Category: Global

At 6:07 P.M. Vatican time on 8 May 2025, the new Pope was officially announced. White smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, followed by the ringing bells at St. Peter’s Basilica, signalling the announcement. Clad in a white cassock and red cape, the newly elected pope stepped onto the balcony, where thousands had gathered, waiting eagerly for the declaration of a new era in the papacy.

Just 17 days after Pope Francis’ death, Robert Francis Prevost was introduced as Pope Leo XIV — the 267th pontiff, and the first U.S.-born man to hold the title. Born in Chicago in 1955 to parents of Spanish and Franco-Italian origin. “I was born in the United States… But my grandparents were all immigrants, French, Spanish… I was raised in a very Catholic family, both of my parents were very engaged in the parish,” he said to BBC News. Former Archbishop of Boston, Seán Patrick O’Malley wrote on his blog that the new pontiff “has chosen a name widely associated with the social justice legacy of Pope Leo XIII, who was pontiff at a time of epic upheaval in the world, the time of the industrial revolution, the beginning of Marxism, and widespread immigration”.

Pope Leo XIV grew up in the suburbs of  Dolton, Ill., just outside Chicago, where he spent his early years as an altar boy before he was ordained in 1982. In 1985, Pope Leo moved to Peru, where he spent a decade as a local parish pastor and as a teacher at a seminary in Trujillo in northwestern Peru, helping the Peruvian people recover from the devastating aftermath of El Niño.

In 2015, Pope Leo obtained Peruvian citizenship. He referred to the country as “mi segunda patria,” which translates to “my second homeland.”

Pope Leo XIV blessing a baby/ Source: Instagram/ @pontifex

“Peru is rejoicing at the election of Pope Leo XIV,” said Archbishop Gualtieri, in an interview with The Vatican News, in the same interview, he also recounted Cardinal Prevost’s compassionate leadership during the difficult times of the 2020 pandemic, describing how Pope Leo was a ray of light and hope for the Peruvian people, which is why they are fond of him even today. “He would arrive and he was very, very warm with the people, especially the people of the Sierra to whom he would offer his help. He would deliver food and other supplies to remote areas, sometimes carrying sacks of rice himself.” Reverend Elmer Uchofen recounted to the New York Times. Pope Leo has always been and will continue to be a strong and outspoken supporter of immigrants and indigenous communities.

Meanwhile, amid rising crises such as increasing inequality, climate change, global migration, violence, and protracted wars, the role of the Pope is more crucial than ever. However, the Catholic Church is wrestling with its internal struggles and conflicting views.  In recent years, a gradual rift has emerged within the Catholic Church, specifically between the Progressives and Conservatives. The Conservatives wish to regress to older mechanisms in the Latin Mass, while the Progressives appeal for more inclusivity in pastoral care. Pope Leo XIV’s moderate approach, blending traditional values and progressive leadership, may successfully lead to the reconciliation of opposing views within the Catholic Church and enhance its mission. Pope Leo is also most likely to follow a synodal fashion to lead the Church. Synodality is an inclusive approach of leadership in the Catholic Church, which encourages priests to partake in the decision-making process, ensuring that the diverse voices of the Church are always taken into consideration. He considers collaborative approaches critical to establishing unity and ensuring effective pastoral care.

Pope Leo XIV has thus been labelled as ‘The Missionary Pope’ with years of missionary and humanitarian service under his belt. Near the end of his first General Audience given from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV said, “The situation in the Gaza Strip is increasingly worrying and painful.” He also renewed his appeal for the entry of dignified humanitarian aid and an end to the hostilities, noting that the heartbreaking price was being paid by children, the elderly, and the sick. This public statement indicates that Pope Leo XIV intends to follow in the footsteps of Pope Francis, who frequently spoke out against violence and advocated for peace and compassion during times of conflict.

Pope Leo XIV’s journey from the humble suburbs of Chicago through his missions in Trujillo to his first address given from the grand balcony of the Vatican reflects a pilgrimage that bridges different cultures, continents, and the evolving face of the Catholic Church. At a turning point for both the Roman Catholic Church and the world at large, Pope Leo’s life reflects a deep understanding of suffering, justice, and renewal; these qualities will guide his papacy in navigating the moral and spiritual challenges of the 21st-century church. As Pope Leo XIV enters a fragmented world and a divided Church, all eyes are on whether he can transform his missionary past into a legacy of reform and rebirth.

5th May 2025, the first Monday of the month, saw fashion’s most iconic night- The Met Gala, at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Theme

The theme for this year’s gala was ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’, inspired by Monica L. Miller’s book titled Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity. The book explores black dandyism and the use of fashion for self-expression and cultural resistance. Curated by Monica L. Miller, the chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, and Andrew Bolton, the head of the Met’s Costume Institute, the dress code ‘Tailored for You’ encouraged attendees to tailor the theme to their creative interpretations, with the exhibit focusing on menswear.

What is Black Dandyism?

Emerging from the late-nineteenth to early-twentieth centuries after Emancipation, Black Dandyism is a cultural movement in which African Americans use fashion as a form of self-expression and a way to reclaim Black identity and the Black body. Tailored jackets, silk ties and fedoras are not merely stylish pieces of fashion; rather, they come from a powerful political movement in history that was paid homage to at the 2025 Met Gala.

The Chairs for the Evening

The evening began with the arrival of the lead chairperson and main organiser of the night, Anna Wintour, the Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue, and her co-chairs- Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and Lewis Hamilton.

Each year, the Met Gala’s carpet is custom-designed to complement the theme and colours of the night. This year’s carpet was woven by Extraweave, the parent company of Neytt Homes from Alappuzha, Kerala. Made from sisal fibre, imported from Madagascar, the carpet was midnight blue with white and yellow daffodils speckled on it. This was Extraweave’s third year crafting the Met Gala carpet, and this year’s carpet was crafted by 480 people over 90 days.

Memorable Fashion Statements of the Night 

Oscar-nominated actor and one of the co-chairs for the night, Colman Domingo, made a strong statement in a two-part Valentino look. He arrived on the carpet in a long, pleated royal blue cape with a statement gold sequined bolero. He soon removed the cape to reveal a black and white suit, a checkered blazer with a flower embellishment, gray pants, and a polka dot tie.

Image Source: The Met / @YouTube

One of the most talked-about entrances for the night was Rihanna’s, made special with the reveal of her third pregnancy in a custom Marc Jacobs corset dress-suit. The look comprised a black cropped woollen jacket, a grey bodysuit with a black pinstripe skirt and a hat designed by Marc Jacobs in collaboration with Stephen Jones.

Shah Rukh Khan made his Met debut this year, being the first Indian male actor to attend the Gala.  He donned an all-black Sabyasachi suit, with a rhinestone-studded ‘K’ that stood out amongst his layered jewellery.  The finishing touch to the outfit was a cane crowned with a sculpted gold-studded Royal Bengal tiger’s head. Altogether, the actor’s look for the night paid homage to both Black Dandyism and his Indian roots.

Also making his Met Gala debut from India was Diljit Dosanjh, whose regal look captured hearts from many. Diljit marked his Met Gala debut in a custom Prabal Gurung, incorporating his Punjabi roots in the Black Dandyism Tailored for You theme. The singer donned an ivory and gold sherwani, layered with a cape and a turban, along with a statement emerald necklace inspired by Maharaja Yadavindra Singh of Patiala. Diljit paid homage to his Punjab and his Sikh culture with an ornate kirpan (sword) in his hand and his cape detailed with a silhouette of the map of Punjab.

Besides Rihanna, another baby bump was flaunted on the carpet as Kiara Advani made her Met debut this year. She came in a custom Gaurav Gupta, in a sculptural black gown adorned by an antique gold breastplate with ghungroos and crystals. The design symbolised a connection between mother and child, with Gupta describing it as “two hearts connected by an abstract umbilical cord.” Kiara Advani’s look was an homage to Andre Leon Talley, the late, legendary American fashion journalist and the first African-American creative director of Vogue.

Zendaya made her return to the Met carpet in a custom Louis Vuitton suit designed by Pharrell Williams. Styled by Law Roach, her outfit was inspired by Bianca Jagger’s iconic wedding suit. The white monochromatic look was accessorised with a silver buttoned vest, a white floppy hat and Bulgari jewellery.

One of the best-dressed attendees for this year’s Met Gala was singer-songwriter and actress Teyana Taylor. Designed by Ruth E. Carter,  the outfit was a near-accurate representation of the theme for this year. The burgundy red zoot suit look was layered beautifully with a dramatic cape. The outfit was accessorised with a matching durag, statement hat with a large ostrich feather and striking red leather gloves.

Janelle Monáe arrived at the Met Gala in an outfit collaboration between Thom Browne and Oscar-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell. The custom-made outfit featured a stunning red, white and black trompe l’oeil dress and a monocle attached to a bowler hat. Her outfit also included a diamond brooch made out of 1800 Cristalino tequila.

Diana Ross made her long-awaited return to the Met Gala following a 22-year-long hiatus. She walked the carpet in a sweeping white gown featuring an 18-foot-long train embroidered with the names of her five children and eight grandchildren. This custom creation was a collaborative effort between the singer, her son Evan Ross, and Nigerian designer Ugo Mozie.

Drawing on the rich history of Black fashion, attendees embraced the theme by donning well-tailored suits paired with bold accessories, each weaving their creative interpretations. As the gala concluded well into the early hours, the 2025 Met Gala once again proved its place as a cultural epicentre — not just of style, but of storytelling and resistance.

Pope Francis, leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21, 2025 at the age of 88, the Vatican announced today. The cause of his death was reported as a stroke followed by a Cardiac Arrest. This comes after he was hospitalised for a month due to double pneumonia and had recently returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery journey.

He was born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17th December 1939 in Flores, Buenos Aires. He had 4 siblings. After attending a technical secondary school, he graduated with a diploma as a chemical technician. Before finding his passion for religion, he worked several jobs, including as a Bouncer and Janitor.

After the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013 due to old age, the Papal Conclave congregated to select their new leader. On March 13th 2013, Bergoglio was elected as the Pope. He took the papal name Francis, in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi. A pope of many firsts, Pope Francis achieved several milestones upon his election: the first Jesuit Pope, the first pope from the Americas, and the first ever from the southern hemisphere.

Inclusivity in the church

The Pope also set a milestone by showing openness to the LGBTQ+ community, unlike his predecessors. In a televised interview in 2013, when asked about priests who were homosexual, he replied: “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?” In January 2023, he said that “Being Homosexual is not a crime” in an interview with AP. He also called out the laws that criminalise homosexuality “unjust”. In 2013, The Advocate, an American LGBTQ+ magazine, named him Person of the Year.

Pope Francis’ deep affection for the poor was seen in multiple instances. On the first Holy Thursday after his election, he kissed and washed the feet of ten male and two female juvenile offenders imprisoned at Rome’s detention facility, telling them that this ritual signifies he was at their service. In this ritual, prisoners who followed Islam as their religion were also included by him, a landmark moment in the Vatican’s history.

A voice for the Poor and victims

Pope Francis chose this name because Saint Francis was extremely concerned with the welfare of the poor, and this was reflected multiple times during his papacy. Unlike popes from the past, Pope Francis had personal outreach with the homeless and poor. In a noble event, he turned a Vatican Plaza into a refuge for the homeless, whom he called “Nobles of the street”. He also practised a foot-washing ceremony of migrants and the poor to show he serves them.

“I cannot greet people from inside a sardine can, even if it is made of glass”, said Pope Francis when asked about his outreach meetings. His holiness was also a passionate advocate for world peace. He called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine several times. According to Vatican News, it was reported that he would video call with the Holy Family Catholic Parish in Gaza every night since October 2024, offering prayers and solidarity to the residents, including Christians and Muslims. As a result of his acts of kindness, people called him “Champion of the Poor” and “Poor people’s Pope”.

Pope on Climate Change

Pope Francis left a deep impact on the issue of Climate Change. In his 12 years of papacy, he repeatedly raised the problem of human-caused global warming from burning fossil fuels. He encouraged citizens and world leaders to take action against the same.

Pope Francis criticised developed countries like the US, which have contributed the most to planet warming pollution. He said poor nations have contributed the least to climate pollution. Francis inspired many Catholics to form climate groups, including The Global Catholic Climate Movement, which is now called the Laudato Si’ Movement. This movement aims to bring people together and fight the climate crisis while also protecting the environment and scrutinising eco-spirituality, sustainability, and social justice.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and Pope Francis had their first-ever meeting during the PM’s visit to Italy in October 2021 for the G20 Summit. They discussed various issues, including Climate Change. Modi invited the Pope to visit India, which was politely accepted by Pope Francis. In their next meeting in 2024 at the G7 summit, PM Modi expressed his admiration for Pope Francis’ passion for the Environment and reiterated his invitation for a papal visit to India.

Pope Francis did not just lead the Catholic Church, he changed what it stands for with compassion, humility and love. The world mourned as he passed away, with billions of Catholics and World leaders expressing their grief. His funeral was held on Saturday, 26th April, 2025, in Vatican City. Nearly 250,000 people attended his funeral. He remains as one of the only popes in over a century to be buried outside of the Vatican in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. While his views were widely praised, some traditional Catholics disagreed with his more progressive and liberal stance on social issues. Nonetheless, his legacy will always be remembered by the world.

The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, lit up on 2nd March 2025, as some of the best in American and global cinema gathered to celebrate the most powerful performances of the year at the 97th Academy Awards. This year, the prestigious annual ceremony was hosted by  Conan O’Brien, and the night’s lineup was compelling, bringing together a dynamic lineup of films spanning genres and cultures.

Leading the night, Sean Baker’s comedy-drama Anora swept the Oscars, winning five out of the six nominations, for Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, Best Director for Sean Baker, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing. This series of wins places Sean Baker alongside Walt Disney for the most Oscars ever won in one night. In his acceptance speech, Baker emphasised the importance of preserving the theatrical experience, urging filmmakers to continue creating stories for the big screen.

Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, made history as it garnered thirteen nominations, the most ever for a non-English language film. It won two awards, Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña and Best Original Song for the song ‘El Mal’.

Jon M. Chu’s fan favourite musical Wicked, with a total of ten nominations, walked away with two wins – Best Production Design for Paul Tezwall, making him the first African American man to win this award, and Best Costume Design for Nathan Crowley and Lee Sandales.

In the acting categories, Adrien Brody and Kieran Culkin delivered powerhouse performances, earning themselves the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards for The Brutalist and A Real Pain, respectively. The Brutalist won again, with Daniel Blumberg winning Best Original Score and L. Crowley winning Best Cinematography.

Conclave, directed by Edward Berger, earned the Best Writing on an Adapted Screenplay award for its gripping adaptation of Robert Harris’ mystery thriller novel.  Walter Salles’ I’m Still Here, a Portuguese film set in Brazil, took home the Best International Feature Film award.  Best Documentary Short Film was won by The Only Girl in the Orchestra, directed by Molly O’Brien, and the Best Short Film was I’m Not a Robot, directed by Victoria Warmerdam.

In the Animation category,  the Best Animated Feature Film award went to Flow, a Latvian adventure film without dialogue directed by Gints Zilbalodis. Best Animated Short Film was taken home by In The Shadow of Cypress, directed by Shirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi, which beautifully captures the evolving relationship between a father who struggles with PTSD and his daughter.

Source: X/ @TheAcademy

The documentary film No Other Land, the directorial debut of a four-Palestinian-Israeli collective of activists, Yuval Abraham, Hamdan Ballal, Basel Adra, and Rachel Szor, won the Best Documentary Feature Film award. The documentary, filmed between 2019 and 2023, depicts the destruction caused by war, resistance in the Palestinian West Bank and the growing friendship between Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham and the Palestinian activist Basel Adra.

Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve, was nominated for five awards and won Best Sound and Best Achievement in Visual Effects. Also nominated for five awards was Coralie Fargeat’s body horror film, The Substance, which won the Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

As the curtains closed on the 97th Academy Awards, the night served as a testament that cinema goes beyond entertainment- it is a medium for bold and conscious storytelling and cultural commentary. This year’s ceremony shone the spotlight on the year’s films that highlighted the human experience and invited the global film community to reflect and yearn for more such stories.

New York Fashion Week – the semi-annual event that kicks off the season of fashion. Over the years, we have seen spectacular arrays of outfits ranging from elegance to avant-garde. This year, however, has opened up a different door of fashion for us. Bringing in mixed reviews, New York Fashion Week 2025 (NYFW 25) held from 6-11 February in Manhattan brought about fresh perspectives and collections for this year’s Fall/Winter (FW) edition.

Arising Trends 
With this year’s runway, we can see that designers are seeking more of a comfort and cosy vibe, while perfectly tying it in with style and grace. This could be because of the current state of the world, where in times of crisis, people try to seek comfort. Dramatic draping and layering are a common theme. Statement skirts with oversized pillowy silhouettes and circles draping brought in that tone of comfort. Corduroy, lace, velvet and denim were some fabrics used often. Feathers and fringe added movement to gowns, giving a sense of ethereal fluidity, while structured leather pieces brought an edgy contrast. Sheer fabrics and lace were reimagined in fresh, contemporary ways, offering a balance between delicacy and modernity. Leather gloves and jackets were styled to perfection on models representing Coach, Khaite and Tory Burch.

Hues of warm and rich colours like beige, red, dark green and browns will become more of a staple in people’s closets. Monochrome looks also made a major impact, particularly in all-white and all-black ensembles that exuded effortless elegance. Compared to last year, more smoky makeup and bangs were seen on models. Flowers are huge this season, with organic and 3D ones embellished on dresses.

Accessories took centre stage this season, elevating all the looks to new heights. Oversized earrings, chunky chains, and dramatic headpieces were seen across multiple runways.

Anticipated Runways
Veronica Leoni debuted her first collection with Calvin Klein as the new creative director, who last had their runway on NYFW six years ago. Her approach to the collection was to blend minimalism with luxury. She mixed in different drapes, layers and volumes. Tory Burch brought in sportswear, calling it ‘twisted American sportswear.’ There was knitwear, crewneck sweaters and slashed cardigans. Michael Kors wanted to appeal to an older audience and brought in fashion from the 70s and 80s. Monochromatic looks in shades of deep purple and greys reminded people of evening looks. Kaithe and Brandon Maxwell brought back leather-styled looks, with leather jackets, gloves and maxi skirts. Thom Browne closed the curtains with notions of fantasy. Birds were repeated symbols, and he explained it by saying they were symbols of freedom.

Mixed Opinions
This season, the reception from the critics was pretty mixed. While some thought that certain shows lacked coherence or played it too safe, others applauded the designers for their bold decisions and dedication to defying fashion conventions. Vogue interviewed a few people, including designers, critics and publicists, to get a more comprehensive idea. The week’s exuberant spirit was commended by publicist Lucien Pagès, who suggested a lively and dynamic atmosphere. Given Paris’s historical sway on New York, critic Alexander Fury suggested that the city has to improve its fashion sector even more. The success of Thom Browne’s collection and the emergence of up-and-coming designers like Luar suggested that there was room for fresh perspectives in the fashion industry. In addition, several well-known designers came under fire for failing to advance sustainability initiatives in spite of the rising demand for environmentally friendly clothing.

The designers of this season pushed the limits of conventional fashion while embracing drama and refinement. One thing is certain as another incredible fashion week comes to an end: the upcoming year will be characterised by elegance and daring.