Austrian News

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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