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Historic Milestone: Leo XIV Becomes First American Pope

by News Editor

May 9, 2025

On May 8, 2025, history was made as Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, was elected as Pope Leo XIV—the first pontiff from the United States. Addressing the world from the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV called for global peace and paid tribute to his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, emphasizing continuity in the church’s mission to assist the poor and marginalized.

Meet the New Pope

At 69, Leo XIV brings with him a wealth of experience from his missionary work in South America, holding dual citizenship in the US and Peru. His unique global perspective is expected to build upon and expand Pope Francis’ reforms, particularly in the areas of social justice and equality. His election has sparked congratulations worldwide, including from leaders eager to work with him on diverse international issues.

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Worldwide Reactions and Future Expectations

From political leaders to religious communities, the response to Pope Leo XIV’s election has been overwhelmingly positive. US President Donald Trump hailed it as an honor for the country, while other world leaders look forward to collaborating with the Vatican on pressing global concerns. The new Pope’s approach to inclusive church policies resonates with many, reflecting evolving roles within religious traditions.

Community Reflections

In Chicago, Pope Leo’s hometown, there’s a palpable sense of pride. Religious and community leaders anticipate Pope Leo XIV will continue advocating for the underprivileged, aligning with the forward-looking spirit of his ministry. His respected views on women’s roles within the church further highlight his progressive stance.

Pope Leo XIV’s impactful journey is drawing attention on a global stage. Dive deeper into the future of the Catholic Church and what this historic appointment means on both spiritual and global fronts.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

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In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.