Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, confirmed by the Vatican. Jorge Bergoglio, who became Pope in 2013, dedicated his life to promoting interfaith relations, environmental protection, and peace, notably calling for an end to the Gaza conflict. Following his death, thousands have gathered in St. Peter’s Square to mourn his loss and honor his legacy of compassion and service. A prayer service led by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will take place in the square tonight to pay tribute to the beloved pope. (PC: BBC)

Efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine continue to fail, with the latest "Easter truce" collapsing within 30 hours. Despite calls from the US and President Zelensky's willingness to extend calm periods, mistrust rooted in years of broken agreements persists. Since Russia's 2014 invasion of Crimea, over 25 ceasefire deals have been violated. Key truces, including the Minsk accords, have failed almost immediately. Experts largely blame Russia for insincerity, while Ukraine also faces scrutiny. With ongoing fighting and no agreement in sight, peace remains elusive. Russia insists any ceasefire must resolve its original demands, including Ukraine’s demilitarisation. (PC: Reuters)

King Charles and Queen Camilla said they have “heavy hearts” after the death of Pope Francis at age 88. In a statement, the King said they were “deeply saddened” but felt comforted that the Pope was able to share an Easter message before he died. “He will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church, and his tireless commitment to people of faith,” the King said. The King and Queen met the Pope in Rome earlier this month. “We were greatly moved to have been able to visit him,” the King added. (PC: Getty)

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away at 88 after battling double pneumonia. Just a day before his death, he greeted Easter worshippers in St. Peter’s Square. Global leaders mourned his passing, highlighting his humility and dedication to the marginalized. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni called him “a great shepherd,” while Argentina's President Javier Milei acknowledged his efforts in interfaith dialogue. European Commission's Ursula von der Leyen praised his commitment to peace. U.S. leaders, including President Trump and VP JD Vance, offered condolences. Russia's President Putin noted his role in bridging Orthodox-Catholic relations. India's PM Modi remembered him as a beacon of compassion. Spain declared three days of mourning. (PC: Reuters)

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, died at 88 on April 21, 2025, following a battle with double pneumonia. Elected in 2013, Jorge Mario Bergoglio's papacy was marked by humility and reform. He chose modest living quarters over traditional papal apartments, emphasizing care for the poor. Facing internal Church scandals and bureaucracy, he aimed to restore order but encountered criticism from both conservatives and progressives. Francis championed interfaith dialogue and supported marginalized groups, including migrants. His tenure overlapped with predecessor Benedict XVI until 2022. By appointing nearly 80% of future papal electors, his influence is poised to shape the Church's direction. His legacy intertwines reform, resistance, and global admiration. (PC: Reuters)

Just hours after a 30-hour "Easter truce" declared by President Putin expired, Ukraine reported renewed Russian drone and missile strikes across several regions, including Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Air raid alerts were issued and explosions were heard, though no casualties have been confirmed. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the ceasefire as a "PR stunt," citing over 1,800 violations during the truce. Russia denies the claims, saying it observed the ceasefire. The brief pause in hostilities was seen by many as symbolic. The U.S. continues to urge a lasting peace, despite skepticism about Putin’s intentions and ongoing military aggression. (PC: Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia broke its 30-hour Easter truce more than 2,000 times. He claimed there were 67 attacks, over 1,300 shellings, and 673 drone strikes. In response, Zelenskyy offered a deal: Ukraine would pause long-range missile strikes on civilian sites for 30 days, if Russia agrees. He said if Russia refuses, it proves they want to keep the war going. The UK confirmed RAF jets stopped Russian planes near NATO airspace. The US welcomed a truce extension, but Russia hasn’t agreed. Many fear the ceasefire was just a show with no real effort for peace. (PC: Reuters)

A fire early Easter morning killed three men and hurt four others in Queens, New York City. The fire broke out around 1:40 am at a home on Chevy Chase Street in Jamaica Estates. The men who died were aged 45, 52, and 67. Three injured people were taken to Jamaica Hospital and one to Queens Hospital. One person is in critical condition. Firefighters quickly reached the scene and put out the flames. FDNY called it a tragic day. The cause of the fire is still under probe. Names of the victims have not been shared yet. (PC: FDNYFC/X)

Ukraine and Russia traded accusations over breaking a 30-hour Easter truce initiated by Russian President Putin. Ukrainian President Zelensky claimed over 46 Russian assaults since Sunday, while Russia's defense ministry reported repelling Ukrainian attacks. The truce, from 16:00 BST Saturday to midnight Sunday, was intended to cease hostilities, but both sides accused each other of violating it. Zelensky called Putin's announcement a "PR exercise," while Russia maintained it upheld the ceasefire. The conflict, ongoing since February 2022, has led to devastating casualties on both sides. (PC: Reuters)

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) admitted that an “operational misunderstanding” and breach of orders led to the deaths of 15 emergency workers in Gaza on March 23. An internal inquiry found that IDF troops mistakenly fired on a convoy of ambulances, a UN vehicle, and a fire truck, suspecting hostile activity in low-visibility conditions. Video evidence later disproved the IDF’s claim that the vehicles lacked emergency lights. A deputy commander was dismissed for an inaccurate debrief, and another officer was disciplined. The incident has sparked calls for an independent probe from the Red Crescent and global humanitarian agencies. (PC: BBC)