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For Pope Leo, the risk of an AI apocalypse is a major concern

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For Pope Leo, the risk of an AI apocalypse is a major concern

Leo, who in May called on world leaders for global rules to oversee the industry, renewed his warnings about AI at a Vatican meeting on Thursday

Pope Leo looks on on the day of the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, September 23, 2026. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

International News via Reuters:

The Vatican warned about the risk of an apocalypse spurred by artificial intelligence years before major American firms sounded the alarm at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday – a concern that Pope Leo is placing at the heart of his papacy.

Leo, who in May called on world leaders for global rules to oversee the industry, renewed his warnings about AI at a Vatican meeting on Thursday and is expected to do so again on Friday in a speech at the Paris headquarters of the UN’s culture and education body, UNESCO.

“This is not happening on day zero for the Holy See,” Rev. Paolo Benanti, a leading Vatican advisor on AI issues, told Reuters, referring to recent calls for a slowdown that have been endorsed by the CEOs of AI firms Anthropic, OpenAI and xAI, among others.

“The transformative power of AI … could produce a magnitude of societal changes that are very hard to predict,” said Benanti, an Italian academic who recently took part in the AI summit hosted by Britain’s King Charles.

The priest said he could not reveal details about the contents of the summit’s confidential discussions.

In a speech to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences on Thursday, Leo said AI can benefit humanity, but it has introduced “new dangers to security and international peace.” He urged global leaders to “govern wisely” in overseeing the technology.

CARDINAL: THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY IS AT STAKE

Leo, the first US-born pope, has raised the possible dangers of AI development frequently throughout his 16-month-old papacy and first discussed the issue publicly on his third day in office.

In his May appeal, released as his first major document, Leo warned that AI systems spread misinformation, prioritise ​conflict and could lead the world down a path of unending war.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomat, reiterated Leo’s call for international regulation of the industry at an event in Rome last week, warning that countries cannot “go it alone” on the technology.

“The future of humanity is really at stake here,” Parolin said. The world, he said, needs “everyone’s involvement in establishing some common rules that can genuinely govern this phenomenon.”

Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah spoke at the Vatican’s launch event for the pope’s May document, known as an encyclical.

Asked if the Vatican is in ongoing dialogue with any AI firms, Benanti stressed the decentralized nature of the global church and said some discussions are being led by local bishops.

On September 16, the US bishops’ conference said it had created a new AI taskforce after several of its leaders met with executives that day.

“The dialogue focused on ways to keep any system of artificial intelligence at the service of humanity and the urgent need to address the real and present dangers such technology presents,” a statement said.

LEO WARNS ABOUT AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS

The Vatican began warning about the risks of AI in 2019, hosting two conferences that year on the possible dangers of the technology. The late Pope Francis warned attendees at one of the events that misinformation spread by AI could spark a world war.

The Vatican also teamed with Microsoft, IBM, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the Italian government in 2020 to issue a call for AI development that “does not have as its sole goal greater profit or the gradual replacement of people in the workplace.”

Leo has urged oversight especially for the development of weapons systems, such as those being used in the Russia-Ukraine war. He said in his encyclical that such weapons have advanced “practically beyond any human ‌reach to govern them.”

The Vatican’s advocacy on the global stage against autonomous weaponry goes back decades, Benanti said, likening AI-powered drones to landmines that are indiscriminate with their targets.

The priest compared the Vatican’s warnings about the risks of AI to how popes have long called for nuclear disarmament.

“If nuclear weapons can destroy humanity … the manipulation of generative AI content in social spaces can destroy the capabilities of people to stay together as a society,” he said.

“Nuclear weapons have to be stocked inside facilities and you can count and control them. AI is not this visible.”

Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus

UK retailers report sales drop, biggest cutback in orders on record: CBI

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UK retailers report sales drop, biggest cutback in orders on record: CBI

The CBI’s headline distributive trades balance, which measures activity compared with a year earlier, fell to -55 to -48 in August

International News via Reuters:

British retailers this month reported the biggest drop in sales since April and they cut orders with their suppliers by the most since records began in 1983, a Confederation of British Industry survey showed on Thursday.

The CBI’s headline distributive trades balance, which measures activity compared with a year earlier, fell to -55 to -48 in August.

“Retailers reported a steep fall in annual sales volumes in September, with some firms attributing the deterioration to poor consumer sentiment,” said Martin Sartorius, lead economist at the CBI.

“The persistent sales downturn appears to have prompted retailers to cut back on order volumes at a survey-record pace.”

The CBI said it hoped new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to boost growth “in every postcode” would include lower property taxes for high-street retailers

• Wholesalers and the motor trade also reported deteriorating sales

• Retailers’ expected sales volumes for August fell to -37 from -22

• CBI retail data has been persistently more downbeat than that from the British Retail Consortium and the Office for National Statistics

• ONS retail sales data last week showed 2.7% annual sales volume growth excluding fuel in the year to June

• The CBI survey was based on responses from 46 retail chains and 71 wholesalers between August 27 and September 14

Reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by suban Abdulla

Award for graduate who has passion for sustainable development

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Award for graduate who has passion for sustainable development

The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to announce D’Angele Symonds as the Department of Energy’s Bursary Award recipient.

The award, valued at $20,000, is for the 2026/27 school year and will be used toward her tuition and other university incidentals. Ms. Symonds is an exceptional young Bermudian whose academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to Bermuda’s sustainable future set her apart in a highly competitive applicant pool.

Ms. Symonds recently graduated from Keele University in the United Kingdom with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Physical Geography, earning First Class Honours. During her undergraduate studies, Ms. Symonds demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, achieving outstanding results in Engineering and Applied Geology, Natural Hazards, Applied Geographic Information Systems, and Environmental Impact Assessment.

She will pursue a Master of Science in Engineering Geology at the University of Portsmouth. The programme will build on the expertise Ms. Symonds gained during her undergraduate studies, equipping her with the advanced skills in geotechnical investigation, ground stability assessment, infrastructure planning, and environmental risk management.

Ms. Symonds was selected as the bursary recipient based on an exceptional academic record, demonstrated leadership, and strong commitment to contributing to Bermuda,s sustainable development. During her time at Keele University, she served as a Student Voice Representative, advocating on behalf of her peers, and held a leadership position within the Keele University Geological Society. These roles highlighted her ability to lead, collaborate effectively, and contribute positively to her academic community.

Ms. Symonds’ has a strong passion for sustainable development and renewable energy. Throughout the selection process, she articulated a clear vision for applying her qualifications to support Bermuda’s energy transition, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure resilience. Her aspiration is to use her specialized expertise to contribute to projects involving renewable energy development, environmental assessment, and sustainable infrastructure planning.

The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, recently had an opportunity to meet with Ms Symonds and was please to highlight her successful selection as the Bursary Recipient.

Minister Lightbourne said, “Congratulations to Ms D’Angele Symonds on this well-deserved award. She has worked hard, demonstrated leadership, and shown a clear desire to use her education to contribute to Bermuda.”

“We want our young people to have the opportunity to pursue their ambitions and play a meaningful role in our energy transition. The NESP anchored this development as policy and through the Energy Bursary Programme, we are helping to make that possible while investing in the knowledge and skills Bermuda needs.”

The Department of Energy remains committed to supporting Bermudian students pursuing studies in fields that are critical to the Island’s future. Through initiatives such as the Energy Bursary Programme, the Department of Energy will continue to invest in the development of local talent and the next generation of leaders who will help advance Bermuda’s energy, environmental, and economic objectives.

Bermuda official Amaury Majors on duty as Sint Maarten rout Bahamas

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Bermuda official Amaury Majors on duty as Sint Maarten rout Bahamas

Bermudian FIFA-listed referee Amaury Majors was part of the officiating team in Nassau as Sint Maarten dismantled the Bahamas 8-0 in international competition.

Majors carried out fourth official duties from the touchline, managing technical areas and substitutions on an evening dominated by the visitors’ relentless attacking firepower.

Sint Maarten overwhelmed the Bahamian backline from the opening exchanges, establishing early control before turning the contest into a comprehensive eight-goal rout.

The match marks another notable overseas assignment for Majors, continuing his regular presence on the international circuit across senior regional tournaments.

Taylor Carrick mounts four-game fightback to advance in Quebec

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Taylor Carrick mounts four-game fightback to advance in Quebec

Bermuda squash international Taylor Carrick produced a resilient four-game fightback to defeat France’s Clément Leperlier in the opening round of the Men’s Open Ville de Quebec.

Competing in the $9,000 PSA Challenger Tour event in Quebec City, Canada, Carrick survived an early scare before imposing his authority to seal a 3-1 victory in an absorbing 51-minute battle.

Leperlier edged a tight opening game 11-9 by capitalising on unforced errors, but Carrick adjusted swiftly. Dictating the tempo from the ‘T’ and extending rallies, the Bermudian levelled with an emphatic 11-6 reply.

Carrick maintained control in the third, working his opponent into all four corners to close it out 11-7.

Leperlier pushed hard to force a decider, but Carrick’s composure at the front of the court proved decisive as he converted his second match ball to take the fourth 11-8 and book his place in the second round.

Skyport partners with TSA on airport biometrics screening

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Skyport partners with TSA on airport biometrics screening

Skyport President Aaron Adderley met last week with Assistant Administrator of International Operations, Anthony Q. Monreal, and other senior representatives from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at its headquarters in Washington, DC to formally enter into an agreement with the US agency as part of TSA’s Airport Partnership Program.

The Programme pairs L.F. Wade International Airport with Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to support information sharing and training opportunities and exchange aviation security best practices. These engagements reinforced the strong working relationship between TSA and Skyport and supported continued professional exchange under the non-binding partnership framework.

Following the Washington meeting, a Skyport delegation, including Director of Operations Jason Inniss and Head of IT Carlos Medeiros, joined TSA officials in Charlotte to review CLT’s operation and explore opportunities related to biometrics and other IT solutions to advance Skyport’s strategic investments in streamlined passenger processing and checkpoint efficiency at L.F. Wade International Airport.

Skyport expects to introduce new biometric technology enhancements at the security screening checkpoint for all departing travellers next year. This will complement Skyport’s recent investment in the Enhanced Passenger Processing system for U.S. Preclearance, which—when paired with improved security coordination—supports operational efficiency and continued modernisation of the airport experience for US-bound travellers.

“We welcome the opportunity to engage with TSA and Charlotte Douglas International Airport through this programme. These exchanges help us identify technologies and best practices that advance our efforts to deliver frictionless travel and provide an improved customer experience for passengers travelling through L.F. Wade International Airport.” — Aaron Adderley, President, Skyport.

Sabir and Rawlins power Bermuda to 10-wicket thrashing of Cayman Islands

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Sabir and Rawlins power Bermuda to 10-wicket thrashing of Cayman Islands

Dominic Sabir and Delray Rawlins struck scintillating unbeaten half-centuries as Bermuda emphatically avenged their morning defeat to crush the Cayman Islands by 10 wickets.

After slipping to a tense two-wicket loss in their tournament opener, Bermuda produced a ruthless afternoon response, gunning down a target of 144 without losing a single scalp.

Cayman Islands elected to bat and posted 143-5 from their 20 overs, anchored by Romeo Dunka’s punchy 43 not out, while Kevon Fubler led the Bermudian bowling effort with a tidy 2-9.

The run chase quickly became an exhibition of clean hitting. Sabir hammered an unbeaten 73 from 55 balls—clearing the ropes four times alongside six boundaries—while Rawlins bludgeoned 67 not out from just 45 deliveries, striking five fours and four sixes.

The pair propelled Bermuda to 149-0 with overs to spare, capping a clinical 10-wicket rout to restore parity on day one.

‘Shadeesh’,’hamma’ added to Oxford English Dictionary

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‘Shadeesh’,’hamma’ added to Oxford English Dictionary

The OED has welcomed four more Bermudian word, as part of a new collaboration with the annual Bermuda Spelling Bee contest

Four Bermudian words have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary, according to the Oxford University Press.

In a news release, the Press said: “In 2021, the OED added a significant number of words and phrases from one of the oldest dialects of English to develop outside of Britain: Bermudian English.”

The new Bermudian words include, hamma, shadeesh, bimpert and to cut someone’s tail.

These words will feature in partnership with the Bermuda Spelling Bee, an annual competition designed to promote language and learning among young Bermudians.

They said: “Hamma dates from 1980, the Bermudian term for a friend.

“Also of unknown origin, but somewhat less positive in connotation, is bimpert (earliest seen 2009), a Bermudian word for a stupid or foolish person.”

“Shadeesh is what Bermudians call a chorizo, the word is a borrowing from Portuguese, and its spelling represents how chouriço is pronounced in the Azores, where many Azorean settlers from Bermuda originate.

“To cut someone’s tail means to punish someone physically or to beat them up. This expression is used not only in Bermuda but also in the Caribbean.”

A study booklet containing a list of around 2,000 words is distributed to schools to support students in their preparation for the finals in March. The Bee, now entering its third year, is launched at the beginning of each academic year in September, with regional Semi-Finals taking place in February.

Words from all over the world are to be found in the booklet, including both new and pre-existing Bermudian English entries. Since Bermuda uses both British and U.S. English spelling, both systems are acknowledged and accepted in the competition, just as they are in the OED.

For more information on World Englishes generally, visit the OED World English Hub. 

Kane Crichlow scores directly from a corner

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Kane Crichlow scores directly from a corner

Bermuda forward Kane Crichlow produced a moment of magic, scoring straight from a corner to steer Dagenham & Redbridge to a 3-0 FA Cup replay win over Waltham Abbey.

After having an earlier effort cleared off the line, Crichlow broke the deadlock in the 39th minute at Victoria Road when his audacious, curling delivery from the corner flag evaded everyone and nestled directly into the net.

The Daggers maintained their 1-0 cushion until deep into stoppage time, when Crichlow turned provider. In the 93rd minute, his whipped cross across the face of goal forced an own goal from an Abbey defender, effectively killing off the tie.

Crichlow picked up a knock during the celebrations and was substituted for Kymani Thomas, before Dagenham struck a third in the 98th minute to cap an emphatic victory and secure their place in the third qualifying round.

Entrepreneurs will vie for prizes in competition final

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Entrepreneurs will vie for prizes in competition final

BEDC and Global Atlantic reveal finalists for live hotel event

Media Release:

The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), in collaboration with Global Atlantic, has announced the finalists for the 4th Annual Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition. The event takes place on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club.

Held during Global Entrepreneurship Week, the competition will once again put a spotlight on Bermuda’s entrepreneurs as they pitch their business ideas live for a share of $125,000 in total funding. With grants of up to $25,000 each, it continues to give local entrepreneurs the backing they need to grow their businesses.

The collaboration between BEDC and Global Atlantic reflects a shared commitment to Bermuda’s entrepreneurs and to the island’s longer-term economic resilience. In four years it has become a fixture of Bermuda’s Global Entrepreneurship Week.

“Global Atlantic is proud to call Bermuda home, and supporting the people and businesses that contribute to the island’s future is an important part of our commitment to the community,” said Alberto Autmezguine, Managing Director, President and Chief Financial Officer, Global Atlantic Bermuda. “Over the past several years, the Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition has given us the opportunity to see firsthand the creativity and ambition of Bermuda’s entrepreneurs. We are proud to continue our collaboration with BEDC and look forward to seeing this year’s finalists bring their ideas to the stage [1].”

Erica Smith, Executive Director of BEDC, reflected, “Now in its fourth year, the Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition has become one of the highlights of Bermuda’s entrepreneurial calendar. That is due in no small part to Global Atlantic, whose commitment to Bermuda and to Bermudian entrepreneurs runs deep [1].”

She continued, “The grants change what these entrepreneurs are able to do next, but the stage matters just as much. It gives the island a chance to see the ingenuity and determination behind these businesses. Come out, cheer on our finalists, and play an active role in supporting the next generation of Bermudian business leaders [1].”

Nine finalists will take the stage this year, three in the Young Adults category and six in the Main category, representing businesses from across a range of industries.

Young Adults Category Finalists:

  • Nala Carlington, The Daily Grind [1]
  • Amon Simons, Sweet Saak Bakery [1]
  • Marcus Rewan, C.H.U.M (Circular Harvesting Using Matter) [1]

Main Category Finalists:

  • Zakary Nzabalinda, Physio First: Rehab & Recovery [2]
  • Camily Lovell, Strange Bird [2]
  • Andrew Smith Jr., Island Fresh Laundry [2]
  • Taj-Rae Outerbridge, TKO Locksmith [2]
  • Mahtorrie Wilkinson, Provisions Homecare [2]
  • Zach Stecko, Harbourflow [2]

Each finalist will have five minutes on stage to present their business idea and vision to a panel of judges. The judges, drawn from Global Atlantic and Bermuda’s business community, will assess each pitch based on innovation, feasibility, and potential for growth. This live format gives the audience an inside look at how Bermuda’s entrepreneurs think, plan, and present their ideas in a competitive setting.

The evening will also feature the People’s Choice Award, where in-person attendees have the opportunity to vote for their favorite pitch. This gives the community a direct hand in the outcome of the night.

The impact of the competition’s support is best told by the entrepreneurs who have lived it. Greg Wilson, Founder of Food Forest, won in the main category at the 2025 Wave of Opportunity Pitch Competition and reflected on the year since: “The growth of any business is something that comes from patience, purpose and preservation. This grant has accelerated our trajectory in sustainable agriculture in many ways and helped us tremendously, in just a few short years we have become a leader in regenerative sustainable organic farming. Thanks for all your help BEDC and Global Atlantic [2].”

Admission is free and seating is limited, so RSVP at www.gew.bm to reserve a seat.

Winter will be key for judging UK inflation risks, BoE’s Dhingra says

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Winter will be key for judging UK inflation risks, BoE’s Dhingra says

Dhingra said Britain was not experiencing the kind of broad-based price rises that occurred in 2022, when energy prices jumped in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and that the country’s jobs market was now weaker

Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Swati Dhingra speaks during an event in London, Britain March 8, 2023. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

International News via Reuters:

Bank of England interest rate-setter Swati Dhingra said on Thursday that the extent of long-term inflation pressures in Britain caused by the Iran war would become clearer over the coming winter months.

Dhingra said Britain was not experiencing the kind of broad-based price rises that occurred in 2022, when energy prices jumped in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and that the country’s jobs market was now weaker.

“I think the timing issue here is that we’re going to know from the winter energy crisis what happens there. We’re going to know much more about wage settlements and where they end up at, and financial tightening (is) already underway,” she told a conference organised by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, a think tank.

She said signals on wage settlements and other medium-term inflation drivers should start to become clearer before the end of 2026 and pushed back at the idea that hiking rates early was important for the BoE’s inflation-fighting credibility.

Dhingra was one of the strongest advocates of lowering borrowing costs when the BoE was cutting rates. More recently, she has voted with the majority of the Monetary Policy Committee to keep borrowing costs on hold.

She told Thursday’s conference that despite a “clamour” to follow the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve by raising rates, the BoE was justified in staying on hold given that demand levels in Britain’s economy were below those of the U.S. and benchmark rates were higher than in the euro zone.

Dhingra also said she would not be surprised if the rise in use of artificial intelligence led to lower inflation in Britain’s services sector.

UK medium-term inflation expectations were not a cause for alarm, she added.

Investors are assigning an almost 75% chance of the BoE raising its Bank Rate by a quarter of a percentage point at its next meeting in November. Another hike was fully priced in by February.

Earlier on Thursday, BoE Deputy Governor Clare Lombardelli said rates would probably have to rise if energy prices stayed high, barring clear evidence of a weakening in the economy.

Reporting by David MillikenWriting by William Schomberg

UK stocks fall as lack of progress in US-Iran talks lifts oil prices

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UK stocks fall as lack of progress in US-Iran talks lifts oil prices

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index fell 0.05% to 10,700.05 points by 1007 GMT, while the midcap FTSE 250 slipped 0.60%

Financial markets data and information are displayed around an LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) branded cube inside the LSEG headquarters in Paternoster Square, London, Britain, September 8, 2026. REUTERS/Toby Melville

International News via Reuters:

London shares fell on Thursday as crude oil prices continued to rise amid little progress towards a US-Iran deal, fuelling inflation concerns and lifting government bond yields.

The blue-chip FTSE 100 index fell 0.05% to 10,700.05 points by 1007 GMT, while the midcap FTSE 250 slipped 0.60%.

• Oil prices extended gains after climbing 4% in the previous session as US-Iran diplomatic talks showed no concrete sign of progress. UK’s energy giants rose, with BP gaining 1.9% and Shell adding 1.4%. [O/R]

• Industrial stocks were the biggest drags, with Rolls Royce and BAE Systems down 2% and 1.3% respectively.

• British banks dipped 1%, with heavyweights HSBC and Standard Chartered down over 1% each.

• Homebuilder Vistry slipped 6.3% after it lowered its annual profit expectations and said it would take a £470 million ($622.51 million) hit from its strategic overhaul.

• Raspberry Pi jumped 7.7% after the single-board computing company reported higher first-half revenue and pretax profit.

• Bond markets were in focus again as UK gilt yields rose in line with global bond yields, with the benchmark 10-year gilt yield hitting a more than one-week high at 5.38%.

• British finance minister John Healey may accept a smaller fiscal buffer to reduce tax rises in next month’s budget as investors signalled the gilt market would not be spooked by a more modest headroom target, the Financial Times reported.

• Bank of England Deputy Governor Clare Lombardelli said that interest rates will likely have to rise if energy prices stay elevated, barring clear evidence of a weaker economy.

• Traders are fully pricing in at-least one 25-basis-point hike by the BoE this year, according to data compiled by LSEG.

• Investors are also focused on the Trump-Xi summit, seen as largely symbolic despite efforts to project stability between both sides amid deep rivalry.

• Insurer Standard Life and technology services provider Computacenter shed 4.3% and 3% respectively, as their shares traded ex-dividend.

Reporting by Anand Gopal in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore

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