Pope Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, breaking a centuries-old Vatican tradition. Over 200,000 mourners, including 54 world leaders and 12 royals, gathered to bid farewell to the first Latin American Pontiff, who died at 88. His funeral began with a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica before his coffin was carried out to thunderous applause. Pope Francis had requested a simple tomb outside the Vatican walls. His final message, posted hours before his death, called for global peace and reminded the world, "Christ is risen! Life, not death, defines our existence." (PC: Reuters)

Ahead of local elections, Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer addressed concerns about a rift within the party regarding trans rights. The issue arose when her fellow co-leader, Adrian Ramsay, declined to affirm the statement "trans women are women." Denyer emphasized that the Green Party's policy is clear and inclusive, stating "trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary identities exist and are valid." She also clarified that despite their different ways of expressing themselves, Ramsay and she are united in their commitment to advocating for trans and women’s rights. (PC: PA)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump met for a 15-minute discussion inside St. Peter's Basilica before Pope Francis' funeral. The White House called the meeting "very productive," while Zelensky later described it as "very symbolic," with the potential to be historic. The meeting occurred after Trump claimed Russia and Ukraine were "close to a deal." This marked their first encounter since a tense February meeting at the White House. Zelensky shared the meeting was constructive, emphasizing the importance of achieving joint results for peace. (PC: Telegram)  

US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came face-to-face at the Vatican on Saturday ahead of Pope Francis' funeral, weeks after a public spat in Washington DC. Their private meeting, described as "very productive" by the White House, was their first since Zelensky sought US security guarantees amid the Ukraine conflict — a move Trump criticized as "gambling with World War III." Trump and First Lady Melania attended the funeral alongside world leaders. A Ukrainian official confirmed the leaders plan another meeting soon, signaling a possible thaw in tensions. (PC: Andriy Yermak/Telegram)

On April 26, 2025, a massive explosion struck the Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas, Iran, injuring over 500 people. The blast occurred in the container storage area of the port, which is Iran’s largest and busiest maritime facility. Several containers, possibly containing hazardous materials, ignited, triggering a fire that caused widespread damage. The explosion's shockwave shattered windows and damaged structures several kilometers away. Emergency teams, including Iran's Red Crescent, evacuated the injured. The incident raises concerns about the handling of flammable materials and adds complications to U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. (PC: Reuters)  

Following the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistanis have unleashed a wave of memes and satire against their own government. As India suspended visa services and the Indus Water Treaty, frustration spilled over online. One user joked, "Want to stop water? There's no supply anyway," highlighting Pakistan’s dire conditions. Another mocked, "Finish the war before 9 PM — gas goes off after that." Citizens also shared memes showing improvised fighter jets made from cardboard, ridiculing the military. Facing mounting pressure, many Pakistanis questioned, "When is this misery gonna end, bro?" as anger and hopelessness over economic and leadership failures dominated social media. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump stirred controversy by claiming India and Pakistan have been fighting over Kashmir for "1,000 years" and have shared tense borders for "1,500 years." His remarks, made while departing for Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City, came amid escalated tensions following the Pahalgam terror attacks. Social media erupted in criticism, mocking Trump’s historical inaccuracies. Users on X called his comments "embarrassing" and sarcastically dubbed him an "expert" on Kashmir. Despite the backlash, Trump expressed confidence that India and Pakistan would eventually resolve their disputes. This isn’t the first time Trump has offered to mediate the Kashmir issue. (PC: India Today)

A powerful explosion rocked Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas on Saturday, injuring at least 115 people, according to Iranian state media. The blast, caused by multiple container explosions, shattered windows several kilometers away and forced suspension of port operations. Authorities fear fatalities due to the high number of workers present. Social media videos showed a towering plume of smoke and a mushroom cloud. The incident coincides with Iran's third round of nuclear talks with the U.S. in Oman, raising concerns about timing. Emergency teams are evacuating the injured to nearby hospitals as investigations continue.

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis concluded today, with his coffin now moving in a solemn 6km procession to Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Over 250,000 mourners filled St Peter’s Square and surrounding streets, according to Vatican officials. The Pope, remembered for championing refugees and urging peace with his message "build bridges, not walls," is being honored with massive public attendance. Volunteers line the streets to assist pilgrims as the procession crosses the Tiber River, passes the Colosseum, and heads north. The final burial inside the Basilica will be private, but emotional crowds continue gathering outside.

Pope Francis was buried on April 26, 2025, at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, following a solemn funeral Mass held at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The ceremony, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, fulfilled the late pontiff’s wish for a simple, humble burial. Over 130 international delegations attended, including 50 heads of state such as Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelensky. With heightened security and thousands of mourners in attendance, the funeral marked the end of a transformative 12-year papacy. (PC: AP)