Pope Francis, hospitalized with double pneumonia, met with Vatican officials to approve decrees for saints and plan future canonizations, signaling ongoing Vatican operations despite his critical condition. During the meeting, he approved decrees for beatification and canonization and decided to convene a consistory. The Vatican also announced new bishops for Brazil, a new archbishop for Vancouver, and legal changes for Vatican City. Despite his illness, Francis resumed work, including contacting a parish in Gaza. The Vatican reported a slight improvement in his condition, noting he slept well. Ava Sinclair 25/02/2025 6:30 pm
During a meeting in Kyiv marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, President Trump was largely unmentioned but influential. European leaders emphasized support for Ukraine, subtly rebuking Trump’s stance on reducing U.S. aid and troop presence. Ursula von der Leyen stressed the importance of strengthening Ukraine’s defenses. The gathering highlighted Western solidarity, contrasting with Trump’s recent comments blaming Ukraine for the invasion, which unsettled European officials. Penelope Kingsley 25/02/2025 6:30 pm
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan aligned with the U.S. and allies, emphasizing shared democratic values and threats from authoritarian neighbors. However, President Trump’s shift against Ukraine raises concerns in Taiwan about U.S. reliability in a potential conflict with China. Russell Hsiao of the Global Taiwan Institute notes this could lead to doubts about U.S. support. Taiwan, facing daily Chinese military provocations, relies on U.S. backing for deterrence. Trump’s policy reversal on Ukraine prompts Taiwan to reassess its security strategy and U.S. ties. Penelope Kingsley 25/02/2025 3:00 pm
Taiwan’s coast guard detained a Togo-registered cargo ship with a Chinese crew, suspecting it of cutting an undersea internet cable to the Penghu Islands. The ship, “Hong Tai,” ignored coast guard broadcasts and was near the cable when it was damaged. Taiwan is investigating whether this was a deliberate act, possibly a Chinese “gray zone operation.” Recent incidents have raised concerns about China’s intimidation tactics, as Taiwan faces increasing pressure from Beijing, which claims the island as its territory. Similar undersea cable damages have occurred globally. Ava Sinclair 25/02/2025 3:00 pm
A highway under construction in Anseong, South Korea, collapsed, killing four workers and injuring several others, some seriously. Two of the deceased were Chinese nationals, and two were South Korean. The incident occurred as workers were installing a deck on the bridge. Hyundai Engineering, the lead contractor, apologized and is cooperating with authorities. The cause of the collapse is still unknown. Acting President Choi Sang-mok has ordered all available resources to be mobilized to the site. Ava Sinclair 25/02/2025 11:30 am
US President Donald Trump expressed hope that Russia’s war in Ukraine is nearing its end, during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron noted “substantial progress” in discussions but emphasized that any agreement must not equate to Ukraine’s surrender. France has discussed sending peacekeeping troops with the UK, and Trump claimed Russian President Putin would accept this. Trump hopes the conflict ends soon, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy potentially visiting Washington to sign a deal. Macron called the talks a “turning point” but stressed peace shouldn’t mean Ukraine’s surrender. Noah Prescott 25/02/2025 11:30 am
France’s largest child abuse trial involves 299 alleged victims abused by retired surgeon Joel Le Scouarnec over 25 years in nine hospitals. The trial, starting in Morbihan, Brittany, highlights systemic failures as Le Scouarnec, already serving a 15-year sentence for prior convictions, faces new charges. Despite a 2005 conviction for possessing child abuse imagery, he continued working in hospitals. The trial, capturing national attention, aims to shift the shame of abuse onto perpetrators and challenge institutional negligence. Many victims, barred by the statute of limitations, seek justice and societal change. Ava Sinclair 25/02/2025 11:30 am
On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European leaders are frustrated with President Trump’s exclusion of Ukraine and Europe from US-Russia peace talks. Trump and Putin’s discussions have sparked concerns, leading to an emergency summit hosted by French President Macron to explore security guarantees for Ukraine. Tensions have escalated with Trump labeling Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a “dictator,” while Zelenskyy accuses Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation. European leaders are striving to ensure they have a role in decisions affecting Ukraine’s future. Noah Prescott 25/02/2025 11:30 am
European and Canadian leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, visited Kyiv to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. They expressed support for Ukraine, emphasizing its importance to Europe’s destiny. European Council President Antonio Costa announced an emergency EU summit to address Ukraine’s situation amid a U.S. policy shift under President Donald Trump. The visit highlights the international community’s commitment to Ukraine as President Zelenskyy faces a changing geopolitical landscape. Penelope Kingsley 25/02/2025 8:00 am
President Trump stated that Russian President Putin is open to European peacekeepers in Ukraine, potentially ending the conflict with Kyiv. Trump, alongside French President Macron, expressed optimism for a resolution within weeks but warned of escalation without an agreement. European leaders, including Macron and UK Prime Minister Starmer, are in Washington to ensure continued U.S. support for Ukraine and transatlantic security. Trump’s comments labeling Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy a “dictator” and suggesting Ukraine concede territory have unsettled European allies, raising concerns about U.S. reliability. Noah Prescott 25/02/2025 8:00 am
