The Vatican has welcomed a new electric popemobile, complete with a rotating heated seat, handrail, and retractable roof. This luxury vehicle, built by Mercedes-Benz, is the first fully electric popemobile and also features a special place for Swiss Guards to protect the pontiff. With its heating compartments and raised seat for better visibility, the popemobile is sure to keep Pope Francis comfortable and safe during his public appearances.
After a tough tour in Pakistan, Ollie Pope was in need of a turnaround in form. However, his struggles batting at No 3 have forced a switch to No 6, accompanied by also keeping wicket. With the help of mentor and former England great, Alec Stewart, Pope was able to score 77 in the first Test against New Zealand. The 26-year-old credits their open discussions and guidance in finding his best form and aiming to secure a long-term spot as England's No 3 batsman.
On the one-year anniversary of an attack on Israel by Hamas, Pope Francis addressed a letter to Catholics in the Middle East, expressing his solidarity with those who are suffering due to ongoing conflict in the region. To show support, the pope called for a day of prayer and fasting and also prayed a rosary for peace at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. In response, participants of the ongoing Synod on Synodality in the Vatican have also been echoing the pope's call for prayers and solidarity with the war-ravaged communities of the Middle East. Deacon Adel Abolouh, a synod delegate from Syria, described attending the pope's rosary as a "beautiful experience" that inspires people to become "missionaries of peace."
Monsignor George Jacob Koovakad, a 51-year-old priest from Kerala, India, has been elevated to the rank of Cardinal by the Vatican. He is responsible for organizing Pope Francis' international travels since 2020 and joined the Vatican Diplomatic Service in 2006. Koovakad has held various roles in Apostolic Nunciatures in Algeria, South Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and Venezuela before becoming an official in the Vatican's Secretariat of State. The formal ceremony for the creation of these Cardinals is scheduled for December 8, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
England's Ollie Pope made headlines with his blistering knock of 150, the fastest at The Oval, before being dismissed for 325 on day two of the third Test against Sri Lanka. Debutant Josh Hull also left his mark by claiming his first Test wicket, while bad light and the contentious issue of players being called off the field due to darkness continued to frustrate both teams. Despite a late comeback by Sri Lanka's captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, England still holds a first-innings lead but their lower-order collapse in the final six wickets brought some fight from Sri Lanka's side.
England's stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, achieved a remarkable feat on Day 1 of the third Test against Sri Lanka at the Oval. Pope, who was leading the team in the absence of injured Ben Stokes, scored an unbeaten century and became the first player in Test cricket to score his first seven centuries against seven different teams. The 26-year-old batsman's first Test century came against South Africa in 2020, and since then, he has scored six more against New Zealand, Pakistan, Ireland, India, and West Indies.
In his first innings as captain against Sri Lanka, Ollie Pope returned to form with a dominating performance, scoring a run-a-ball 103 not out during England's well-placed 221-3 on the opening day of the third Test. This was his seventh Test century and a historic one as each of his first seven centuries came against different opponents. Despite a strong start, England's opener Ben Duckett was unable to make the most of his innings, giving away his wicket on 86. Duckett praised Pope's ability to ignore the noise and criticism around his leadership and batting, proving his critics wrong with a stellar performance.
After a run of low scores, England captain Ollie Pope made a stunning return to form with a dominant unbeaten 103 in the third and final test against Sri Lanka at The Oval. Along with Ben Duckett's fluent 86, their partnership led England to a strong position of 221-3, making Sri Lanka regret their decision to bowl first in overcast conditions.
The Australian Top End T20 Series 2024 is in full swing with Tasmania and Adelaide Strikers gearing up for their highly anticipated match. Both teams have a good mix of young and experienced players, ensuring an exciting game of cricket. Taking place at TIO Stadium, fans can expect high-scoring action as the stadium's surface has improved vastly over the years. As the Strikers and Tigers face off, cricket enthusiasts are reminded of the past as Tasmania shares a throwback photo to their 2004-05 ING Cup victory.
Prime Minister Narendra D Modi met with Pope Francis at the G7 summit and gave him his signature embrace. During their encounter, Modi assured the Pope that he would do everything in his power to safeguard churches and Christians in India from any violence or persecution. In a heartfelt message, Modi emphasized his government's unwavering commitment to the security and welfare of all Indians, regardless of their religious beliefs.