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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...
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Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Unity in Historic Inaugural Mass

In a momentous event that marked the beginning of his papacy, Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papal throne, delivered a powerful plea for peace and unity during his inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square. The ceremony, attended by an estimated 200,000 faithful, including world leaders, dignitaries, and religious figures, underscored the pontiff’s vision for a reconciled world.

Leo XIV, a 69-year-old Augustinian missionary from Chicago, emphasized the need for harmony within the Catholic Church and beyond, urging the faithful to reject hatred, division, and economic exploitation. “I would like that our first great desire be for a united church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,” he declared during his homily.

The Mass was steeped in tradition, with Leo XIV receiving the two potent symbols of the papacy—the pallium, a lambswool stole representing his pastoral duty, and the Fisherman’s Ring, signifying his role as the successor of St. Peter. The pope appeared visibly moved as these symbols were placed upon him, clasping his hands in prayer as the weight of his new responsibility settled in.

Among the distinguished guests were U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, reflecting the global significance of the event. The Vatican confirmed that Leo XIV would hold private meetings with several leaders, including Zelenskyy, to discuss pressing international issues.

Leo XIV’s message of unity resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom waved American flags in celebration of the historic moment. As the Mass concluded, jubilant cheers of “Papa!” echoed through the square, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church under its first American leader.

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