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Spiritual ties of ousted Venezuelan President Maduro and successor include guru Sathya Sai Baba

  • By DEEPA BHARATH and MARÍA TERESA HERNÁNDEZ - Associated Press

Venezuela’s former President Nicolás Maduro and the country’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez were both raised Catholic in an overwhelmingly Christian country. Yet both have a deep reverence for Sathya Sai Baba, an Indian spiritual leader who died in 2011. Maduro, who called himself “a man of God,” pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in New York City in early January, after he was captured by U.S. forces in Venezuela. When in power, Maduro often invoked spiritual themes. Rodríguez remains devoted to Sai Baba, emphasizing the guru's message of unity and love that transcends religious, national and racial boundaries. Sai Baba’s organization has a significant presence in Venezuela, with an estimated 200,000 followers.

Pope, an avid athlete, extols physical and spiritual benefits of sport in Olympic message
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AP Wire

Pope, an avid athlete, extols physical and spiritual benefits of sport in Olympic message

  • By NICOLE WINFIELD - Associated Press
  • Updated

Pope Leo XIV, an avid tennis player, marks the start of the Winter Games by praising sports for promoting positive values and fair play. On Friday, he warned that the pursuit of profits and performance risks corrupting sports. In his message, "Life in Abundance," Leo highlights the benefits of sports for physical and spiritual development. He also urges world leaders to respect the Olympic truce. Drawing from his own athletic experience, Leo explores the dangers of doping and corruption. He warns that such dishonesty undermines sports and society. Popes have long engaged with sports to promote peace and friendship.