Cardinal George Pell discussed his underestimation of opposition to his financial reform efforts at the Vatican during a webinar. He highlighted resistance from those linked to corruption and reflected on the dismissal of auditors and Libero Milone. Pell, who was head of the Vatican's Secretariat for the Economy, was charged and convicted of sexual abuse in Australia but was acquitted after over 400 days in prison. His reforms included audits and attempts to reduce the Secretariat of State's financial control, which faced pushback. Pope Francis has since taken steps to address financial corruption and reform, including replacing heads of Vatican financial departments. Pell remains positive about the direction of Vatican financial reform but notes challenges such as budget deficits and the need for continued vigilance against corruption.

Over 150 Catholic organizations have urged President Joe Biden to end Title 42, a policy allowing for the immediate expulsion of migrants and limiting their right to seek asylum. The policy has been under scrutiny, especially after the situation in Del Rio with Haitian migrants. The Biden administration's use of Title 42 for removal flights to Haiti prompted the resignation of the U.S. special envoy for Haiti, Daniel Foote. Catholic leaders and organizations argue that Title 42 fails to respect migrant dignity and contradicts moral law and policy, advocating for a more humane approach to immigration that upholds human dignity.

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence expressed hope that the Supreme Court's new conservative majority will overturn abortion rights in the U.S. Speaking at a demographics forum in Budapest, Hungary, he praised the country's declining abortion rates under Prime Minister Viktor Orban's leadership. The forum highlighted concerns over falling birthrates and promoted conservative family values. Orban, admired by Western conservatives for his stance on immigration and social values, faces criticism for his authoritarian policies. The Supreme Court is set to consider a Mississippi abortion ban, with anti-abortion activists hoping for a reversal of Roe v. Wade. Pence is building a post-White House operation, potentially eyeing a 2024 presidential run, despite facing challenges from his fallout with former President Donald Trump.

A small family firm in Szirak, Hungary, English & Scientific Consulting (SciCons), is playing a significant role in the global pharmaceutical industry's efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. The company, founded by biologist Noemi Lukacs, produces monoclonal antibodies that are crucial for detecting and measuring double-stranded RNA, a byproduct in vaccine development that must be filtered out before administration to humans. SciCons' antibodies are used for quality control in the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, which has shown over 90% effectiveness. Despite the company's growth and its pivotal role, revenues remain modest, with a focus on local charity contributions. The success of mRNA technology in vaccine development is seen as a vindication for Lukacs and others in the RNA field, including Hungarian Katalin Kariko, Vice President of BioNTech.

In Hungary, the government is making efforts to exert control over the country's cultural and educational institutions. This has led to a significant pushback from the student community, particularly at the University of Theatre and Film Arts, where students have taken a stand by occupying the university. The situation highlights the tension between the government's actions and the autonomy of educational institutions in Hungary.

Football fans are arriving in Budapest for the UEFA Super Cup, the first major European match with spectators since the COVID-19 pandemic began. UEFA has deemed the event, featuring Bayern Munich and Sevilla, safe with one-third stadium capacity and strict health protocols. Despite safety measures, there are concerns over a second virus wave. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban supports the event, while Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder has imposed testing or quarantine for returning fans. Supporters like Jan Tanne and Zsolt Ladanyi are eager to attend, believing the risks are manageable with proper precautions.

Jozsef Richter, a circus owner in Hungary, has transformed his circus into the Szada Safari Park, allowing visitors to view around 100 animals from their cars amid the COVID-19 lockdown. The park, which includes camels, elephants, giraffes, and 'zonkeys', offers a contact-free experience and a financial lifeline for Richter's business, charging an entrance fee for adults and children. The animals, accustomed to human interaction, engage with visitors by taking treats through car windows. The initiative has been well received, with visitors like seven-year-old Ildiko Nandori enjoying close encounters with the animals.

Jozsef Richter, a Hungarian circus owner, has repurposed his circus into the Szada Safari Park, allowing visitors to view around 100 animals from their cars amid Hungary's lockdown. The park, which includes camels, elephants, giraffes, and 'zonkeys,' offers a safe form of entertainment and a financial lifeline for Richter's business. With an entrance fee for adults and children, the initiative helps the circus survive closure and provides animals with attention and treats.

The Roma community in Hungary, particularly in the slum areas of Miskolc, is facing severe economic hardship as a result of job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the lifting of restrictions, there are concerns about increased health risks and the lack of government support for this vulnerable group. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government has been criticized for focusing on business support rather than addressing the immediate needs of the Roma. Activists fear that without aid, the situation could lead to increased thefts and social strife, potentially benefiting the ruling Fidesz party by allowing it to showcase its law-and-order stance.

Hungarian couple Fanni and Norbert, former improvisation actors, have been recreating scenes from famous movies like 'Ghost', 'Game of Thrones', and 'Scarface' using household items during the coronavirus lockdown. Their creative endeavors have gone viral on social media, leading to a continuous flow of new ideas and requests from viewers for specific movie scenes. They choose scenes based on what they can replicate with items at home, hoping to bring smiles to people's faces.

Hungarian film enthusiasts Fanni and Norbert, former improvisation actors, have been recreating famous movie scenes at home during the coronavirus lockdown, using household items. Their recreations, which include scenes from 'Ghost', 'Game of Thrones', and 'Scarface', have gone viral on social media. They choose scenes based on the props they can find at home and hope their photos bring joy to others.