Mount Etna Erupts, Prompting Evacuations and Ash Clouds

In a powerful inaugural address from St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders to commit to "no more war" during his first Sunday speech. He specifically urged for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and lasting peace between India and Pakistan. The Pope described the recent fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan as a beacon of hope and prayed for a "miracle of peace" through faith and unity. Quoting his predecessor, Pope Francis, he lamented the numerous conflicts affecting the globe, declaring it a "third world war in pieces." His remarks resonated with an estimated gathering of 100,000 people in St. Peter's Square and along the Via della Conciliazione. The Pope's call for peace comes amid heightened global tensions, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic resolutions in volatile regions. Pope Leo XIV’s message served as a reminder of the Church's commitment to peace, urging action from leaders across the world, according to reports from various news agencies.

Pope Francis's funeral took place today in St. Peter’s Square, Rome, attended by dignitaries from 170 foreign delegations and tens of thousands of mourners. The ceremony, conducted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, began at 10 a.m. local time, marking a significant farewell to the pope, who passed away at age 88 following a stroke earlier this week, as reported by the Vatican. Francis’s body lay in state in St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday to Friday, allowing more than 150,000 people to pay their respects. His final resting place will be the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, a departure from traditional practices, with the pontiff requesting a humble burial devoid of ornate decoration. The public will have access to his tomb starting Sunday morning. Moreover, all Serie A matches scheduled for today have been postponed as a sign of respect. The Vatican confirmed that a conclave to elect Francis's successor will commence within the next few weeks, adhering to papal traditions, according to various sources.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, as confirmed by the Vatican on April 21, 2025. The announcement, made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, revealed that Francis passed away early this morning, just one day after his appearance at Saint Peter’s Square for Easter. According to reports, he had been recovering from a severe illness that included a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia. In accordance with tradition, the College of Cardinals will convene in a conclave at the Sistine Chapel to elect a successor. Only cardinals under 80 years old, totaling about 138 eligible electors from the 252 cardinals, will participate in the voting process. The conclave’s procedures, which have been in place for over 700 years, involve secret ballots with smoke signals indicating the selection outcome. Possible successors include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State since 2013, and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, known for his progressive stance and connections to Pope Francis. As the world anticipates the new pontiff, the Vatican prepares for the solemn process of electing the next leader of the Catholic Church.