German chancellor chooses pope’s AI encyclical over pacy potboiler as holiday read

With his popularity at a record low, Friedrich Merz packs the papal guide Magifica humanitas Europe live – latest updates Summer is normally thought of as the time for pacy potboilers and brain-soothing page-turners – airport reads that wind up sandy and sunscreen-stained. Not so for Friedrich Merz ’s holiday reading list. Germany ’s embattled chancellor, who has faced one rough patch after another since taking office 14 months ago, seems to be seeking spiritual guidance this year while putting his feet up. Continue reading...