Pope Francis, during his first general audience of the year, addressed the issue of people choosing pets over children, labeling it as a form of selfishness. He encouraged couples to have more children to combat the 'demographic winter' in the West and suggested that adoption is a noble alternative for those unable to have biological children. The Pope emphasized the importance of lay participation in the church, highlighting a significant change where a layman and a nun provided English and Spanish translations of his catechism lesson, a task traditionally performed by Vatican monsignors. This change aligns with his vision of a less-clericalized Catholic Church and his efforts to involve more women and laypeople in church governance.

The iconic giant rocking chair that has been an advertisement for the Old and New Furniture shop in Camden Town for over 30 years is now up for sale. The shop is closing down at the end of May, ending its business since 1982. Salesman Tony Martin has indicated that the chair, made by Big Stuff, the same firm responsible for many Camden High Street icons, is made of metal and polystyrene and no longer rocks due to safety concerns. The shop's closure is attributed to the changing nature of Camden Town, which has become more tourist-oriented, leading to a decline in local furniture sales. Interested buyers can make a bid for the chair by calling the provided phone number.

The article provides a vivid description of the Peggy Porschen parlour in Belgravia, London, highlighting its Instagram-worthy aesthetic and popularity among social media users. The author, Beatrice Guzzardi, narrates a visit to the bakery-boutique, detailing the pastel decor, the queue of customers, and the visually appealing treats on offer. The parlour, known for its decorative cakes and Instagram following, has become a hotspot for tourists and Instagrammers, some of whom visit for photo opportunities. The author notes that while the tea and cake are good, the visual appeal is a significant part of the Peggy Porschen experience, making it a place built as much on its social media image as its culinary offerings.

Daryl Hudson, a 27-year-old from Liverpool Road, has turned his fascination with meerkats into a reality by bringing two of the animals, named Toffee and Fudge, to live with him. His interest in meerkats began in childhood and was reignited by the 'Meerkat Manor' documentary and an insurance company's advertising campaign. Toffee and Fudge, both three years old, have distinct personalities and require specialist care, which Hudson is qualified to provide through his experience and courses at London Zoo. While it is legal to keep meerkats in the UK, the RSPCA does not generally recommend them as pets due to their complex needs. Hudson has been checked by the RSPCA and police, with no concerns found, and he enjoys the curiosity and pleasure his pets bring to friends, family, and passers-by.

The George, a popular pub in Holloway known for being an Arsenal matchday destination, is closing after nearly 30 years. Landlord Peter Mara cites high running costs, including £16,000 a year to show sports, as the primary reason for the closure. The lease is ending, and there has been a decline in pub usage and footfall, partly attributed to Arsenal's poor performances and early game kick-offs. Mara, who has been in the pub industry since he was 15, plans to take a year off after the pub closes at the end of May. Fans and the community have expressed their sadness on social media, calling the pub an 'institution'. The future of the building is currently uncertain, with the freehold owners, Wellington Pub Company PLC, unaware of what will happen next.

Nine countries, including the U.S. and U.K., have paused funding to the UNRWA amid allegations that some of its employees participated in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The UNRWA, responsible for humanitarian aid in Gaza, is under investigation by the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services. The funding pause, affecting over half of the agency's budget, has been criticized by UNRWA officials and the Palestine Liberation Organization, who argue it exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel has long accused the UNRWA of colluding with Hamas, a charge the agency denies.

Nine countries, including the U.S. and U.K., have paused funding to the UNRWA amid allegations that some of its employees participated in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The UNRWA, responsible for humanitarian aid in Gaza, is under investigation by the U.N. Office of Internal Oversight Services. The funding pause, affecting over $600 million of the agency's budget, has been criticized by UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, who warned of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel has long accused the UNRWA of colluding with Hamas, a charge the agency denies. The investigation's outcome is awaited by the nations pausing funding.

On June 20th, the International Refugee Day, the Red Cross in Tilbury, near London, will exhibit photographs taken by a group of migrant women. The workshop, coordinated by Reuters photojournalist Mary Turner, aimed to help these women rediscover their creativity through photography. The participants, facing various hardships, found photography a means to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. The exhibition, as explained by Susan Craig-Greene, the casework coordinator at the Red Cross in Tilbury, is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to involve the local community and showcase the women's work to their friends and family.

Beatrice Guzzardi provides a guide to experiencing Venetian cuisine in London. She highlights several restaurants that offer a taste of Venice, including Venezia Bacaro near the Barbican, known for its squid ink spaghetti and saltata di cappe. Tuscanic in Soho is praised for its aperitivo and cicchetti. 2 Veneti in Marylebone offers an elegant dining experience with dishes like creamy salt cod. Ombra in Hackney pairs quality wine with traditional food, such as baby octopus. Adriatico Bacari di Venezia by the Gherkin serves sophisticated Italian dishes with a Venetian touch. Lastly, Fumo, part of the San Carlo chain near Leicester Square, is recommended for its Venetian-style cicchetti and Italian specialities.