Category: Feature Stories

On Wednesday, the cardinals will enter the conclave in the Sistine Chapel. On that day, a mass is celebrated first, then the procession into the Sistine begins. The first ballot takes place in the afternoon. As things stand, 133 cardinals will elect the new pope; two prelates have canceled due to illness. The so-called pre-conclave, the informal consultations of the cardinals in the synod hall, is currently underway. Pietro Parolin is highly regardedThe former Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin (70), is considered an up-and-coming candidate to succeed Pope Francis.…

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Every year on May 1st, millions of workers worldwide observe International Workers’ Day, better known as Labor Day in many countries. It’s not just a day off—it’s a powerful reminder of how far labor rights have come and how much further they need to go. The celebration on May 1st isn’t random. It’s rooted in protest, sacrifice, and a fight for dignity in the workplace. The Origins: Born from Struggle Labor Day on May 1st traces back to the labor movement in the late 19th century, particularly the 1886 Haymarket…

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Global Overview World Bank Poverty Line: Extreme poverty is living on less than $2.15/day (2023). Many developing nations use thresholds like $3.65/day or $6.85/day, depending on the country’s income level. The cost of living varies significantly between Austria and the Philippines, influenced by housing, food, transportation, and lifestyle choices. Here’s a comparative overview for a single adult in both countries: (Austria – Cost of Living – Expat Focus) Austria (as of early 2025) Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Adult: Total Estimated Cost: Approximately €1,709 to €1,900 (Your guide to…

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Demographic growth and dynamics The number of Catholics in Asia is growing steadily, even if they remain a minority of the overall population. While around one in nine Catholics worldwide live in Asia, their proportion steadily increases, particularly in the Philippines, India, and South Korea. In absolute figures, there are around 150 million Catholics in Asia, corresponding to around ten percent of all Catholics worldwide. The growth rates are higher than in Europe or America, where the Church is stagnating or shrinking. Growth is particularly dynamic in countries such as…

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Rice is one of the most essential foods in the world. In Asia, in particular, it forms the basis of the diet of billions of people. Rice consumption has also changed significantly in Germany: In the 2023/24 harvest year, everyone in this country consumed an average of 6.8 kilograms of rice, three times as much as in 1950. The choice in the supermarket is huge: long grain, basmati, jasmine, or whole grain rice. Many people deliberately choose brown rice because it is considered healthier. However, new research findings from the…

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The funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican is followed by the election of his successor, the conclave. Within 15 to 20 days of the funeral in the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals will elect the new pope in private.Now, it’s all about who the successor will be. Although the conclave to elect the 267th pontiff will begin on no date (although many expect May 5 or 6), names are already being bandied about. Until white smoke risesThe decision will be made in a highly old-fashioned way that still fascinates the…

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Many people in Austria are experiencing allergies that are making everyday life difficult. The main culprits are trees and shrubs, many of which are already in full bloom. According to experts, global warming extends the pollen season and makes the forests more allergenic. Cross-reactions are also making life difficult for those affected. Birch, alder, and hazel are tree species that release much pollen and cause allergic reactions. However, the pollen load is probably not higher this year than last year, said Silvio Schüler from the Federal Research Center for Forests.…

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When people think about health, they often focus on diet, exercise, and genetics. But the environment around us plays a huge role, bigger than most realize. The World Health Organization states that nearly a quarter of global deaths are linked to environmental factors. That’s around 13 million deaths every year caused by things like air pollution, contaminated water, exposure to chemicals, and unsafe workplaces. Air pollution alone is responsible for about 7 million deaths annually. Breathing in delicate particulate matter damages the lungs, heart, and brain, leading to diseases like…

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The Vatican claims that St. Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles and the first pope, is buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. But how solid is the evidence? According to Christian tradition, Peter was martyred in Rome around 64 AD during Emperor Nero’s persecution. Early Christians reportedly buried him in a simple grave on Vatican Hill, a site that later became a significant place of worship. In the 4th century, Emperor Constantine built the original basilica directly over what was believed to be Peter’s tomb. Fast forward to the 20th century: during…

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