Pope, Iran, ASML, Belfast, and the World Cup (Thursday, June 11)

Pope Leo XIV blessed the Jesus Christ tower of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. The tower is 172.5 meters tall. King Felipe and Queen Letizia were present, and Leo called the building a masterpiece.

The United States carried out attacks again on targets in Iran. According to Iranian media, Tehran then closed the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers. The United States states that the route remains open; damage and casualties are unknown.

ASML and the labor unions have reached a final agreement on the social plan. As a result, there will be no forced layoffs until May 1, 2027. ASML first looks for other work within the company; earlier, it announced that 1700 jobs would disappear.

Around Belfast, there was unrest again, and the police used a water cannon. In Newtownabbey, about 200 people threw stones and bottles at officers. In some places there were fires and Molotov cocktails, but British media describe the evening as calmer.

The FIFA World Cup begins Thursday in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. FIFA president Infantino defended the choice to hold matches in the United States after criticism. Artan was not allowed into the United States, and according to Infantino, FIFA cannot force countries.