VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Church in Malta and its Archbishop have expressed deep concern over what they described as an unjustified attack on Pope Leo XIV by US President Donald Trump. In a statement, the Archbishop said he shared the unease of Catholics worldwide over the tone and substance of the criticism directed at the Pontiff, warning against undermining the Holy Father’s role.

He reaffirmed that Pope Leo’s recent message — that “war divides; hope unites” — reflects the Church’s long-standing teaching on peace, humility and compassion.

The Archbishop noted that the Pope has consistently called for dialogue and urged world leaders to listen to children affected by war, describing this as a moral appeal for responsibility in global conflicts. He stressed that such values are especially vital amid rising international tensions and should be upheld rather than dismissed. According to the Archbishop, he has already raised his concerns directly with the US Ambassador to Malta, while reaffirming the Maltese Church’s solidarity with the Pope.

The remarks come after President Trump publicly criticised Pope Leo XIV, calling him “very liberal” and saying he was “not a fan” of the pontiff. Trump also accused the Pope of being weak on crime and foreign policy, following recent comments by the Pontiff warning against what he described as a “delusion of omnipotence” driving global conflict.

The exchange marks a rare public clash between a US president and the Vatican, as such disputes are usually handled through diplomatic channels. During a recent prayer service, Pope Leo spoke about the moral consequences of war and cautioned against justifying violence in the name of faith. Although he did not mention Trump directly, his remarks were widely interpreted as criticism of US foreign policy positions. Trump later urged the Pope to focus on religious leadership rather than political commentary, escalating tensions between the White House and the Vatican.

– Foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LONDON (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – It’s not just Juventus; Newcastle are also interested in Manuel Ugarte, the 24-year-old Uruguay international midfielder who has struggled to secure consistent playing time at Manchester United.

According to Uruguayan media, the Magpies had already submitted a bid for the player back in January, which was rejected by the Red Devils. Now, according to reports from English outlet Football Insider, Newcastle have renewed their interest, also because they could lose Sandro Tonali, the Italian midfielder who is highly rated by Manchester United (as well as Juventus and Napoli).

In this context, the former AC Milan player could be included as part of negotiations between the two clubs. Ugarte would allow Manchester United to reduce the cost of a potential deal for Tonali, while Newcastle could achieve their transfer target and also secure a significant financial return.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Finance Minister Clyde Caruana warned that energy and fuel subsidies could exceed spending forecasts this year, as global instability pushes prices higher.

Regarding the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict with Iran, Caruana said the government expects to spend between €80 million and €100 million more than initially planned. Despite this, he insisted that Malta remains on track to meet its fiscal targets.

Malta currently spends around €150 million annually on energy subsidies, a system introduced in 2022 with no set end date. Costs peaked at around €350 million in the same year, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, Caruana expects the current crisis to have a more limited financial impact in 2026 than previous shocks. He noted that the projected increase remains well within the government’s emergency reserve of €250 million.

– Photo Malta Department of Information –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “On the eve of his journey to Africa, the words of Pope Leo XIV on peace resonate with a force that extends beyond the boundaries of the Church and calls upon the entire international community. This is not a formal exhortation, but a profound, clear sighted and courageous appeal”. This was stated by Kamel Ghribi, President of the GKSD Group and Vice President of the San Donato Group.

“At a time marked by wars, tensions and new global fractures, the Holy Father has chosen Africa as both a symbolic and a real setting from which to renew a universal message: peace is not a utopian ideal, but a concrete responsibility that requires vision, determination and courage” Ghribi continued.

“For this reason, now more than ever, a further step is required. An appeal to the leaders of the world, that they may heed this voice and translate it into political, diplomatic and economic choices consistent with the building of peace. An appeal to peoples, that they may firmly support those who, with wisdom and responsibility, point towards a path different from the logic of conflict. An appeal to Christians, called to rise to the example of their spiritual leader: courageous in witness, consistent in commitment, and capable of building bridges rather than barriers. An appeal to believers of every faith, that they may recognise in this historical moment the strength of a spiritual leadership that speaks to all without division, and that places at its centre the dignity of the human person, dialogue and reconciliation”.

“The African mission of Pope Leo XIV represents the hope that dialogue can prevail over confrontation,” concluded the President of the GKSD Group and Vice President of the San Donato Group. “That peace may be built if sustained by a shared will. To support this mission is to assume responsibility. It is to believe that the future is not already determined by conflict, but may be guided by a higher vision. Today, that vision has a clear voice. It calls to be heard and supported. No one can remain silent”.

– Photo Gksd –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Arsenal and Mikel Arteta will either win the Premier League or the Champions League, or they’ll be divorced. According to the website of Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, this is the current situation at the Gunners.

The home defeat to Bournemouth has complicated their path to the English title, but hasn’t compromised anything, yet there’s already talk of a possible divorce. The Basque manager, among other things, is also one step away from the Champions League semi-finals, but after seven seasons and a contract expiring in 2027, according to the Catalan portal, things could change if trophies fail to arrive.

The ideal candidate for “MD” has already been identified as his replacement: current Como manager Cesc Fabregas, who wore the Arsenal jersey from 2004 to 2011.

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(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MADRID (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Real Madrid are considering a possible return for Toni Kroos. According to AS, the Blancos management is considering adding the German to their management team. Kroos’ presence would certainly benefit Arbeloa and his former teammates, who played alongside him until June 2024. His return is expected to take place next season, with the decision reportedly already made by all parties involved, including Florentino Pérez, who is reportedly pushing for Kroos’ return.

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Source: medNews

BERLIN (GERMANY) (ITALPRESS) – A historic turning point in the Bundesliga, with a woman taking the helm of a German top division team for the first time: following yesterday’s 3-1 defeat to bottom club Heidenheim, Union Berlin has decided to dismiss Steffen Baumgart. Marie-Louise Eta, currently in charge of the club’s Under-19 team and the future head coach of the women’s professional team, has been promoted to take over for the remainder of the season.

“I’m delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task,” Eta told the Union website. “One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pool all our energy in situations like this. And of course, I’m convinced that we’ll be able to secure the crucial points” to secure survival. After 29 matchdays, Union Berlin has 32 points, a seven-point lead over third-bottom St. Pauli.

“Two wins in fourteen matches since the winter break and the performances shown in recent weeks do not give us the confidence to turn things around with the current structure,” explained Horst Heldt, General Manager of Union Berlin.

“We have therefore decided to start from scratch. I am delighted that Marie Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before becoming coach of the women’s first team, as planned, in the summer,” he added.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

PARIS (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – Carlo Ancelotti has fallen in love with Brazil, and Brazilians have fallen in love with him. We’ll have to wait for the World Cup to find out whether it’s just an infatuation or a true, lasting love. In the meantime, the Italian coach is enjoying yet another chapter in his extraordinary career and, in an interview with L’Équipe, explains what has changed in his working method.

He has always been skilled at building strong groups by working with players on a daily basis, whereas as a national team coach he sees them only after long breaks. “It’s true that it’s a bit different and that I have to adapt to these new rhythms, but we have tools that allow us to build and maintain good relationships. It’s important to have constant contact with my players, to know how they are, how they feel, physically and mentally. So I talk to them on the phone or see them when I go to watch matches in Brazil or in Europe. However, my job has evolved. Now it’s much more about observation and evaluation, and less about time spent together. Maybe it’s less stressful. This doesn’t stop me from maintaining the positive atmosphere I’ve always wanted in my teams. Here it’s easy. When players join the Seleção, they are truly happy. Wearing the Brazil shirt is incredibly important to them. At every meeting, I can feel the players’ happiness to be there,” Ancelotti explained.

– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

BARCELONA (SPAIN) (ITALPRESS) – Barcelona has done its part: now it’s Robert Lewandowski’s turn. The Catalan club, according to Mundo Deportivo, has submitted its offer to renew the 37-year-old Polish striker, whose contract is expiring.

Many clubs are interested despite his ID, including AC Milan and Juventus, as well as the Chicago Fire and several Saudi clubs. According to MD, Lewandowski would be happy to stay at Barcelona, ​​where he and his family are happy.

He will choose the best option, taking into account, beyond salary, the season the various suitors offer him. His response to Barça is expected by the end of the month; only then will the Polish striker have a clear idea of ​​his future.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LISBON (PORTUGAL) (ITALPRESS) – Lecce launched him, and he has confirmed his value at Sporting Lisbon. Morten Hjulmand has been one of the most sought-after midfielders since last season and could leave Portugal for a new adventure in June.

According to the newspaper “A Bola” website, Manchester City are the frontrunners, having already initiated discussions with the Lisbon club and relying on the services of Hugo Viana, a director who knows the Sporting captain well and is eager to see him wear the Citizens’ jersey.

The Portuguese newspaper also cites two main rivals: their cousins ​​Manchester United and Juventus. The Bianconeri have previously attempted to sign the 26-year-old Dane (who turns 27 on June 25). He has a contract until 2028, a release clause of €80 million, but could leave Sporting for between €40 and €50 million.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews