In today's edition of The Capitals, read about Germany's climate conservatives giving 'green' a patriotic rebrand, a Czech church in spa town being linked to a Kremlin kompromat campaign, and so much more.
The article from Euractiv discusses the implications of Pope Benedict XVI's death on the upcoming Jubilee Year in 2025, a significant event for the Catholic Church that traditionally attracts millions of pilgrims to Rome. The Jubilee, themed around hope, is expected to proceed as planned despite the Pope's passing, with the Vatican emphasizing continuity and the event's spiritual importance. Additionally, the article touches on the unique aspect of the Jubilee's promotional campaign, featuring a "kawaii" (Japanese-style cute) mascot named "Jubilino," designed to appeal to younger audiences and potentially outlive the event itself as a cultural icon. The piece also briefly covers other European political news, including developments in France, Germany, and Italy, but the focus remains on the religious and cultural aspects of the Jubilee and its mascot.