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Pope Francis, 88, was hospitalized for ongoing bronchitis treatment and necessary tests at Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, the Vatican announced. He has a respiratory infection and mild fever but remains in good spirits. Recent health issues include falls and a bruised forearm. His hospitalization led to the cancellation of a jubilee audience scheduled for Saturday. Despite his condition, the Pope continues to engage in daily activities, though he sometimes uses a wheelchair or cane due to knee problems.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized a second airport in eastern Congo, escalating tensions. Congolese President Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of expansionist ambitions and called for international sanctions. M23 claimed the airport posed a threat to civilians. An African Union summit in Addis Ababa aims to address the conflict, with Congo represented by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, as Tshisekedi focuses on countering M23 advances. Outgoing AU chair Moussa Faki Mahamat urged a complete halt to the fighting.

The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon reported that its outgoing deputy commander was injured when a convoy was violently attacked en route to Beirut airport. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) demanded an investigation by Lebanese authorities. Lebanon’s Prime Minister and army condemned the attack, pledging to arrest those responsible. Videos show UN vehicles set on fire and peacekeepers attacked. The incident coincides with tensions involving Hezbollah supporters over Iranian planes barred from Beirut. Unifil called the attack a violation of international law.

Tropical Cyclone Zelia, a Category 4 storm with 130 mph winds, made landfall east of Port Hedland, Western Australia, on February 14, 2025. It brought 17.16 inches of rain to Pardoo Station but mainly affected sparsely populated areas, sparing Port Hedland. Zelia is the first major cyclone of 2025 and marks a rare Category 4 landfall for Australia, which has seen only 18 such storms since 1961. The strongest recent storm was Cyclone Ilsa in April 2023, with 155 mph winds.

At the Munich Security Conference, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized US Vice President JD Vance’s remarks that free speech is “in retreat” in Europe, calling them “not acceptable.” Vance also highlighted mass migration as Europe’s urgent challenge. German President Steinmeier criticized the Trump administration for ignoring established rules, while EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that a failed Ukraine would weaken the US. Chinese diplomat Wang Yi stated Beijing would resist US “bullying.” Meanwhile, India expressed support for lasting peace in Ukraine without blame.

A 24-year-old Afghan asylum-seeker in Munich intentionally drove into a crowd at a Verdi trade union demonstration, injuring 36 people, including children. The suspect, who shouted “Allah Akbar” after the attack, acted alone and admitted to the crime. Authorities suspect religious motivation but found no extremist ties. A farewell message was discovered, but no accomplices or detailed plans were found. An arrest warrant has been requested, and the suspect is set to appear in court. Two victims, including a toddler, remain in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing.

Israel announced the release of three hostagesā€”Sagui Dekel-Chen, Alexandre Troufanov, and Iair Hornā€”by Palestinian militants on Saturday, marking the sixth exchange under a recent ceasefire. In return, Israel will release 369 Palestinian prisoners. Troufanov was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, where his father was killed. Dekel-Chen was captured defending Nir Oz, missing his daughter’s birth. Horn was taken with his brother, who remains captive. A dispute over the ceasefire was resolved, with Hamas agreeing to the release. Israel warned of resuming military action if the hostages aren’t freed.

M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo have captured the airport near Bukavu, advancing despite calls for a ceasefire. Their progress has displaced hundreds of thousands, with the rebels now 30km from Bukavu. The Congolese army is fighting back, but panic is rising among residents. The African Union is urging a ceasefire, emphasizing that military solutions won’t resolve the conflict. Rwanda, accused of backing M23, denies involvement. The situation unfolds as African leaders meet at an AU summit in Ethiopia.

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