POPE VISIT – Pope Francis is paying a rare visit to Luxembourg today, before heading to Brussels, a trip to “the heart of Europe” he will use to discuss the continent’s role in the world. Recovering from a mild flu after a gruelling Asia-Pacific trip, the 87-year-old pontiff is to land at Findel Airport at around 10am. He will be welcomed by Grand Duke Henri, his wife Grand Duchess Maria-Teresa, Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, a close friend of Francis’s.
The head of the Catholic Church will address Luxembourg authorities this morning and meet a few hundred faithful at Notre-Dame Cathedral in the afternoon.
Francis will also greet members of the public in the streets of the capital during a popemobile tour under tight security. It will be the first papal visit to the country in almost 40 years. RTL is live on all its platforms during the Pope’s visit. From a quarter to ten there is a special show on TV.
The visit will have a significant impact on traffic and public transport. From 9am onward, traffic in the upper town will be restricted. Boulevard Royal, Avenue Marie-Thérèse, and Boulevard F.D. Roosevelt will also be closed to private traffic. You can check live updates on today.rtl.lu/mobility.
PIRATE PARTY – Another Pirate Party resignation has been announced – Marie-Marthe Muller is switching to the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Pary (LSAP). This development follows former MP Ben Polidori’s defection to the LSAP.
PROPERTY PRICES – Property prices are on the rise again. According to STATEC figures, the numbers from the second trimester of 2024 indicate a shift away from the five consecutive quarters of decline. Despite these improvements, real estate activity remains below pre-crisis levels.
CARITAS SCANDAL – The Caritas saga continues: the prosecutor’s preliminary investigation now extends to Spuerkeess and BGL BNP Paribas, amid concerns of potential violations of anti-money laundering laws. The goal is to find out how the two banks were able to process 125 transfers in just six months, especially considering the anti-money laundering regulations.
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT – The US and French leaders have pressed jointly for an immediate 21-day ceasefire in Lebanon, in a call joined by allies as the death toll mounts from Israeli strikes on Hezbollah. Presidents Joe Biden and Emmanuel Macron met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York as they voiced fears that the conflict, after a year of bloodshed in Gaza, would escalate into a full-blown regional war.
FLORIDA HURRICANE – An increasingly powerful hurricane threatening “catastrophic”, dangerous storm surges and flooding is forecast to smash into Florida’s Gulf coast later today. Thousands of residents along the state’s coastal region have been evacuated.
UKRAINE WAR – President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of plotting potentially catastrophic attacks on Ukrainian nuclear plants, in a defiant UN address. Zelensky addressed the annual gathering of world leaders to rally support before a high-profile visit to the White House, where President Biden’s administration promised new military aid.
EU WOLVES – EU member states have voted in favour of lowering the protection status of wolves, a move decried by conservationists that paves the way for a relaxation of tight hunting restrictions. Grey wolves were virtually exterminated in Europe a century ago, but their numbers have rebounded thanks to conservation efforts.
FOOTBALL – In national football, Differdange remains unbeaten after matchday eight. Yesterday they won a 2-1 victory against Mondercange. The match Niederkorn against Racing was cancelled due to the weather. Hesper won 4-0 against Rodange. Dudelange beat Fola 6-1. And Hostert beat Bettembourg 4-2.
Erik ten Hag has slammed his Manchester United team after a costly mistake from Christian Eriksen condemned them to a 1-1 draw against FC Twente in their Europa League opener last night.
RUGBY – New Zealand veteran Beauden Barrett has been recalled to start at flyhalf against Australia this weekend, replacing Damian McKenzie who has been relegated to the bench. While on the Australian side, star winger Marika Koroibete will miss the Bledisloe Cup rematch against New Zealand on Saturday with a wrist injury, while scrum-half Nic White has been axed from the matchday squad.
Another game to watch this weekend will be the Rugby Championship title decider between Argentina and South Africa on Saturday. Eben Etzebeth, the towering forward will become South Africa’s most-capped rugby Test player as he makes his 128th appearance.
If you’re planning to make the journey into the city centre for the historic visit of Pope Francis, don’t forget to pack a rain jacket or an umbrella... or perhaps even both. Unfortunately, it seems that miracles for a sunny day are unlikely, so be prepared for some wet weather. Rain showers are anticipated throughout the day and into the evening. Morning temperatures start off between 11–14°C rising to around 14–17°C by the afternoon.
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