Pope Francis: Key quotes from his papacy

Auckland Bus Stop AttackA 33-year-old foreign PhD student studying entomology was fatally attacked at a bus stop in Auckland, possibly while collecting insects. This incident marks the second fatal attack on a bug collector in the city within a year. Police are investigating and seeking information, including dashcam footage, from the public regarding the assault that occurred in Meadowbank. Full Article

Francis was elected pope in 2013, surprising many with his reformist zeal and humble style.He shifted the church’s focus to global issues like climate change and poverty, while addressing internal crises.Francis emphasised decentralisation, empowering local bishops, and opened debates on previously taboo topics within the church.A new styleFrancis was elected pope in March 2013 following Benedict's resignation, marking a shift towards reform within the church. The 76-year-old archbishop of Buenos Aires brought a unique blend...

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after battling health issues, including pneumonia. Luxon described the Pope as a “man of humility” and acknowledged his legacy of commitment to the vulnerable, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Condolences were also expressed by Winston Peters and Helen Clark, who honored the Pope’s contributions to peace and justice, extending support to those mourning his loss...

A North Shore woman reported encountering a suspicious individual claiming to conduct a storm damage survey for Auckland Council following Cyclone Tam. The resident noted that the visitor lacked identification and was the only one to arrive, prompting her to verify with the council, which confirmed that no staff are conducting house-to-house checks. Auckland Councillor Richard Hills advised residents to request ID from anyone claiming to represent the council and to report any suspicious activity...

Three young Kiwis, Luca Ririnui, Kelly Brown, and Jared Lasike, have gained acceptance to prestigious universities including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT. Among them, Luca Ririnui, a former Mount Maunganui College student, faces a significant decision after being admitted to these top-tier institutions. This achievement highlights the remarkable academic journeys of these individuals as they prepare to study at some of the best educational facilities in the world. Full Article

An NZME board nominee, Philip Crump, shared insights on how a board led by Jim Grenon would enhance the editorial direction of the NZ Herald, advocating for a shift from gatekeeping to content curation to foster quality and trust. Crump emphasized that Grenon, a businessman and Canadian expatriate, is not a political extremist and clarified that the Herald would not mirror Grenon's previous media venture, Centrist. He also criticized the current NZME board for resisting...