AI & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, is driving fresh debate after it calls for “disarming” AI, warns against dehumanization and job sacrifice, and argues technology must stay anchored to human dignity and the common good. Vatican Diplomacy: Pope Leo’s Spain trip is also being framed as a push for dialogue and reconciliation, with major moments in Madrid and a youth prayer vigil drawing huge crowds. Church Governance Claims: New allegations from Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church reignite questions about how priests’ careers are shaped by internal politics, including claims of blocked academic opportunities. Vatican-Adjacent Industry/Heritage: Barcelona’s Sagrada Família is in the spotlight as Pope Leo prepares to inaugurate its Tower of Jesus Christ, with the basilica’s tourism-driven revenues underscoring how faith heritage intersects with local industry. Energy & Supply Chains: South Korea and Kazakhstan discussed deeper cooperation on energy and supply chains, including a possible CEPA, as both seek resilience amid global volatility. Space Infrastructure: Vast and the European Space Agency (for the Czech Republic) signed an agreement for a private astronaut mission to the ISS, highlighting growing space-industry partnerships. Local Economy Pressure: Rome’s “tourist trap” backlash flared after a US couple reported being charged €44 for two gelato dishes, adding to wider concerns about visitor pricing and trust.