Pope Francis’s funeral mass was held in Vatican City after his death at 88. Around 250,000 mourners paid their respects over three days. The mass began at 10 a.m. local time, followed by the “rite of the entombment of the Roman pontiff” at 1 p.m., led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. Newsweek provided live updates from the event. Noah Prescott 26/04/2025 8:30 pm
Ukraine denies Russian claims of being ousted from Russia’s Kursk region, calling them “propaganda tricks.” Despite Russian assertions of regaining control, Ukraine insists its forces remain active in Kursk and Belgorod. Russia credits North Korean troops for aiding their efforts. Meanwhile, US President Trump suggests Russia and Ukraine are nearing a peace deal, with pressure on Ukraine to make territorial concessions, including Crimea. Ukraine aims to use its territorial gains as leverage in negotiations, while Russia claims its forces are now at the Ukraine-Sumy border. Noah Prescott 26/04/2025 8:30 pm
Iran and the U.S. held extensive talks in Oman regarding Iran’s nuclear program, concluding with plans for further discussions. The negotiations, described as serious and detailed, lasted over four hours. Both sides acknowledged progress but noted unresolved differences. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the depth of the discussions, while a U.S. official called them “positive and productive.” Another high-level meeting may occur next weekend. Noah Prescott 26/04/2025 8:30 pm
The Twinnies, Bridgette and Paula Powers, are identical twins from Queensland, Australia, who recently gained attention after being interviewed on 7News Australia about a carjacking involving their mother. Known for their decades-long nature conservation work, they began their careers after meeting Steve Irwin while rescuing a sea turtle, leading to employment at the Australia Zoo. Their unique story and recent media appearance have reignited interest in their fascinating lives, reminiscent of the early viral days of YouTube. Ava Sinclair 26/04/2025 5:00 pm
At Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City, President Trump secured a front-row seat and met with Ukrainian President Zelensky for the first time since their February Oval Office dispute. Their conversation, held in St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolized the peacemaking dialogue Pope Francis championed. Despite recent tensions with global leaders due to Trump’s foreign policy, his interactions at the funeral, including warm exchanges with other dignitaries, suggested a misleading sense of harmony. Trump planned multiple meetings with leaders during his brief visit to Rome. Penelope Kingsley 26/04/2025 5:00 pm
The Solemn Requiem Mass for Pope Francis will be globally broadcast for the first time, marking a historic event as his remains are transferred from the Vatican to St. Mary Major. The event, on 26 April, will feature live coverage in 15 languages, including sign languages, and multimedia coverage in 56 languages. Vatican News will provide extensive broadcast options via their website, YouTube, radio, and social media platforms, ensuring worldwide access to the ceremony. Ava Sinclair 26/04/2025 5:00 pm
Pope Francis has altered traditional burial practices by opting for a simpler wooden coffin with a zinc interior, instead of the customary three nested coffins. Additionally, he requested to be entombed in Santa Maria Maggiore rather than the crypt at St. Peter’s Basilica, breaking a 100-year-old tradition. During his lying in state, over 250,000 mourners visited, with St. Peter’s Basilica extending its hours to accommodate the crowds. Born in Argentina, Francis was the first Latin American pope, marking a significant shift in the Catholic Church’s history. Ava Sinclair 26/04/2025 5:00 pm
U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy had a “very productive” 15-minute meeting in Rome during Pope Francis’s funeral. This was their first meeting since a tense encounter in Washington. They agreed to meet again later that day. The discussion is crucial for ongoing Ukraine-Russia negotiations. White House communications director Steven Cheung and Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, described the meeting as productive and constructive. Photos showed the leaders conversing privately in a marble-lined hall. Noah Prescott 26/04/2025 1:30 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Russia regained control of Kursk, a region where Ukraine launched an offensive last year. However, Ukraine’s military disputes this, stating that fighting continues. Ukraine’s forces aim to hold Kursk as a bargaining chip in peace talks. Russia, aided by North Korean soldiers, seeks to oust Ukrainian forces. If Russia’s claims are true, Ukraine’s strategic position weakens. Despite US attempts to mediate, tensions persist, with little progress in peace talks. Penelope Kingsley 26/04/2025 1:30 pm
In Muscat, Iranian and U.S. negotiators began indirect talks to curb Iran’s nuclear program, with U.S. President Trump expressing optimism about reaching a deal. The discussions, mediated by Oman, follow constructive talks in Rome. Iran seeks sanctions relief amid economic struggles and military setbacks. Talks are starting at the expert level to draft a potential framework before lead negotiators meet. Trump remains open to military action if diplomacy fails, though both nations are committed to pursuing diplomatic solutions. Noah Prescott 26/04/2025 1:30 pm
