In a scene that blended Catholic tradition with EDM spectacle, ravers in a crowded Slovakian square found themselves unexpectedly blessed this month — by the pope. “United by the same faith, your presence is a tangible sign of the fraternity and peace that is instilled in our hearts by friendship with Christ,” Pope Leo XIV said, his voice echoing across the square. The blessing ended with a sonorous “Amen,” which the crowd promptly answered — and then celebrated — as the DJ dropped a heavy bass line.Festival-goers packed into the plaza below St Elizabeth’s Cathedral erupted in cheers on November 8 when the pope appeared on a massive LED screen, delivering a prerecorded message as lasers and electronic beats pulsed around them. The moment, captured in widely shared videos, marked an unusual fusion of faith and festival culture. Behind the turntables stood Guilherme Peixoto, a Portuguese priest whose dual identity as a cleric and electronic DJ has earned him a global following. The performance was staged in honor of the 75th birthday of Archbishop Bernard Bober of Kosice, transforming what could have been a traditional religious commemoration into one of the unlikeliest parties in the Catholic calendar. The Vatican later posted the pope’s message — in its unremixed form, minus the strobes — on YouTube. The appearance reflects a broader strategy by Pope Leo, who has quickly distinguished himself with an unconventional approach to papal outreach. Since the start of his papacy, Leo has leaned heavily into a relatable public persona, embracing his fondness for the Chicago White Sox, his daily Wordle routine, and what supporters describe as an affable Midwestern sensibility. His willingness to meet young Catholics where they are — even if “where they are” includes a rave — comes at a moment when the Church is seeking to build on a resurgence of Gen Z interest in faith and community. Slovakia, where most residents identify as Catholic, has been a particular focal point of this effort. The rave cameo comes as Leo prepares for his first international journey as pope. He is scheduled to depart on Thanksgiving for a six-day trip through Turkey and Lebanon, during which he will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, celebrate Mass in Istanbul, and visit Beirut’s devastated port, still marked by the catastrophic 2020 explosion.

NEW DELHI: Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has offered a sharp critique of Rishabh Pant’s batting approach following India’s crushing 408-run defeat to South Africa in the second Test, a loss that sealed a 0–2 home whitewash and marked one of the national team’s lowest moments in recent years.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking on his YouTube show Ash ki Baat, Ashwin praised Pant’s natural ability but said his reckless shot selection continues to let the team down at crucial moments.

“My heartbeat used to go fast in the dressing room when Rishabh Pant batted. He has a superb game and defence, so I always wonder why he would get out to shots like these,” Ashwin said. “I will still say he is a very good player, and the day he takes responsibility, things can start changing. I don’t deny the X-factor he brings.”Ashwin compared Pant’s approach to former New Zealand batter Nathan Astle’s iconic double-hundred in Christchurch — an innings he said cannot be used to justify ultra-attacking play in every match. “Astle once smashed 200-odd runs, but he didn’t play the same way in every Test. Similarly, batters cannot play the same way every time. I have said it in the dressing room, but it cannot change until he realises it.”

Pant, who captained in the absence of an injured Shubman Gill, endured a disappointing series with just 49 runs across four innings. Ashwin warned that leadership magnifies responsibility: “If you are a captain today, 10 others will follow in your footsteps. Responsibility is a must.”Ashwin also expressed deep disappointment with India’s overall performance, saying the defeat did not hurt as much as the lack of fight shown by the team. He felt the Guwahati pitch was “of Test quality” and said India should at least have taken the match into the final session.“I wasn’t sad about losing the Test, but there was no fight,” he said. “In the dressing room, everyone should raise their hands individually and take accountability.”He added that the current Test side remains “way behind in terms of experience” and will take time to evolve.

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MUMBAI/NAGPUR: CM Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday that he would write to the Union HRD minister as well as PM Modi to change the name of IIT Bombay to IIT Mumbai. He made the announcement to the media in Nagpur after MNS chief Raj Thackeray took objection to Union minister of state for science and technology Jitendra Singh lauding the institute for retaining its name.At a function at IIT Bombay on Tuesday, Singh said, “Thank God, IIT Bombay has still retained its name… you have not changed it to Mumbai. It is true for Madras (too). It remains IIT Madras.”Raj posted on social media that Singh’s statement reflected govt’s mindset. He stated, “The conspiracy to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra was destroyed by Marathi leaders and the people, and Mumbai remained in Maharashtra. The restlessness in their stomach over their issue is once again being vomited out. Jitendra Singh has no relation with Mumbai, Maharashtra, or Gujarat. But realising what is going on in the minds of his leaders and to be patted on the back, he has said this.” He alleged, “The Centre has tried to take away Chandigarh from Punjab, which was opposed by all parties, and they backtracked. Something is 100% cooking about Mumbai. Efforts have begun to annex first Mumbai and then the entire MMR to Gujarat.” Fadnavis rejected Raj’s claims, stating it was BJP’s Ram Naik who was instrumental in ensuring Bombay was renamed as Mumbai. Attacking the Thackerays without naming them, in an indirect reference to the their young generation having studied at Bombay Scottish, he said some people conveniently do not insist on renaming the school where their children study. “For us in the BJP, it’s Mumbai only and not Bombay. We are making continuous efforts to end all signs of Bombay and it should be replaced with Mumbai,” Fadnavis said, adding that Thackeray’s criticism was selective and politically motivated. MNS workers on Wednesday put up posters outside the institute proclaiming it as ‘IIT Mumbai’.

Morgan Freeman, one of the most distinguished and widely praised figures in Hollywood, is celebrated not only for his extraordinary acting talent, but also for the calm wisdom he brings to every role and public appearance. Born in 1937, Freeman rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected actors of his generation. His deep, steady voice and commanding presence have made him a symbol of strength, reflection, and authenticity. Over the decades, he has portrayed several characters that embody resilience, integrity, and emotional depth; roles that mirror the thoughtful way he views life itself. Beyond the screen, Freeman is admired for his grounded insights on perseverance, self-worth, and navigating hard times with grace. His reflections often reveal a profound understanding of human struggles and the quiet courage required to overcome them.Today’s quote of the day — “Life doesn’t offer you promises whatsoever so it’s very easy to become, ‘Whatever happened to… ?’ It’s great to be wanted. I spent a few years not being wanted and this is better”– is widely attributed to Morgan Freeman and reflects the honesty and humility that shape his outlook on life. His words serve as a reminder that recognition, appreciation, and opportunity are never guaranteed; and that the periods of struggle shape us just as deeply as our moments of success.

Meaning of the quote

In this quote, Freeman highlights an important truth – life makes no promises. Dreams, opportunities, and recognition can be uncertain, and it is easy to fade into the background or feel forgotten when circumstances shift. The phrase “Whatever happened to…?” reflects how quickly people can lose attention or interest, especially in the public world. Freeman acknowledges that being wanted – whether in one’s career, relationships, or society – is a powerful feeling. It also reflects the reality that many people, at different points in their lives, experience periods of being overlooked, rejected, or simply not chosen – moments when their potential goes unnoticed despite their efforts. Those experiences taught him the value of resilience and self-belief during periods of invisibility.In the second part of the quote, Freeman emphasises appreciation. After having lived through years of feeling unwanted, he recognises how meaningful it is to be valued now. His message encourages us to treasure moments when we are needed, appreciated, or recognised – and to stay humble about them. It also serves as a reminder that hardships do not last forever; seasons of being overlooked can eventually give way to seasons of opportunity, but only if we endure with patience and determination.Morgan Freeman’s words give a powerful message on acceptance, resilience, and gratitude. Life may not guarantee recognition or success, but the journey through uncertainty shapes strength and character. When we finally reach moments where we are valued, those experiences become richer because of what we overcame and came far off. His message inspires us to keep going, appreciate the present, and understand that being wanted, after years of struggle, is not just better – it is a quiet triumph shaped by perseverance, unshakeable hope, and a deeper appreciation for life’s hard-earned victories.Also Read: Quote of the day by Will Smith: “If you’re not willing to work hard, let someone else do it. I’d rather be with someone…”

The WPL 2026 mega auction, set to take place in New Delhi, promises one of the most competitive bidding floors in the league’s young history. With teams reshaping their core groups for a fresh season and 23 overseas slots available across franchises, elite international performers are expected to be in high demand.

5 overseas players who can start intense bidding wars in WPL 2026 auction

1) Sophie Ecclestone: The most wanted spinner in the auction pool

England’s star left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone enters the WPL 2026 auction as one of the most coveted bowlers in world cricket. With more than 140 T20I wickets at an admirable average and economy rate, Ecclestone has built her reputation as a reliable match-winner across formats and conditions.

Her strengths make her an elite, multi-phase operator:

• Powerplay wicket-taker capable of troubling top-order batters.
• Middle-overs enforcer who maintains control and forces false shots.
• Calm death-overs option with experience in global T20 leagues.

In spin-friendly Indian conditions, high-quality left-arm spinners are rare commodities. Ecclestone’s proven pedigree and temperament ensure that teams looking to build their bowling attack around a world-class slow bowler will enter the auction with aggressive intent.

2) Laura Wolvaardt: The dependable top-order run machine

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt has transformed into one of the most consistent and technically assured T20 openers in the world. With more than 2,000 T20 runs, a strong average, and excellent boundary-hitting numbers, she offers exactly what WPL teams crave – top-order stability.

Wolvaardt’s strengths include:

• The ability to anchor chases under pressure.
• Converting starts into big scores.
• A recent T20 hundred and a long list of match-shaping fifties.

In a league where early collapses can derail entire seasons, Wolvaardt stands out as a foundational top-order player. Teams searching for a reliable opener around whom their middle order can revolve will likely pursue her aggressively.

3) Amelia Kerr: The complete three-dimensional all-round option

New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr brings unparalleled balance with her triple-threat skillset – top-order batting, penetrative leg-spin, and exceptional fielding. Her match-winning performances in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, where she was Player of the Match in the final and Player of the Tournament, raised her stock even further.

Kerr’s versatility allows teams to:

• Strengthen their top four with a dynamic batter.
• Add high-quality leg-spin to their bowling attack.
• Maintain flexibility without compromising depth.

Given how hard it is to find world-class all-rounders who can influence both innings, Kerr may command one of the highest bids of the auction, with franchises willing to stretch their purse capacity to secure her.

4) Phoebe Litchfield: Young star perfectly suited for Indian conditions

Australia’s rising sensation Phoebe Litchfield has already proven her prowess in subcontinental conditions, most notably with a superb ODI hundred at the Wankhede Stadium in 2024. Her strong T20 numbers in India – highlighting consistency and composure- make her an ideal long-term investment.

What makes Litchfield a premium option:

• Left-handed fluency against both spin and pace.
• Impressive record against India.
• Rapid adaptability across formats and match scenarios.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Phoebe Litchfield in the mega auction

With WPL franchises seeking young overseas players who can grow with the league, Litchfield is expected to be one of the most sought-after batters in the auction.

5) Nadine de Klerk: High-impact seam-bowling all-rounder

South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk brings a valuable skillset that franchises often struggle to find – a seam-bowling all-rounder who contributes in multiple phases of the game. Known for her fighting spirit, de Klerk consistently provides crucial lower-order runs and breakthrough wickets.

Her attributes include:

• Ability to bowl in the middle overs as a partnership-breaker.
• Useful lower-middle-order hitting at a competitive strike rate.
• Flexibility to slot into multiple team combinations.

Given the scarcity of overseas seam-bowling all-rounders, de Klerk could become a strategic target for teams looking for depth and balance at number 6 or No. 7.

Also READ: WPL 2026 – 3 franchises that can target Sophie Ecclestone in the mega auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.