Pope Leo Xiv and Lebanon's President at A Valedictory Ceremony - Beirut

Pope Leo Xiv and Lebanon's President at A Valedictory Ceremony - Beirut

Pope Leo XIV sits next to Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's president, during a valedictory ceremony in Beirut, Lebanon, on December 2, 2025, before his departure to Rome. The Pope called for Middle East peace amid Lebanon's economic crisis and Israeli airstrikes. Photo by Fadel Itani/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo Xiv and Lebanon's President at A Valedictory Ceremony - Beirut

Pope Leo Xiv and Lebanon's President at A Valedictory Ceremony - Beirut

Pope Leo XIV stands next to Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's president, during a valedictory ceremony in Beirut, Lebanon, on December 2, 2025, before his departure to Rome. The Pope called for Middle East peace amid Lebanon's economic crisis and Israeli airstrikes. Photo by Fadel Itani/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pope Leo Xiv and Lebanon's President at A Valedictory Ceremony - Beirut

Pope Leo Xiv and Lebanon's President at A Valedictory Ceremony - Beirut

Pope Leo XIV looks at a paper as Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's president, delivers a speech next to him during a valedictory ceremony in Beirut, Lebanon, on December 2, 2025, before his departure to Rome. The Pope called for Middle East peace amid Lebanon's economic crisis and Israeli airstrikes. Photo by Fadel Itani/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Philippine Senate President Zubiri steps down, Escudero sworn in

STORY: Philippine Senate President Zubiri steps down, Escudero sworn in SHOOTING TIME: May 20, 2024 DATELINE: May 21, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:09 LOCATION: Manila CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Senator Zubiri speaking 2. various of Senator Escudero swearing in 3. various of Escudero attending press conference STORYLINE: Philippine Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri Monday confirmed that he is stepping down. Francis Escudero was sworn in as the new chief of the legislative body. Senator Juan Edgardo Angara told reporters that 15 out of 24 senators voted to oust Zubiri from the post. "My heart is broken," Zubiri said in a speech at the plenary session. "Today I offer my resignation as Senate president of the Republic of the Philippines," he added. "I did my best. I leave my head up high," Zubiri told reporters minutes before giving his valedictory speech to the Senate. Following the shake-up, all senate committees will be declared vacant. Escudero said he was also surprised by what