World
Europe
Pope opens new Jubilee year when pilgrims can obtain special indulgences
Some 32 million tourists are expected to walk through the “Holy Door” just opened by Francis at St Peter’s. He’s asked all to have courage to better the world.
- by Joshua McElwee
Latest
Nine signs of dementia to watch out for in older relatives
For Elizabeth Leonard, time spent together as a family marked the beginning of a long road to accepting that there might be something wrong.
- by Miranda McMinn
Has Mary Magdalene finally been found in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel?
The famous female disciple of Jesus may have been identified among 300 tangled figures depicted in the Sistine Chapel masterpiece.
- by Josephine McKenna
Editorial
Russia-Ukraine war
Australian captured by Russia risks becoming bargaining chip
An Australian taken prisoner in Ukraine has been classified as a mercenary by Russia and faces prison.
- The Herald's View
Australia demands answers from Russian ambassador over Australian prisoner of war
Australia is urgently seeking updates on the welfare of Melbourne man Oscar Jenkins, after footage of him being slapped by Russian interrogators circulated online.
- by Rob Harris and Natassia Chrysanthos
Iran is hiring children to attack Israeli targets in Europe
Investigators say three attacks this year are part of a new trend in which Iran-affiliated actors recruit local criminals to strike at targets in Europe.
- by Heidi Taksdal Skjeseth
Editorial
Crime
An extraordinary woman stood up to dozens of ordinary men – and exploded a myth
A horrific mass rape trial in France has shone a light on the dark web and may help change attitudes around the world.
- The Herald's View
Albania to shut TikTok ‘down for everyone’ for one year after killing of teenager
Local media had reported that the fatal incident followed arguments between the two boys on social media. Videos emerged on TikTok of minors supporting the killing.
- by Reuters
‘Something big will happen in Germany’: Christmas market attack suspect’s online boasts
The suspected attacker’s many posts on social media site X reveal him as a critic of Islam who railed against Muslim immigration into Europe.
- by Rob Harris
Updated
Tragedy
Car ploughs into ‘fairytale’ Christmas market killing at least five, injuring scores
The driver was arrested shortly after he had barrelled into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, when the town centre was teeming with holiday shoppers.
- by Rob Harris
Eight convicted over the beheading of French teacher Samuel Paty
Paty was killed by an Islamic extremist in 2020, after showing his class cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad during a mandated lesson on freedom of expression.
- by Tom Nouvian and Samuel Petrequin
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe