Category: Feature Stories

Before a planned trip, the question often arises: “Do I need a visa for my destination?” Some countries, such as Thailand, Great Britain, and Israel, have recently changed their rules. The Austrian passport is one of the most powerful in the world; nevertheless, a visa, eVisa, or electronic travel authorization (ETA) is required before entering around 60 countries. In some cases, the documents can be conveniently applied online; in others, however, a personal visit to the embassy is necessary. New rules for Thailand since MaySince May 1, 2025, Austrian citizens…

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Vienna, Austria – May 12, 2025 – The overseas voting process at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna concluded smoothly as the Special Board of Canvassers (SBOC) officially closed the polls at 1:00 PM today, May 12, 2025. Despite a slight delay in the arrival of necessary election paraphernalia—including SIM cards and USB routers—the digital voting and counting proceeded efficiently, yielding results within hours. Consul General Zoilo Velasco, chairman of the SBOC, convened the board at 9:00 AM to oversee the proceedings. Poll watchers from various Filipino political parties were present…

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Pope Leo XIV urgently appealed for peace during his first Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square. “Never again war!” cried Robert Francis Prevost, elected Pope on Thursday, in his Regina Coeli prayer, which is said in the period after Easter. In front of around 100,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope urged an end to conflicts around the world. He called for prayers for “the miracle of peace.” The new pontiff urgently pleaded for a ceasefire in the Middle East, an end to the violence, and the release…

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Mother’s Day, celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May, falls on May 11 in 2025. The holiday originated in the early 20th century in the United States, spearheaded by Anna Jarvis in 1908 to honor her late mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, a peace activist who cared for soldiers during the Civil War. Anna Jarvis sought to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of mothers and successfully campaigned for the day to become a national holiday. 1914 President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day a national observance, solidifying its place in American…

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Since the early days of the Catholic Church, the choice of a pope’s name has never been trivial. It often reflects a spiritual intention, an ideological origin, or a tribute to a significant figure in the Church’s history. When analyzing the 266 popes elected since St. Peter in the 1st century, specific names appear particularly often. John, the most popular papal nameThe name John was chosen by 23 popes, making it the most frequently used name in the papacy’s history. Its popularity is due to several factors, including the critical…

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Leo XIV celebrated his first mass as pope with the cardinals in the Sistine Chapel on Friday morning. There, the day before, the purple vestry had elected him as the successor to Pope Francis in the conclave. During the solemn entry into the magnificent chapel of the Apostolic Palace, Leo XIV wore the white chasuble and white mitre that are customary at Easter. His footwear was striking: he wore dark shoes instead of the red ones typical of many popes – a tradition that his predecessor, Francis, had already dispensed…

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A friendly driver or an attentive waitress: good service is often rewarded with a tip in this country. But what about financial appreciation abroad? In most countries, a tip of five to ten percent of the bill is the right amount. However, as the Association of German Banks explains, you should dig deeper into your pocket in the USA or Canada, where 15 to 20 percent is expected—unless a service charge is already included in the bill. In American restaurants, in particular, tipping is an unspoken obligation. It is better…

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Speculation is rife in St. Peter’s Square about who it could be. Africa and Asia are high on the agenda, but even cardinals are facing the harsh reality. The Archbishop of Algiers, Jean-Paul Vesco, said, “It’s a bit like soccer. People talk a lot about African teams. But in the end, the attention is focused on the European teams.” At 5 p.m. on Wednesday, “Extra omnes”—‘Everyone out’—except for the cardinals was the order of the day. The Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s unique frescoes, was sealed. Inside, the first round of…

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