World News: Twenty killed in suicide bombing at Damascus church

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A devastating suicide bombing at an Orthodox Church in Damascus, Syria, killed at least 22 and wounded dozens more.

On Sunday, local time, a lone attacker, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State group, opened fire and then detonated an explosive vest, killing worshippers at the Mar Elias Church.

According to Syria's Health Ministry, at least 63 others were wounded in the attack. It was the first suicide bombing targeting a church in Damascus since Bashar al-Assad's government fell. Reports suggest a second man may have been involved.

Syrian authorities condemned the attack, calling it an act of terrorism. Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has repeatedly said he will protect minorities; however, Syria has already seen deadly sectarian violence in recent months.

Spain has secured an exemption from NATO's new defense spending goal of 5 percent of GDP, ahead of a summit in The Hague.

On Sunday, June 22, Spain's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced that Spain and NATO finalized the opt-out after an exchange of letters with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Now, members, excluding Spain, will be subject to the 5 percent spending target.

Last year, Spain spent 1.28 percent of its GDP on defense, the alliance's lowest.

Sanchez pledged to raise that to 2.1 percent this year, affirming that this level is sufficient to meet its contribution to NATO without undermining Spain's welfare state commitments.

Sanchez argued escalating to 5 percent by 2035 would be "disproportionate and unnecessary," potentially forcing deep cuts in social services or higher taxes.

Pope Leo XIV issued a powerful appeal during Sunday's prayers in St. Peter's Square, saying, "Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility" to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an "irreparable abyss."

He spoke amid escalating U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that no military victory can compensate for "the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future."

Describing the situation in the Middle East as "alarming," the pope urged diplomacy to replace weapons and criticized how humanitarian suffering risked being overshadowed.

Millions of people across the world celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on Saturday, under this year's theme of "Yoga for One Earth, One Health."

In India, crowds gathered nationwide, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading a massive session at a stretch of beach in the city of Visakhapatnam.

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sunrise yoga sessions brought hundreds to Arpoador Beach, uniting locals and tourists.

Indonesia's Bali, Nusa Dua, hosted organized group practices, also drawing enthusiasts. The annual event was first celebrated in 2015, following a United Nations declaration, to highlight yoga's benefits.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.