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Pope’s health a ‘complex clinical situation’, Vatican says

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Pope Francis is being treated for a “complex clinical situation” and will remain in hospital for as long as necessary, the Vatican has said.

The 88-year-old was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday to undergo treatment and tests for bronchitis.

On Monday, the Vatican said the pontiff has a “polymicrobial infection” of his respiratory tract, which has required a change in his treatment.

A later update added that the Pope was “proceeding with the prescribed treatment” in a stable condition and did not have a fever. He also undertook some work and reading while in hospital on Monday.

“Pope Francis is touched by the numerous messages of affection and closeness that he has been receiving in recent hours,” a statement added.

He especially wants to extend his thanks to those who are hospitalised at this time, for the affection and love they have expressed through drawings and messages of good wishes; he prays for them and asks that they pray for him.”

Before his admission last week, the Pope had bronchitis symptoms for several days and had delegated officials to read prepared speeches at events.

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni also told reporters on Monday that the pontiff was in good spirits.

A short statement on his condition said: “All tests carried out to date are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require appropriate hospitalisation.”

The pontiff’s weekly general audience, which is usually held each Wednesday, has been cancelled for this week, the statement added.

Over the weekend, the Vatican said the Pope was stable and that he’d been told to have “complete rest” to aid his recovery.

On Friday and Saturday he held a video call with the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, led by Father Gabriel Romanelli.

“We heard his voice. It is true, he is more tired. He himself said, ‘I have to take care of myself.’ But you could hear the clear voice, he listened to us well,” Fr Romanelli told Vatican News.

On Sunday, Fr Romanelli said he received only a text message from the Pope, thanking the parish for its well wishes.

The Pope was unable to deliver his regular weekly prayer on Sunday in St Peter’s Square or lead a special mass for artists to mark the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year.

He also held meetings at his Vatican residence last week in an attempt to rest and recover.

Members of the public outside St Peter’s Basilica have been sharing their well wishes for the Pope.

Bernard, an Australian living in England and visiting Rome with his children, said “we will say a prayer for the Pope”.

“They always take up the job when they’re already elderly. So yes, it’s often that they suffer medical issues as a result,” he told the BBC.

Rome resident Armando called the Pope “a great soul” and an “inspiration for us all”.

“All the best, Pope. We are waiting for you back,” he said.

The Pope has been hospitalised several times during his 12 years as leader of the Roman Catholic Church and has suffered a number of health issues throughout his life, including having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21.

In March 2023, he spent three nights in hospital with bronchitis and in June that year underwent a three-hour operation to repair an abdominal hernia.

Another bout of illness also forced him to cancel his trip to the United Arab Emirates for the COP28 climate summit in 2023.

In December last year he appeared with a large bruise on his chin when he led a ceremony in St Peter’s Basilica to install 21 new Catholic cardinals, which the Vatican said was the result of a minor fall.

More recently, in January he fell and hurt his right arm and a sling was put on as a precaution.

Source: BBC

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H’tota Bird Park owner remanded (Update)

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The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park has been remanded.

He has been remanded until July 25 by the Hambantota Magistrate’s Court.

He was arrested earlier today (July 17) by a special police team for allegedly concealing illegally imported motorcycles in a warehouse.


(Previous news 2025 July 17 – 11.42 am.)

H’tota Bird Park owner arrested

The owner of the Hambantota Bird Park was arrested in connection with the illegal importation of luxury motorcycles into Sri Lanka.

Police stated that the suspect had been evading authorities for several days. He was arrested today (17) in Colombo and is currently being held at the Maradana Police Station.

The suspect is scheduled to be presented before court today.

Earlier, police seized 21 illegally imported motorcycles – including 8 luxury bikes and 4 tricycle-type motorcycles — from a warehouse at the Hambantota Bird Park.

The raid was carried out by the Central Crimes Investigation Bureau based on information received by the Acting Inspector General of Police.

Previously, the park’s manager and warehouse supervisor were arrested and remanded until July 25 in connection with the case.

The seized motorcycles are valued at over Rs. 200 million.

Police also revealed that the suspects had previously been involved in illegal vehicle imports.

(News1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Half-naked Thai tourist in Arugam Bay: Male or female?

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A legal controversy is brewing following the sentencing of a Thai tourist in Arugam Bay, after a social media post questioned how the court interpreted gender in a topless incident involving the foreign national.

The 26-year-old Thai tourist was recently handed a suspended five-year prison sentence by the Pottuvil Magistrate’s Court after pleading guilty to charges of indecent behaviour and causing public disturbance.

The individual, identified in court as female, was arrested earlier this week after images emerged on social media showing the tourist walking topless near a hotel.

However, the situation has taken a new turn after a photo of the Thai national’s passport, also shared online, showed the sex listed as “M” (male) and includes the title “Mr.”, raising questions about how the court determined the offence, given that Sri Lankan law does not criminalize shirtless behaviour for men in public.

The post suggests that the ruling could highlight a legal grey area, as Sri Lankan law does not currently recognize gender identities beyond the male-female binary.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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SRK cancels visit to SL

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Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, who was scheduled to perform at the launch of City of Dreams Sri Lanka later this year, will not attend the event, reports say.

A statement by the organisers notes, “unfortunately due to unforeseen personal reasons beyond his control, Mr. Khan is no longer able to attend.”

“The launch event will continue as a landmark celebration, featuring an extraordinary lineup of local and international talent to be unveiled in the coming days. We are committed to making this moment a defining milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey to becoming a globally recognised destination for world-class entertainment,” the statement adds.

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