Following Pope Francis’ death at 88, cardinals set his funeral for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Public respects begin Wednesday at St. Peter’s Basilica. U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei plan to attend. Francis, the first Latin American pope, died after a stroke, having recently appeared for Easter blessings. His 12-year papacy focused on revitalizing the church’s mission to aid the poor. Ava Sinclair 22/04/2025 11:30 am
A swimmer is missing after a rare shark attack off northern Israel’s coast near Hadera. Witnesses on Olga Beach captured the incident on video, showing the swimmer flailing in the water. Sharks, usually harmless, gather in the area due to warm water from a power plant. This is only the fourth documented shark attack in Israel’s history, with no fatalities recorded since 1948. Police have closed the beach and are searching for the missing man. Ava Sinclair 22/04/2025 11:30 am
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of violating an Easter ceasefire, despite Putin’s announcement of a truce. Zelenskyy reported continued Russian attacks, including shelling and drone strikes, suggesting either a lack of control by Putin or insincerity in peace efforts. He proposed extending the truce for 30 days. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed Ukrainian forces attacked during the ceasefire, causing civilian casualties, while asserting Russian compliance with the truce. Noah Prescott 21/04/2025 2:30 pm
Pope Francis has died at 88, ending a transformative pontificate aimed at making the Catholic Church more inclusive. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced his death, stating Francis “returned to the house of the Father.” Mourners gathered in St. Peter’s Square, reflecting on his recent Easter blessing. The Church now faces a decision on whether to continue his inclusive approach or revert to a more traditional leadership. Noah Prescott 21/04/2025 2:30 pm
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at 88, the Vatican announced. Known for championing the poor and marginalized, he reshaped the Catholic Church amid resistance. His death follows a recent hospitalization for pneumonia. As the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years, Francis advocated for migrants and the environment, facing criticism from conservative forces. His passing prompts a debate on the Church’s future, with cardinals set to gather in Rome to mourn and elect his successor. Ava Sinclair 21/04/2025 11:00 am
Following Pope Francis’s death, the See of Rome is vacant. The College of Cardinals will convene in Rome to elect a new pope. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, oversees the Church’s operations during this period, including announcing the pope’s death, securing papal properties, and organizing the funeral. The Church continues its functions under Farrell’s temporary leadership until a new pope is elected. Changes to the papal funeral rites, approved by Francis, include placing his body directly in a coffin for veneration. Noah Prescott 21/04/2025 11:00 am
A nine-year-old boy became the seventh drowning victim in Australia over the Easter weekend, with most incidents caused by strong swells. Two people remain missing. Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, called it the “worst” Easter drowning spate on record. Emergency teams retrieved the boy at South West Rocks, but he died at the scene. A father and son were also found near Wattamolla Beach; the son survived, but the father did not. Authorities urge caution as conditions improve. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed sympathy to the victims’ families. Ava Sinclair 21/04/2025 7:30 am
An Israeli investigation into the deaths of 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza found “professional failures,” leading to the firing of a deputy commander. Initially, Israel claimed the medics’ vehicles lacked emergency signals, but cellphone video contradicted this. The investigation revealed the deputy commander mistakenly identified the ambulances as belonging to Hamas due to poor visibility. Video evidence showed the ambulances had flashing lights and logos. The medics were killed by gunfire while assisting another ambulance. The bodies were buried in a mass grave, and the site was accessed a week later. Ava Sinclair 21/04/2025 4:00 am
Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Russia to halt drone and missile strikes on Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure for 30 days, accusing Vladimir Putin of a “PR” exercise with a violated Easter ceasefire. Despite Russia’s unilateral truce, Ukrainian forces reported continued Russian attacks. Zelenskyy noted increased shelling but no air raid alerts on Sunday. Some Ukrainian soldiers observed reduced Russian activity, while others reported ongoing assaults. Zelenskyy questioned Putin’s control over his military, suggesting Russia’s lack of genuine intent to end the war. As the truce expired, new alerts for Russian strikes were issued. Ava Sinclair 21/04/2025 4:00 am
German police are searching for the suspect(s) responsible for a double killing in Bad Nauheim, near Frankfurt. A 59-year-old man and his 28-year-old son-in-law, both Turkish nationals, were shot dead. The victims were unknown to police, and a personal motive is suspected. Special forces and a helicopter are aiding the manhunt. Two men were briefly detained but released. Authorities believe the public is not in danger, though residents are advised against picking up hitchhikers. Bad Nauheim’s local government expressed condolences online. Noah Prescott 21/04/2025 4:00 am
