Newshour

After pressure from President Trump, President Zelensky has dropped his previous insistence on a ceasefire before negotiations. He says he is prepared to meet President Putin face-to-face in Istanbul on Thursday.Also in the programme: The US government is "actively looking at" suspending 'habeas corpus' - the right of a person to challenge their detention in court - according to one of President Trump's top aides; and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria at the end of the Second World War..(Photo: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he addresses a joint press conference following a meeting of the 'Coalition of the willing' at the Mariinskyi Palace, the official residence of the president of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, 10 May 2025, amid the ongoing Russian invasion. 'Coalition of the willing' leaders meet in Kyiv, Ukraine - 10 May 2025. Credit: Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

The Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has given a cautious response to Vladimir Putin's offer of direct peace talks. Mr Zelensky said it was a positive sign that Russia was beginning to consider an end to the war - but again called on Moscow to commit to a ceasefire, starting on Monday. In a surprise late night statement, President Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul on Thursday. He said the talks would address what he described as "the root causes of the conflict." Also in the programme: As Pope Leo gives his first Sunday address at the Vatican, we speak to two young Catholics; and the South African jazz musician paying homage to a Zulu rain goddess. (Photo: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Credit: Getty Images)

Pakistan and India have accused each other of violating the ceasefire brokered after four days of cross-border attacks. Explosions have been heard in the disputed region of Kashmir an hour after the ceasefire came into effect. We get the latest updates from the region and speak to a former US diplomat about the role played by the United States in mediating the deal.Also in our programme: European leaders meet in Kyiv in a show of solidarity for Ukraine; and the chimpanzees who have found peace after a life of being experimented on.(Photo: Flashes are seen in the sky over Indian-administered Kashmir after India-Pakistan ceasefire announcement. Credit: Reuters).

President Trump says India and Pakistan have agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire -- after four days of cross border attacks. He said the agreement had been reached after a long night of talks mediated by the United States. Mr Trump congratulated both sides on "using common sense and great intelligence." Pakistan's foreign minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the agreement, saying Islamabad had always strived for peace and security, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. There's been no word yet from India.Also in the programme: The Syrian Jews visiting Damascus; and the Soviet spacecraft that's fallen back to Earth.(Photo: Police officers inspect metal debris, amid hostilities between India and Pakistan, in a field on the outskirts of Jalandhar, India, May 10, 2025. Credit: Reuters/Stringer)

The new leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, was born in Chicago but spent many years living and working in Peru where he was made a bishop. We speak to a Peruvian Catholic, who welcomes Leo's election, and hear from our correspondent, Ione Wells, in the Peruvian city of Chiclayo where the new Pope lived.Also in the programme: Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. We speak to a former Russian military officer; and two men are convicted of cutting down an iconic tree on the historic Hadrian's Wall in the north east of England. They could face up to 10 years in prison. We hear why trees are so important to people and the environment. (Picture: Sister Margarita Ramos Chanduvi poses with an image of Pope Leo XIV at a convent in Lima. Credit: RENATO PAJUELO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

Pope Leo has delivered his first homily as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Also on the programme, Russia is holding a military parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in the Second World War; and the first samples of rock drilled from the Moon in nearly 50 years have arrived in the UK.(Photo: Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass with the Cardinal electors in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, Vatican City State Holy See - 09 May 2025 VATICAN MEDIA HANDOUT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock )

US-born Robert Prevost, who once lived as a bishop in Peru, has been chosen as the new pope. It marks the first time an American man will serve as the leader of the Catholic Church. We hear from the BBC's Mark Lowen at the Vatican and get reaction from the US on this historic day. Also in the programme: we speak to billionaire Bill Gates who says he will give most of his wealth away by 2045; and on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we hear the memories of a woman who lived through the Blitz in London.(Photo: Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost of the US, delivers the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) message from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, 8th May 2025. Credit: Yara Nardi, REUTERS.

Britain has held a service at Westminster Abbey in London to mark the eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. The King and Queen and Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer attended. Other European capitals are holding their own events. Also in the programme: there's been two inconclusive votes by Cardinals this morning on who will succeed Pope Francis; India and Pakistan have accused each other of mounting drone attacks, including on targets far from the disputed region of Kashmir; and the American academic and policymaker Joseph Nye, who coined the phrase "soft power", has died aged 88.(Picture: King Charles III speaks to a veteran at the end of the Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in London on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Credit: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Pakistan has condemned India's overnight missile strikes on its territory as acts of war. We hear from the Pakistani cabinet minister Ahsan Iqbal.Also in the programme: The Papal conclave in the Vatican begins to elect a successor to Pope Francis; and in his first interview since leaving the White House the former US President, Joe Biden, tells the BBC that the Trump administration is guilty of what he described as "modern-day appeasement" because of the way it has been pressuring Ukraine to give up territory to Russia.(Photo: Members of the media film the inside of a building after it was hit by an Indian strike in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, 7 May 2025. Credit: Reuters)

Pakistan says Indian missile attacks on its territory have "ignited an inferno in the region," and Delhi shall bear the responsibility for its consequences. It said twenty six people were killed in the attacks. After a meeting of its National Security Committee, Pakistan said it reserved the right to respond. India said it had targeted terrorist camps at nine locations, in response to a deadly militant attack on tourists in Kashmir two weeks ago.Also, the former US President, Joe Biden, has condemned Donald Trump's position on Ukraine - saying that putting pressure on Kyiv to give up territory to Russia amounts to "modern day appeasement".And cardinals from around the world have gathered in the Vatican to begin the secretive process of electing a new Pope.(Photo: A city view of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administrated Kashmir. Credit: Getty Images)

Newshour reports from Syria again, as the country tries to emerge from the ruin of civil war and dictatorship. Tim Franks has met a man whose job under Bashar al-Assad was to collect bodies from a military hospital: "the hardest part to see was how they were tortured". Also in the programme: Canadians elected Mark Carney to see off Donald Trump's ambition to annex Canada - today they met at the White House; and Germany has a new Chancellor, after a rocky start. (Photo: Fighters inspect the site of a mass grave from the rule of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, according to residents, after the ousting of al-Assad, in Najha, Syria, December 17, 2024. Reuters/Ammar Awad)

Newshour reports from Damascus on the doctors who say they are fighting against crippling sanctions when trying to look after their patients. Also on the programme: Friedrich Merz has suffered a shock defeat in a parliamentary vote, failing to win the majority needed to become Germany's new chancellor; and Port Sudan is again attacked by paramilitaries. (Photo: A child injured in an airstrike receives medical treatment at a hospital in Idlib, northern Syria, 01 December 2024. Credit: EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Five months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, can Syria overcome immense problems under its new Islamist rulers? Also in the programme: an army reservist speaks about the plan by Israel's government to send more troops into Gaza; and Donald Trump says he could hit movies made in foreign countries with a 100% tariff - but how?(File photo: A drone view shows people waving flags adopted by the new Syrian rulers during celebrations in Umayyad Square, after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 20, 2024. Reuters/Amr Alfiky/File Photo)

Five months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, we ask can Syria overcome its immense problems under its new Islamist rulers? Also in the programme: Europe commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Nazi surrender in 1945; and the end of the road for Skype.Photo: A torn poster of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus suburb. Credit: Reuters.

Israel military has confirmed that tens of thousands of call-up orders are being sent to reservists, to prepare for another expansion of the war in Gaza. Israel says it's aiming to put pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages. Aid agencies have condemned Israel's continued blockade of the territory.Also, Newshour's Tim Franks reports from Syria, looking at the huge challenge of rebuilding this shattered country.And as Cardinals concentrate on the spiritual aspects of a new pope, we look at the sartorial side.(Photo credit: Getty Images)

Romanians vote for a new president after suspected Russian interference in 2024 poll. The nationalist presidential candidate, George Simion, a self described MAGA candidate, has said his only objective is “to put the Romanian people first”. Also in the programme: We explore the ongoing impact of President Bashar al-Assad's brutal repression tactics on ordinary Syrians; and we hear from International Booker prize nominee Solvaj Balle, alongside the translator who brought her work 'On The Calculation Of Volume' into the English literary canon. (Photo: Banners showing U.S. President Donald Trump and Marian Cucsa, candidate of Republican Party of Romania, on the day of Romanian presidential election, in Bucharest, Romania, May 4, 2025. Credit: REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki)

Labor's Anthony Albanese has defied the so-called "incumbency curse" to be re-elected Australia's prime minister in a landslide. Also on the programme, the medical charity, Medecins Sans Frontieres, says one of its hospitals in South Sudan has been bombed and that there are reports of deaths and injuries; and, Warren Buffett - regarded as one of the world's most influential investors - has surprised shareholders by announcing he'll retire from his firm by the end of the year.(Photo: Australia holds Federal Elections, Sydney - 03 May 2025 LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Less than a week after the Liberals came from behind to win in Canada, Australia's governing Labor Party has won the election there. Is the Trump effect in play once more? Also in the programme: Israel ramps up airstrikes on Syria, claiming to be defending the Druze minority; Poland boosts its defences in the face of the Russian threat; and we hear from an author shortlisted for the International Booker Prize – whose novel's main character is based on her late sister.(IMAGE: Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrates at a Labor party election night event, after local media projected the Labor Party's victory, on the day of the Australian federal election, in Sydney, Australia, May 3, 2025 / CREDIT: REUTERS/Hollie Adams TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

The German Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has been classified as extreme-right by the country's intelligence agency. This will allow for closer surveillance of the party - and potentially even a total ban. We hear from the party's deputy leader who calls the decision ‘totalitarian'.Also on the programme: The crew of a boat transporting aid to Gaza claims it was attacked by drones in international waters near Malta, and; Prince Harry tells the BBC that his father King Charles won't speak to him because of a dispute over who should pay for his security.(Supporters of the Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) party wear morph suits and wave flags during an event to rally support for Sunday's European Parliament elections at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin May 23, 2014. REUTERS/Thomas Peter/File Photo)

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says an Israeli strike close to the Presidential Palace in Damascus is a message to Syria's government not to threaten the Druze community. The new Syrian government says any breach of the country's sovereignty is unacceptable -- but Mr Netanyahu insisted that Israel would "not allow" Syrian forces to deploy south of the capital. Sectarian clashes in Syria this week killed dozens of people. Also in the programme: First Canada, now Australia - how the Trump factor is shaping tomorrow's election; and a surprise at the polls for Britain's governing Labour Party. (Photo: Syrian security forces check vehicles at the entrance of Druze town of Sahnaya, Syria, May 1, 2025. Reuters/Yamam Al Shaar)

The US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has been demoted to UN Ambassador after a controversy involving sensitive military plans and a Signal group chat.Also on the programme: the US and Ukraine clinch a natural resources deal but an agreement to end the conflict remains elusive; and with Roman Catholic cardinals readying to elect a new Pope, British author Robert Harris talks about his book Conclave.And Newhour's Julian Marshall presents his last programme after 51 years of reporting and presenting for the BBC World Service. We bid him farewell. (Photo: US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz joins US Vice President JD Vance for a visit to the US military's Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. Credit: Reuters)

Ukraine and the US have signed a much-anticipated natural resources deal, after months of tense negotiations. The deal - which says the US will share profits from future sales of Ukraine's mineral and energy reserves - aims to incentivise Washington to invest further in Ukraine's defence and reconstruction. Also in the programme: Syrian officials say they have regained control of a Damascus suburb which had seen a surge in fighting between a Druze militia and government troops; and we look at the children's book The Gruffalo. Are you excited about the first new book in more than 20 years?(Photo: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko sign the deal. Credit: Reuters, picture obtained from social media. Yulia Svyrydenko via Facebook)

The US economy shrank in the first three months of 2025, with GDP falling 0.3 per cent, partly because of a surge in imports in anticipation of President Trump's tariffs. Mr Trump says growth is on track; we hear from an economist.Also in the programme: the US and Ukraine appear poised to sign a revised minerals deal; 50 years after the fall of Saigon, we hear from the former US marine who flew one of the last helicopters out of Vietnam; plus the Rwandan vet who's just won a prize for saving the majestic grey-crowned crane.(IMAGE: US President Trump hosts Cabinet Meeting at the White House, Washington, USA - 30 Apr 2025 / CREDIT: Ken Cedeno/Pool/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has held a series of high-level meetings with his cabinet colleagues and senior military officers, amid growing tension with neighbouring Pakistan. It comes after having repeatedly accused the Pakistani authorities of supporting Kashmiri separatists who launched a deadly attack on tourists near Pahalgam last week. Also on the programme, Turkey has been building military bases on Iraqi territory, the BBC finds, raising fears of an occupation; and, cutting-edge test has saved the eyesight of a woman from the UK who was left contemplating having her eye removed altogether by surgeons, after she developed a mysterious infection whilst swimming in a river in the Amazon rainforest.(Photo: Protest in Pakistan against India over Pahalgam attack, Karachi, 29 April, 2025. Credit: Rehan Khan/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has said his country deserves respect from the United States and will only enter trade and security talks on its own terms. He was speaking to the BBC just before his Liberal Party's election victory was announced. Newshour hears from newly-elected Conservative MP Andrew Lawton.Also in the programme: Trump's first 100 days in office; and Malta ordered to end "golden passports".(Picture: Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney dances during an event at the Liberal Party election night headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada April 29, 2025. Credit: Reuters)

In a remarkable turnaround, Canada's Liberal Party has won a fourth consecutive term. It had been trailing by 15 to 20 points behind the Conservative opposition. But it's not yet clear if they'll command a majority in parliament. We ask a Liberal Party MP about the challenges ahead.Also in the programme: a vaccine that does not need to be refrigerated starts human trials in the UK; and the chaos that yesterday's power outage in Spain left in its trail – we hear the tale of one high speed train passenger who ended up overnight in a rural village.Photo: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses supporters at the Liberal Party election night event in Ottawa, Ontario Credit: ERIC REID/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Spain aims to restore power nationwide "soon" after a blackout disrupted daily life for millions but has no "conclusive information" about its causes, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. In Portugal, electricity provider REN said it had restored power to some 750,000 consumers. Newshour hears from Kristian Ruby of Eurelectric, a trade body for power suppliers.Also in the programme: trial begins in Paris of Kardashian robbers; and on the front lines with rebels in Myanmar.(Picture: A view shows an electricity pylon during a power outage which hit large parts of Spain, in Barcelona, Spain, April 28, 2025. Credit: REUTERS)

Large parts of the Southern European countries hit by power outages as trains, restaurants, and even traffic lights are impacted. The Madrid metro has been evacuated and long queues have formed at cash points as card payments aren't working. The source of the power cuts is currently unknown.Also in the programme: The International Court of Justice has begun five days of hearings to examine Israel's legal obligations to provide aid to Gaza. Aid has been blocked from reaching Gaza since March. International agencies are warning of severe food shortages. And; the Canadian election takes place today as the Liberals, led by current Prime Minister Mark Carney, are expected to win. We explain the politics behind it all.(Photo: View of a bar after a blackout hit Spain in the city of Toledo, central Spain, 28 April 2025. A massive blackout has hit large parts of Spain and spread to neighbouring Portugal and France, disrupting transport systems, internet connections and daily life, according to authorities. Photo by ISMAEL HERRERO/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Canadian police say a suspect detained after a car was driven at high-speed into festivalgoers in Vancouver had suffered mental health problems. The interim police chief told a news conference that the number of people killed had risen to 11. Dozens more were hurt at the Filipino street festival on Saturday. He said many unanswered questions remained after what he called the darkest day in Vancouver's history. Canada's political leaders say the country is united in grief. Voters go to the polls on Monday in a general election.Also in the programme: we hear about life in Mandalay, one month after Myanmar's massive earthquake; and an unusual tribute to singer David Bowie- a memorial plaque in the northern English town of Stockport will honour the night he missed his train home after a gig in 1970 and fell asleep at the station.(Photo: A man places tributes on a fence, the morning after a vehicle was driven into a crowd at a Filipino community Lapu Lapu party, in Vancouver, Canada April 27, 2025. Credit: Reuters /Chris Helgren)

At least nine people have been killed after a car ploughed into crowds at a Filipino cultural event in Vancouver. Yousef Vardeh is a Filipino-Canadian who witnessed the incident from his bao-bun food truck and watched as his customers were hit. Also in the programme: Iranian officials say they have contained a deadly fire following an explosion at one of the country's largest ports; and we speak to the Serbian students running from their home country to Brussels to lobby the EU.(Photo: An ambulance is parked at the site of the Lapu Lapu day block party. Credit: REUTERS/Jennifer Gauthier)

Pope Francis has been laid to rest at his favourite church in Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, after a funeral attended by hundreds of thousands of people. Many lined the streets to see his coffin being taken there from the Vatican on an adapted popemobile. He is the first pontiff in more than 120 years to be buried outside the Vatican.Also in the programme: With tensions high between India and Pakistan after a shooting in Kashmir, we have an interview with the politician son of assassinated Pakistani Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto; and an attempt to crack down on so-called 'headphone dodgers' on trains and buses.(Photo: Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re blessed Pope Francis' coffin during the funeral mass. Credit: Reuters/Dylan Martinez)

From refugees he championed to world leaders he rebuked, a quarter of a million people gather in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. Former Vatican spokeswoman under Francis, Paloma Garcia Ovejero, tells us he was a kind and tireless leader who changed the church forever. Also in our programme: Pakistan's prime minister calls for a ‘neutral investigation' into the Kashmir terror attack; and an intrepid sausage dog is rescued after disappearing for a year and a half into the Australian wilderness.(Photo: An aerial view for the funeral Mass of Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City. Credit: FABIO FRUSTACI/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock).

The Kremlin says high level talks between the United States and Russia have been constructive. Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and President Putin attended the three-hour meeting in Moscow.Also today: the UN's World Food Programme says it's run out of food stocks for families in Gaza; and is a male protuberance in an ancient tapestry a phallus or a fallacy?(Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin meets US President Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow Credit: KRISTINA KORMILITSYNA/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Interviews, news and analysis of the day's global events.

Diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan have rapidly deteriorated following the killings of 26 people in Indian-administered Kashmir. India's government has blamed Pakistan for the attack and introduced a series of measures including the suspension of a water-sharing treaty. Pakistan has said any attempt to limit waters from the Indus would be regarded as an act of war. We hear from a Pakistani minister and a former Indian diplomat.Also on the programme: US President Donald Trump tells Vladimir Putin to stop bombing Ukraine, but Volodymyr Zelensky says "more pressure" needs to be applied on Russia; and why China is sharing its moon rocks with the world.(Photo: A member of the Pakistan Rangers stands at a checkpoint at the Pakistan-India border, as visitors arrive to witness the flag-lowering ceremony, in Wagah, Pakistan, 24 April 2025. Credit: Rahat Dar/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Ukraine says Russia is the real obstacle to peace, after Moscow launched a big missile and drone attack on Kyiv. President Trump has once again blamed Ukraine for blocking a settlement, saying it's in no position to dictate terms. We hear from one of his former advisors on Russia.Also in the programme: Gazans speak out against Hamas; and the legendary performance artist Marina Abramovic on directing a musical marathon.(IMAGE: Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a rocket strike that hit a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, 24 April 2025 / CREDIT: Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

India closes its main border crossing with Pakistan following Tuesday's attack by separatists on tourists in the disputed territory of Kashmir.Also on the programme: The European Commission imposes fines on tech giants Apple and Meta. They are smaller than expected but why?; and British researchers claim they have found the first physical evidence that gladiators fought wild animals.(Photo: Grandmother of a victim who was killed in a suspected militant attack in Kashmir is consoled, April 23, 2025. Credit: Reuters)

A manhunt is under way in Indian-administered Kashmir where Islamist separatists shot 26 people dead on Tuesday. As helicopters scoured wooded mountains for the attackers, ambulances brought the bodies of the victims -- most of them Indian tourists -- to Kashmir's summer capital, Srinagar. Also in the programme, a long queue of mourners is filing past the body of Pope Francis, paying final respects as he lies in state in St Peter's Basilica, and today marks 20 years of YouTube - we speak to a woman who has been making videos since the early days. (Photo: Members of Indian security personnel patrol a highway leading to South Kashmir's Pahalgam, after the attack. Credit: Adnan Abidi/Reuters)

The International Monetary Fund slashes its forecasts for global growth blaming US tariff policy and uncertainty. Also on the programme: More than 20 people have been killed after gunmen opened fire on tourists in Indian administered Kashmir; and how dozens of new cardinals will affect the papal conclave or choosing of the next pope. (Photo: US President Donald Trump signs executive orders at the White House. Credit: Reuters)

The US is forecast to be hit the hardest among advanced economies because of uncertainty caused by tariffs, the IMF says. Growth is now expected to be 1.8% this year, down from the IMF's estimate of 2.7% for the US in January. It comes after US stocks and the dollar plunged on Monday following Donald Trump's attack on the US central bank boss Jerome Powell - who he labelled a "major loser" - for failing to cut interest rates.Also in the programme: We're live in Rome and we hear tributes to Pope Francis from Nigeria, the Philippines and Ghana; and from Pakistan - the effort to save the snow leopard from extinction.(Photo: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva delivers remarks on the global economy, ahead of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, at the IMF headquarters in Washington. Credit: Reuters/Leah Millis)

Thousands have gathered in St Peter's Square in Rome for prayers following the death of Pope Francis. He died of stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican says in a statement. We will get reaction from across the world - including from a Christian community in Gaza that Pope Francis contacted regularly. Also on the programme: Actor Jonathan Pryce, who portrayed Pope Francis in the film The Two Popes, gives us his tribute; and the BBC's Ukraine Correspondent James Waterhouse travelled to the southern city of Kherson, where there was a period of brief reprieve during the 30-hour “Easter truce”.(Photo: The dome of Saint Peter's Basilica is pictured, after the death of Pope Francis was announced, at St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican, April 21, 2025. Credit: Reuters)

Pope Francis has died early this morning at the age of 88. He was the first Latin American Pope. The Vatican said his life had been dedicated to the service of the Lord. Francis's body will tonight be placed in a coffin, which could be moved to St Peter's Basilica as early as Wednesday. The funeral will take place within a week. We hear tributes and reactions from those who knew him.(Photo: Pope Francis waves to people during his weekly general audience in St Peter's Square, Vatican City, 20 November 2024 (reissued 21 April 2025) Credit: Photo by Fabio Frustaci/ EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)