From Portugal with devotion – Hundreds bid farewell to Our Lady of Fatima as statue sets off to Rome for Jubilee of Marian Spirituality

From Portugal with devotion – Hundreds bid farewell to Our Lady of Fatima as statue sets off to Rome for Jubilee of Marian Spirituality

"Believers gathered at the Fatima Shrine in Portugal on Friday to bid a temporary farewell as the statue of Our Lady of Fatima set off to Rome for the fourth time. Footage shows devotees attending the ceremony, and officials placing the statue in a vehicle. According to the Vatican, the statue "will be present among the faithful during the Holy Mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, October 12." "It was a very beautiful moment, it ended up being a unique experience, and that, well, seeing Our Lady being removed is a feeling of a temporary goodbye," said a devotee. Other ceremony attendees called the historic moment 'unique' and 'peaceful'. Carlos Cabecinhas, Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, said the Pope had personally requested the image to be present at the Marian Spirituality Days of the Jubilee. He explained that, according to Monsignor Rino Fisichella, Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, the request was made because the image is "one of the most significant Marian symbols in the entire world." The journey follows a request first made by Pope Francis and later reiterated by Pope Leo XIV. This is the fourth time the statue has travelled to Rome since 1984."

World Cup friendly? Brazil beats South Korea 5-0 as fans pack Seoul stadium

World Cup friendly? Brazil beats South Korea 5-0 as fans pack Seoul stadium

"Despite heavy downpours, fans gathered to cheer for their favourite players during the highly anticipated friendly contest between South Korea and Brazil at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Friday, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Footage filmed on Friday shows fans queuing outside the stadium in raincoats and under umbrellas, with Korean supporters standing out in their national team's red jerseys. "We're a little bit divided in terms of who we are going to support, but I think it's quite obvious. We're gonna be reinforcing the Brazilian soul here," said a fan. A home team supporter said he was worried since the Brazilian team had former Real Madrid players. "The Korean national team also has talented overseas players like Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. I think it’s going to be a great match if they perform well," he commented. Brazil cruised to a 5-0 victory over South Korea, with Estevao and Rodrygo scoring twice each and Vinicius Junior adding another, highlighting the team's form. Brazil has already secured a place at the 2026 World Cup and will play Chile and Bolivia next month in their final two qualifiers."