International
Pope Francis’ health continues to improve and he no longer needs mechanical ventilation at night
Pope Francis’ state of health continues to “improve” and the non-invasive mechanical ventilation he used at night at the Gemelli hospital in Rome, where he has been admitted for 34 days, has been suspended, the Vatican reported on Wednesday.
“It is confirmed that the clinical conditions of the Holy Father are improving,” it is indicated in the last medical report, in which it is also pointed out that the pope “suspended non-invasive mechanical ventilation and also reduced the need for high-flow oxygen therapy,” with nasal cannulas.
Likewise, “progress in motor and respiratory physiotherapy continues,” the statement said.
In its statement, the Vatican revealed that Francisco, 88 years old and who has been admitted to the Gemelli since February 14, concelebrated the mass this morning, on the feast of St. Joseph, in which Father’s Day is celebrated in many countries.
This Tuesday, Vatican sources had revealed that Francisco, 88 years old and with chronic respiratory problems, managed to sleep the night before in the hospital without resorting to non-invasive mechanical ventilation, that is, without the oxygen mask.
This is a “good step” that must be interpreted with “prudence”, because their doctors insist that their clinical conditions are still “complex within stability,” they added.
Francisco is hospitalized because of bilateral pneumonia and, after going through four difficult crises during his hospitalization, in recent weeks he has experienced a slow and gradual improvement and is no longer in “imminent danger.”
Given the “stability” of the pope, the Gemelli doctors have decided to report after several days, when they can give more details, and the previous medical report dates back to last Saturday, when it was indicated that “the clinical conditions of the Holy Father remain stable, confirming the outstanding evolution in the last week.”
He added that although Francisco “stils requires hospital medical treatment, motor and respiratory physiotherapy,” “he shows additional and gradual improvements.”
International
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 4,490 as Rescue Efforts Continue
The death toll from the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 4,490, according to the latest official figures released by the government on social media.
Authorities reported that 16,740 people have been injured, while more than 19,500 residents remain in temporary shelters after the twin earthquakes devastated Caracas and the neighboring state of La Guaira.
Rescue teams from Venezuela and several foreign countries continue searching through collapsed buildings in an effort to recover victims who remain trapped beneath the rubble.
Government officials said the earthquakes damaged more than 850 buildings, with 190 structures completely collapsing.
Thousands of families who lost their homes are currently staying with relatives or friends, while more than 19,500 displaced people are living in overcrowded emergency camps set up in parks, stadiums, and public squares across La Guaira and Caracas.
International
Tensions Escalate in Middle East as U.S. Bombs Iran After Maritime Attacks
The United States launched new strikes against Iran on Wednesday, following President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington would “hit hard” against the Islamic Republic. While Trump ordered the retaliation after attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, he also said he hoped the latest wave of bombings would end soon and left the door open for renewed negotiations.
U.S. forces “have begun carrying out additional strikes against Iran to further reduce its ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” the United States Central Command said in a post on X.
Washington blamed Iran for what it described as “recent unjustified aggression against commercial shipping.”
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that explosions were heard in the port cities of Bandar Abbas, Konarak, and Chabahar.
“This is in retaliation for yesterday’s bombing of ships by Iran. If it happens again, it will be much worse,” Trump wrote on social media alongside an image showing what appeared to be a bombing at an Iranian location.
Before ordering the strikes, the U.S. president said that the ceasefire with Iran had ended. Mediators Pakistan and Qatar called for de-escalation, while the United Nations also urged both sides to reduce tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint in the Middle East conflict, which began in late February after U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran-linked attacks on at least three vessels in recent days triggered a U.S. offensive against Iranian targets on Tuesday. Tehran responded by launching attacks against Gulf countries that are allies of Washington.
International
Deadly Drug Trade Rivalry Suspected After Eight Bodies Discovered in Southern Mexico
Eight bodies were found Wednesday along a highway in the southern Mexican state of Chiapas, near the border with Guatemala, in an incident authorities believe may be linked to a dispute over local drug sales.
The victims — six men and two women — were found abandoned on a road in a mountainous area of the municipality of El Bosque, according to the state prosecutor’s office in a statement published on Facebook.
Initial investigations indicate that the killings may be connected to “a dispute over retail drug sales between local criminal groups operating in the region,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Local media reports that several criminal incidents have increased in the area since the beginning of the year.
The road where the bodies were discovered is located in a mountainous region largely inhabited by Indigenous communities. Authorities have not released further details about the victims or possible suspects as the investigation continues.
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 4,490 as Rescue Efforts Continue
Panama launches anti-drone measures as prison security crisis deepens
Tensions Escalate in Middle East as U.S. Bombs Iran After Maritime Attacks
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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