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Pope Francis remains alert as he battles pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital

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Pope Francis remains alert as he battles pneumonia at Gemelli Hospital

By Burnett Munthali

Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, remains in stable condition as he continues to receive medical care at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital.

Despite battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection since February 14, the Vatican has confirmed that the pontiff remains alert and even participated in a Mass on Sunday.

Pope



The pope, who has faced several health challenges in recent years, was admitted to the hospital after experiencing respiratory difficulties.

Medical experts attending to him have expressed cautious optimism about his condition, noting that while his illness is serious, he has shown resilience.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni reassured the public that Francis is receiving the best medical attention and is closely monitored by a team of doctors.

Pope Francis, known for his tireless commitment to global peace, humanitarian efforts, and interfaith dialogue, has continued to demonstrate his deep faith and spiritual strength despite his frailty.

His ability to attend Mass, even while hospitalized, is seen as a testament to his unwavering devotion to the Church and its followers.

Vatican officials reported that the Mass was conducted privately within the hospital premises, with a small group of close aides and medical staff in attendance.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis has been an advocate for the poor, an outspoken critic of global injustices, and a leader who has sought to bring reforms within the Catholic Church.

His hospitalization has sparked concerns among Catholics worldwide, with many offering prayers for his swift recovery.

Messages of support have poured in from world leaders, religious figures, and ordinary people alike, reflecting the deep respect and admiration he commands across different faiths and cultures.

As the pope continues to battle pneumonia, Vatican sources indicate that his schedule has been significantly adjusted to allow him ample time to recover.

Public appearances and major engagements remain postponed until further medical assessments determine his readiness to resume his duties.

The Vatican has not provided a specific timeline for his discharge but maintains that the pope is responding well to treatment.

This latest health scare comes at a time when Pope Francis has been actively engaged in addressing pressing global issues, including conflicts in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, and climate change.

His absence from active duties, even if temporary, raises questions about the future leadership of the Church should his condition worsen.

For now, however, the Catholic faithful remain hopeful that their spiritual leader will overcome this latest challenge.

Many have gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery, while bishops and priests across the world have called for special Masses dedicated to his health.

As the world watches and waits, Pope Francis continues to embody the resilience and faith that have defined his papacy.

His presence at Mass, even from a hospital room, serves as a powerful reminder of his commitment to his role as the shepherd of over a billion Catholics worldwide.

Two Ugandans arrested for stealing k11.5 million in Kasungu

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Two Ugandans arrested for stealing k11.5 million in Kasungu



By Twink Jones Gadama

Two Ugandan nationals, Sande Bernard and Butakye Robert, have been arrested by the Kasungu police for allegedly stealing K11.5 million from a local businessman, Austin Mubiwa.

According to Kasungu police publicist, Joseph Kachikho, the two suspects were apprehended at the Songwe border in Karonga as they attempted to exit the country.

The incident occurred on February 18, 2025, when Mubiwa visited a bank in Kasungu to withdraw money.



While waiting in line, he was approached by an unknown individual claiming to have US dollars and seeking to exchange them for Malawi Kwacha.

After withdrawing the money, Mubiwa accompanied the individual to a nearby restaurant, where he was introduced to two other suspects.

The suspects handed Mubiwa an envelope, allegedly containing 15,000 US dollars, and in exchange, Mubiwa gave them K11.5 million.

However, upon opening the envelope, Mubiwa discovered that it contained only papers, prompting him to report the incident to the police.

Inspector Kachikho praised the swift action of the police, who managed to recover the entire stolen amount. “We are pleased that our officers were able to act quickly and recover the stolen money,” Kachikho said. “This sends a strong message that we will not tolerate such criminal activities in our district.”

The arrest of the two Ugandan nationals has raised concerns about the increasing presence of foreign nationals involved in criminal activities in Malawi.

While the country has a long history of welcoming foreigners, there is growing concern that some individuals may be taking advantage of the country’s hospitality.

As the investigation into the incident continues, the police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being cautious when dealing with strangers, especially those who promise unusually high returns or make unsolicited offers.

In a related development, there have been reports of other incidents involving foreign nationals engaging in suspicious activities in Malawi.

While these incidents are still under investigation, they highlight the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public.

As the country continues to grapple with the challenges of economic development and security, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and working together to prevent crime and protect the interests of citizens.

Economic crisis deepens as FoodLovers shuts down, leaving farmers and workers struggling

247Malawi
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Economic crisis deepens as FoodLovers shuts down, leaving farmers and workers struggling

By Burnett Munthali

Malawi’s economic downturn is accelerating at an alarming rate, forcing many businesses to shut down due to an increasingly challenging operating environment.

The latest victim of this economic decline is FoodLovers, a well-known urban food retailer, which has announced its closure.

This development is not only a major blow to employees who will lose their jobs but also a significant setback for farmers who relied on the store as a crucial market for their produce.



The closure of FoodLovers highlights the severity of Malawi’s economic crisis.

Over the past few months, businesses across various sectors have struggled to cope with rising operational costs, inflation, and an unpredictable economic climate. Consumers are also feeling the impact as essential goods become unaffordable.

In some parts of the Southern Region, the price of maize, Malawi’s staple food, has skyrocketed to K120,000 per 50kg bag, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford basic necessities.

Despite these dire circumstances, the government has yet to provide a clear and effective plan to stabilize the economy. Minister of Finance Simplex Chithyola Banda and President Lazarus Chakwera have not laid out a comprehensive strategy to address the ongoing crisis.

Their apparent lack of urgency has left many Malawians disillusioned and worried about the future. With businesses shutting down, unemployment rising, and inflation soaring, the government’s inaction is fueling frustration among citizens who demand immediate intervention.

Economic experts warn that if the government does not take decisive action soon, more companies will collapse, leading to an even deeper financial crisis.

The closure of businesses like FoodLovers serves as a warning sign of what lies ahead.

Small-scale farmers, who are already struggling, now face the risk of losing their primary source of income as the market for their produce continues to shrink.

To mitigate the crisis, policymakers must implement urgent measures to stabilize the economy.

These include offering financial relief to struggling businesses, controlling inflation through sound fiscal policies, and ensuring that essential goods remain affordable for ordinary Malawians.

Additionally, a transparent and detailed economic recovery plan is needed to restore investor confidence and prevent further economic deterioration.

As the country grapples with these economic hardships, the pressing question remains:

Will the government rise to the occasion and implement solutions, or will Malawi continue to plunge deeper into financial distress?

The fate of businesses, workers, and farmers hangs in the balance, and the time for action is now.

Two kid sisters drown in Mangochi

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Two kid sisters drown in Mangochi

By Shaffie A Mtambo

A two-and-half-year-old girl and her one-year-old sister have drowned while crossing Nansanto River in Mangochi District.

Speaking with 247 Malawi News Mangochi Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Amina Tepani Daudi,says the two are identified as Sakina and Shakira Sodo, respectively, and they met their fate while on their way home from a maize garden with their mother.

Tepani



Daudi added that the incident occurred on the evening of February 23, 2025, at Mizinga Village, Traditional Authority Chiponde.

“The children had accompanied their mother to the maize garden, which requires crossing the Nansanto River. While returning home, they found the river swollen due to heavy rains that had fallen while they were in the garden.”said Daudi.

As they attempted to cross, strong currents swept the children away. Local villagers launched a search and later retrieved both girls, but sadly, they were found lifeless.

The matter was reported to Chiponde Police Unit, which responded alongside medical personnel from Chiponde Health Centre.

Therefore a postmortem examination confirmed that both minors died from suffocation.


The deceased were from Mtondo Village, Traditional Authority Chiponde, Mangochi.

Msaka makes fourth stop at Khwisa: A rallying cry for hope and change

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Msaka makes fourth stop at Khwisa: A rallying cry for hope and change

By Burnett Munthali

The Whistle Tour, a campaign trail that has been garnering attention across Malawi, made its fourth stop at Khwisa, where an electrifying atmosphere enveloped the crowd.

As supporters gathered, their enthusiasm painted a vivid picture of unwavering hope for a better Malawi, despite the economic challenges that have persisted under President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership.

Msaka



The economic struggles have been a recurring theme in the discourse surrounding Chakwera’s administration, with many citizens expressing dissatisfaction over rising living costs, unemployment, and inflation. However, on this day in Khwisa, the mood was different.

The people were not just expressing discontent; they were rallying around a vision of change brought forth by the opposition, particularly under the leadership of former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM).

APM’s return to the political stage has been marked by a renewed sense of optimism among his supporters.

His speeches resonate with promises to restore the nation and rectify the issues that have plagued the country during the current administration. In Khwisa, this message struck a chord.

The overwhelming support for APM underscored a collective belief that change is possible and that a brighter future is on the horizon.

As the Whistle Tour unfolded, it became evident that APM’s vision encompasses not just economic recovery but also a commitment to addressing the social and political issues that have hindered Malawi’s progress.

His supporters, gathered in large numbers, expressed their faith in his ability to lead the nation back to stability and growth.

The palpable energy in Khwisa was a testament to the desire for a different trajectory, one that promises better governance and a focus on the needs of the Malawian people.

The event also highlighted the resilience of the Malawian spirit.

Despite the hardships faced in recent years, the people of Khwisa and beyond are determined to hold their leaders accountable and advocate for their rights.

This resilience is what fuels the hope that permeates the campaign trail.

The Whistle Tour serves not only as a platform for political discourse but also as a rallying point for those yearning for change.

In conclusion, the stop at Khwisa during the Whistle Tour encapsulates a moment in time where hope clashes with reality.

It showcases a populace that, despite the trials of the present, remains steadfast in their belief that a brighter future is achievable.

As the campaign continues, the emphasis on unity, resilience, and a shared vision for Malawi will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape as the nation moves closer to the next elections.

The journey towards restoring Malawi’s promise is a collective one, and the echoes of hope from Khwisa will resonate far beyond this rally.

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