Mideast war a 'big problem' for EU competitiveness: Former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta

Pope Leo XIV on Monday began a landmark visit to Algeria, where he called for forgiveness in a speech paying tribute to victims of the country's war of independence from France (1954-1962). The pontiff called for peace in all nations to prevail, in a trip overshadowed by the US-Israeli war in Iran and an extraordinary broadside against Leo by President Donald Trump.

Pope Leo XIV on Monday said he had "no intention to debate" with Donald Trump, after the US president criticised him over his comments on the US-Iran war. "I am not a politician," the pope told reporters aboard the papal plane as they headed to Algeria for the pontiff's first visit to Africa. "I have no intention to debate with (Trump). The message is the same: to promote peace."

Behind most card payments in Europe stand two American giants, Visa and Mastercard – a dependence recently thrust into the spotlight. After issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several judges at the International Criminal Court were sanctioned by Washington, leaving them unable to use their bank cards – even on European soil.