This weekend delivered a dramatic series of events that captivated Europe, from a shocking art theft at one of the world's most famous museums to airport chaos and historic religious ceremonies.
The Louvre Heist: Masterpieces Vanish
In what authorities are calling one of the most audacious art crimes in recent memory, thieves successfully removed several priceless artworks from the Louvre museum in Paris. The brazen overnight raid has left the art world reeling and raised serious questions about security at the iconic institution.
French police have launched an international manhunt for the perpetrators, who executed their plan with military precision. Museum officials remain tight-lipped about exactly which pieces were taken, but sources indicate they include works from the Renaissance collection.
Airport Inferno Grounds Travel
Meanwhile, travellers faced chaos as a major European airport was forced to suspend all operations following a significant fire in one of its terminals. Dramatic images showed thick black smoke billowing from the building as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Thousands of passengers were left stranded as flights were cancelled or diverted to neighbouring airports. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, though early reports suggest it may have started in a retail area within the terminal.
Seven New Saints Canonised
In a historic religious ceremony, the Vatican formally recognised seven new saints in a canonisation mass attended by thousands of faithful. The new saints include missionaries, martyrs, and humanitarian workers from across the globe.
Pope Francis presided over the ceremony, emphasising the enduring relevance of their examples in today's world. Among those canonised are several figures known for their work with the poor and marginalised communities.
A Weekend of Contrasts
These three major stories highlight the diverse nature of news emerging from Europe this weekend - from criminal audacity and public safety concerns to spiritual celebration. The Louvre theft particularly resonates as an attack on cultural heritage, while the airport fire demonstrates the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
As investigations continue into both the heist and the fire, authorities face mounting pressure to provide answers and prevent similar incidents in the future.
