Following Pope Francis’s death, 60 cardinals began secretive deliberations on April 22 about his final arrangements and succession. By April 25, 149 cardinals participated in general congregations, crucial discussions preceding the conclave to elect a new pope. These gatherings allow open discussions, candidate identification, and lobbying. Only 135 cardinals under 80 can vote in the conclave, but all 252 cardinals can attend the congregations. This period is vital for reassessing church priorities and evaluating potential papal candidates, fostering familiarity among cardinals. Penelope Kingsley 28/04/2025 12:30 am
A man drove an SUV into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, killing at least nine and injuring others. The incident occurred at the Lapu Lapu Day festival. A 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene, and police confirmed it was not an act of terrorism. Interim Police Chief Steve Rai stated the suspect was known to police. Bystanders initially apprehended him. A witness, Carayn Nulada, shielded her grandchildren from the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing. Noah Prescott 28/04/2025 12:30 am
Col. Archibald Gracie, a first-class passenger on the Titanic, wrote a letter praising the ship but reserved judgment until the journey’s end. Five days later, the Titanic sank, killing about 1,500 people. Gracie’s letter recently sold at auction for $399,000, far exceeding expectations. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge noted the letter’s value due to Gracie’s prescient remark. Gracie survived the disaster and later wrote a book about it. The auction house previously sold a Titanic violin for over $1.6 million, highlighting ongoing public interest in the shipwreck. Ava Sinclair 28/04/2025 12:30 am
Donald Trump expressed sympathy for Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their Vatican meeting, praising his efforts for Ukraine. Trump was disappointed by Russia’s bombing of Ukraine despite peace talks. Zelenskyy requested more weapons, a plea ongoing for three years. Trump urged Putin to cease hostilities and finalize a peace deal. When asked about trusting Putin, Trump promised clarity in two weeks but remained vague. He noted improved relations with Zelenskyy, attributing past disputes to minor disagreements. Noah Prescott 28/04/2025 12:30 am
Gaza faces a humanitarian crisis as soaring food prices, depleted medical supplies, and halted aid distribution worsen conditions. The World Food Programme and Unwra have exhausted their food stocks, leaving community kitchens at risk of closure. The ceasefire collapse led to an Israeli blockade, further straining resources. Markets are nearly empty, with prices for essentials like tomatoes and flour skyrocketing. Community kitchens have reduced portions, and many residents face starvation. The situation is dire, with basic foodstuffs and medical supplies nearly unobtainable. Penelope Kingsley 27/04/2025 9:00 pm
A car ramming attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival left 11 dead and dozens injured, shocking the city’s Filipino community. The 30-year-old suspect, with a history of mental health issues, is in custody. Police do not suspect terrorism. The community mourns deeply, with residents expressing grief and confusion. The festival, meant to celebrate Filipino culture, turned tragic, impacting the community profoundly. Flowers and tributes were laid at the scene, as locals grapple with the aftermath. Noah Prescott 27/04/2025 9:00 pm
Mourners gathered at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome to visit Pope Francis’ tomb, a day after his funeral attended by global leaders. His simple marble tomb, inscribed “Franciscus,” reflects his will’s instructions for modesty. The tomb’s marble hails from Liguria, honoring his heritage. Untraditionally, Pope Francis chose to be buried outside Vatican City, making him the first pope in over a century to do so. His burial site, significant to him, is where he began his papacy and visited after recent hospitalization. Penelope Kingsley 27/04/2025 9:00 pm
In his first 100 days back in office, President Trump has launched a global tariff war, cut U.S. foreign aid, criticized NATO allies, and embraced Russia’s Ukraine narrative. His unpredictable actions have disrupted the world order, alienating allies and emboldening adversaries. Trump’s radical “America First” agenda raises concerns about its long-term impact, with some governments responding in ways that may be hard to reverse. Penelope Kingsley 27/04/2025 9:00 pm
President Trump’s first 100 days have seen mixed evaluations. His loyal base remains supportive, especially regarding immigration policies, while others criticize his focus on tariffs over lowering prices, impacting his economic approval ratings. MAGA Republicans are optimistic about the economy and believe it’s too early to judge him. However, non-MAGA supporters and groups like independents, young people, and Hispanics show declining approval, particularly concerning his economic and inflation handling. Overall, opinions are divided on whether 100 days is sufficient to assess his presidency. Noah Prescott 27/04/2025 5:30 pm
Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasized that Pope Francis’s legacy of mercy should be embraced and lived beyond momentary emotion. During a Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday, Parolin highlighted mercy as central to Francis’s papacy, urging believers to integrate this principle into their lives. He noted that mercy, a key theme of Francis’s teachings, transcends human limitations and fosters love and forgiveness. Parolin called for Christians to engage in merciful dialogue, promoting healing and peace. Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at 88, following a severe respiratory illness. Noah Prescott 27/04/2025 5:30 pm
