the leaders of the opposition in Venezuela in which she urges the military to protect citizens, and the international community to press for the electoral authorities to deliver the minutes that prove that Nicolás Maduro won re-election in the elections last July.
The Democratic candidate for the Presidency in the November 5 elections warns that a militarized response will only lead to deepening the crisis facing the country after the National Electoral Council (CNE) certified that Maduro had defeated Edmundo González Urritia, the flag-bearer of the opposition, at the polls, according to the letter to which the Miami Herald newspaper had access.
“I strongly urge Venezuelan security forces to demonstrate restraint, respect the human rights and freedom of expression of all Venezuelans, and protect the Venezuelan people from threats and political attacks,” Harris said in the letter.
Last week, the vice president sent the letter to María Corina Machado y González, leaders of the opposition.
In it he also asked the CNE to maintain “the highest levels of transparency” and the international community to pressure this electoral authority to publish the results of the elections.
Kamala Harris recalled in the letter that the violation of human rights and freedom of expression “only deepens the crisis and hinders efforts towards a peaceful and democratic transition.”
He promised that in the United States “we will continue to encour the parties in Venezuela to start discussions about a respectful and peaceful transfer of power in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law.”
The opposition in Venezuela has claimed victory at the polls, but despite the intense protests in the country and the call of the international community, the Maduro Government has not published the minutes of the results to prove that Maduro won re-election.
The opposition published its election records with more than 80% of the polling stations and that demonstrated González’s defeat to Maduro by a margin of more than 2-1.
However, on Thursday the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), controlled by magistrates close to Chavismo, confirmed the official results of the elections, which gave the victory to Maduro, which has been reported as fraudulent inside and outside Venezuela.
The protests after the elections have left about twenty dead.
The leaders of the majority opposition of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, thanked this Friday the vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, for “defending democratic values,” in response to a letter in which the American asks for transparency and the publication of the results of the presidential elections in the Caribbean country.
The standard-bearer of the Democratic United Platform (PUD) – the largest opposition bloc – and its main champion published in X the same message in which they say they feel moved by the recognition of “the leaders of the democratic world” of the “courage and determination of the Venezuelan people to be free.”
“Knowing that we are not alone gives us even more strength. Venezuelans are united like never before. Thank you, Kamala Harris, for defending democratic values, which are the spirit of our victory. Venezuela will be free. Our families will return home,” they said.
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.
-
International4 days ago
Nine dead after driver runs over crowd at Vancouver Street Festival
-
International3 days ago
Colombia sees deadliest surge in violence since FARC peace deal
-
Central America3 days ago
Guatemala sees road blockades amid protests against lawmaker pay hikes
-
International3 days ago
Spain’s PM calls for calm and patience amid ongoing blackout
-
International4 days ago
King Charles III expresses deep sadness after Vancouver festival tragedy that left nine dead
-
International3 days ago
Conclave to choose pope Francis’ successor could begin in early may
-
International3 days ago
Mexican activist who exposed pornography ring found dead in Veracruz
-
International3 days ago
Madrid carries out 286 elevator rescues amid massive blackout
-
International22 hours ago
Vatican releases special “Sede Vacante” stamps ahead of papal transition
-
International22 hours ago
Kristi Noem credits Trump for mass migrant deportations by mexican president