In a prepared Angelus address, Pope Francis, undergoing hospital treatment, expressed gratitude for the prayers and support from the faithful, urging continued prayers for global peace, especially for Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and Kivu. He thanked healthcare professionals for their care and reflected on the grace found in illness, sharing solidarity with the sick. The Pope assured his prayers for the faithful and emphasized the importance of observing the world with charity, highlighting the virtue of fraternal correction. He invited reflection on the Gospel, focusing on sight and taste. Noah Prescott 02/03/2025 5:30 pm
Britain hosted a summit of European leaders to support Ukrainian President Zelenskyy after tensions with the U.S. President Trump. The London meeting, led by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aimed to bolster Ukraine and European defenses. Starmer, alongside Zelenskyy and Macron, emphasized the importance of a ceasefire plan involving Britain, France, and Ukraine. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni reassured Zelenskyy of Italy’s support, aligning with European and U.S. efforts for a lasting peace ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. Noah Prescott 02/03/2025 5:30 pm
Residents of Diyarbakir, Turkey, support the PKK’s ceasefire following leader Abdullah Ocalan’s peace call, hoping it ends the 40-year conflict. The PKK’s decision, backed by President Erdogan’s government and the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, aims to halt violence that has claimed over 40,000 lives. Erdogan warns military action will resume if promises aren’t kept. The PKK seeks greater freedoms for Ocalan to advance disarmament, but Ankara refuses negotiations. DEM’s Tuncer Bakirhan emphasizes the need for political and legal changes, urging Turkey’s parliament to act. Ava Sinclair 02/03/2025 5:30 pm
A 4-year-old child became the second Ebola fatality in Uganda, complicating efforts to control the outbreak that began in January. The child died in Kampala, and WHO is enhancing surveillance and contact tracing. Despite discharging eight patients, officials are still investigating the outbreak’s source. No vaccines exist for the Sudan strain of Ebola affecting Uganda. WHO supports Uganda with $3 million, but funding concerns persist after the U.S. cut 60% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts. Over 20,000 travelers are screened daily at Uganda’s borders. Ava Sinclair 02/03/2025 2:00 pm
European leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in London after a contentious White House meeting strained U.S.-Ukrainian relations. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to pursue peace in Ukraine, collaborating with President Trump and French President Macron on a peace plan to present to the U.S. Zelenskyy arrived from Washington, where Trump and Vice President Vance falsely accused Ukraine of starting the war with Russia, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Penelope Kingsley 02/03/2025 2:00 pm
European leaders are grappling with President Trump’s return by encouraging cooperation on Ukraine and boosting their defense spending to reduce reliance on the U.S. However, a tense Oval Office meeting where Trump criticized Ukraine’s President Zelensky highlighted the urgency for Europe to devise concrete plans. Trump’s subsequent cancellation of a news conference and social media comments suggested a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Russia, alarming European leaders like Germany’s President Steinmeier, who expressed disbelief at potentially defending Ukraine from the U.S. Penelope Kingsley 02/03/2025 2:00 pm
Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to meet European leaders and King Charles in London after a tense encounter with US President Trump. The summit, convened by UK Prime Minister Starmer, aims to revive peace talks for the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky emphasized the need for US support, while Trump criticized him for risking global conflict. The meeting follows a $2.8 billion loan agreement between the UK and Ukraine. The summit faces challenges amid heightened tensions and aims to build on recent progress towards a peace deal. Noah Prescott 02/03/2025 10:30 am
In a Saturday Night Live cold open, Mike Myers played a chainsaw-wielding Elon Musk interrupting Donald Trump and J.D. Vance’s mock attack on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump (James Austin Johnson) and Vance (Bowen Yang) criticized Zelensky (Mikey Day) for not showing enough gratitude for aid against Russia. Trump sarcastically suggested Zelensky apologize to Putin, while Vance interrupted Zelensky’s response, emphasizing their planned attack. Noah Prescott 02/03/2025 10:30 am
Rio’s street parties pose logistical challenges for musicians like Márcio Meirelles, 54, who played his tuba at multiple Carnival events, earning up to 600 reais per show. Meanwhile, the Sons of Gandhi, an Afro-Brazilian cultural group, performed in Rio’s old port area, promoting African traditions. Recognized as a cultural asset, the group highlights the historical significance of the area where many enslaved Africans arrived during colonial times. Ava Sinclair 02/03/2025 10:30 am
Benedict XVI’s resignation shocked the Catholic Church, raising speculation about Pope Francis following suit after his recent hospitalization for pneumonia. Papal biographer Austen Ivereigh suggests Francis might only resign if faced with a long-term debilitating condition. Despite recent health issues, Francis remains committed to his role. The papacy, unlike corporate roles, is traditionally a lifelong position, and the Church is cautious about setting a precedent for resignation due to age or health. Francis, 88, is recovering, but his long-term prognosis remains uncertain. Penelope Kingsley 02/03/2025 7:00 am
