Congratulations are due for the conscientious residents of Costa del Sol, who recycle more effectively than anyone else in Andalusia, and, for that matter, anywhere else in Spain, according to 2024 selective waste collection data.

Manuel Cardeña, president of the Mancomunidad de Municipios (commonwealth of municipalities) de la Costa del Sol, has announced that the region’s recycling ratios for light packaging and glass way overpass regional and national averages.

In 2024, the Mancomunidad collected 15.5 million kilos of light packaging, equating to 29.26 kilos per inhabitant annually, compared to the 14.40 kg average in Andalusia and the 20.40 kg average throughout Spain. This was made possible by 4,049 yellow containers, one per 131 residents. Glass recycling also excelled, with 14.9 million kilos collected, or 28.24 kilos per inhabitant (that’s a lot of wine), against 15.30 kg in Andalusia and 19.10 kg in Spain, made possible by 3,514 green containers (one per 151 residents).

Cardeña praised the region’s leadership in transforming waste into resources, thanking residents for their awareness and efficient management and the contractor, Urbaser. He gave special stress to ongoing efforts to further improve these exemplary recycling rates, benefiting both the environment and local economy.

Marbella’s local police have just started up a three-month pilot project equipping officers with ten body cameras capable of transmitting real-time footage to the force’s control and command centre.

Mayor Ángeles Muñoz announced the plan, showing off the council’s commitment to improving officer safety and operational efficiency through the latest technology. The bodycams, with an eight-hour battery life, add an extra level to Marbella’s existing network of over 360 fixed CCTV cameras.

Muñoz said that annual budget allocations will ensure police are equipped with the most state-of-the-art resources. Initial tests carried out during Easter week demonstrated the system works well, with footage adding to the central control system to provide vital evidence and comprehensive oversight of operations. The mayor said that the project bolsters the city’s security framework.

The local police’s technological unit contributed to developing the system so that the bodycams offer officers maximum mobility and real-time visuals during interventions like checkpoints, accidents, or patrols in high-density traffic areas. There are said to be plans to extend the technology to firefighters and civil protection, hoping to better coordination and emergency response efficiency. The innovation marks a significant step in modernising Marbella’s public safety operations.

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Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, at his residence, due to ‘an asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude.’

Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was not just a spiritual leader to over a billion Catholics. He was also a lifelong football enthusiast. And above all, a devoted fan of San Lorenzo de Almagro.

A childhood love that never faded

His love for El Ciclón, San Lorenzo’s nickname, began early. In 1946, not yet 10 years old, young Jorge attended his first San Lorenzo match, where he fell in love with the club and idolized star striker René Pontoni.

Decades later, Pope Francis could still name that starting eleven of San Lorenzo, never forgetting players like Rinaldo Martino or Armando Farro. He became a lifelong socio (member) of the Buenos Aires club, proudly holding membership number 88,235.

From cardinal to Pope, but always a cuervo

He rose in time through the ranks of the Church, but he remained always loyal to San Lorenzo. “Pope Francis lives in a permanent state of suffering for San Lorenzo,” one close friend once said, pointing out the deep emotional bond he had with the team from the Boedo neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

After his election as Pope, San Lorenzo paid tribute in a unique way. During a match against Colón, players wore jerseys printed with his face. In 2014, when the club won the prestigious Copa Libertadores, the team flew straight to the Vatican to present the trophy to their most famous fan. The Pope, visibly moved, received a personalized shirt and a replica of the cup. “San Lorenzo is part of my cultural identity,” he declared.

San Lorenzo’s tribute to its most famous fan

Following the news of his death, San Lorenzo released a moving tribute: “He was never just one more, he was always one of us. A Cuervo as a child and as a man… A Cuervo as a priest and cardinal… A Cuervo even as Pope…

He always shared his passion for El Ciclón: when he used to go to the Old Gasómetro to watch the 1946 team, when he confirmed Angelito Correa in the chapel of Ciudad Deportiva, when he welcomed the azulgrana visits to the Vatican — always with total joy… Member No. 88,235. From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Francis, one thing never changed: his love for El Ciclón.

Wrapped in deep sorrow, from San Lorenzo today we say to Francis: Farewell, thank you, and until forever! We will be together for eternity!”

Football, a piece of Pope Francis’s soul

For Pope Francis, football was never just a game. It was, as for many Argentines, a piece of his soul, mixing it with his responsibilities as a Pope. We can say now that his faith shaped the whole world, but his love for San Lorenzo showed his humanity.

And this is just a reminder that even the most powerful spiritual figure on Earth could still be a passionate football fan, cheering for his boyhood club.