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Trump and Zelenskiy hold one-on-one meeting in Vatican Basilica

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump and Zelenskiy hold one-on-one meeting in Vatican Basilica

VATICAN CITY. U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met privately inside a marble-lined Vatican basilica on Saturday, seeking to revive faltering efforts to end Russia’s war with Ukraine.

The two leaders, in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis, sat closely together in St. Peter’s Basilica with no aides present. According to Zelenskiy’s office, the conversation lasted around 15 minutes, and images released by Kyiv and Washington showed them leaning in toward each other during the talks.

Zelenskiy described the meeting as potentially historic. In a post on Telegram, he wrote, “Good meeting. One-on-one, we managed to discuss a lot. We hope for a result from all the things that were spoken about.”
He further emphasized, “The protection of the lives of our people. A complete and unconditional ceasefire. A reliable and lasting peace that will prevent a recurrence of war.”
Zelenskiy added: “It was a very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!”

A White House spokesperson echoed Zelenskiy’s optimism, calling the conversation “very productive.”

This encounter marks the first time the two have met since a tense Oval Office meeting in February, when Trump accused Zelenskiy of “gambling with World War Three.” Since then, both sides have made efforts to reset ties, though tensions and differences have remained.

Following the funeral service for Pope Francis, Trump boarded Air Force One to depart Rome. During the flight, he posted a sharp message on Truth Social criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin:
“There was no reason for Putin to be shooting missiles into civilian areas, cities, and towns, over the last few days,” Trump wrote, referring to a Russian missile attack on a Kyiv apartment block that killed 12 people.
He added, “It makes me think that maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?’ Too many people are dying!!!”

Following Trump’s post, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said the Senate was ready to move forward with bipartisan legislation imposing trade sanctions on countries buying Russian oil, gas, and other products.
“The Senate stands ready to move in this direction and will do so overwhelmingly if Russia does not embrace an honorable, just, and enduring peace,” Graham posted on X (formerly Twitter).

During the funeral service at St. Peter’s Square, Trump and Zelenskiy joined other world leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. A photograph released by Zelenskiy’s office showed the four leaders in a close huddle, with Macron’s hand resting on Zelenskiy’s shoulder.

Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who delivered the sermon at the funeral, recalled Pope Francis’s tireless calls for peace throughout his papacy.
“War always leaves the world worse than it was before: it is always a painful and tragic defeat for everyone,” the cardinal said.

Despite the warm gestures, significant differences remain between Washington’s current proposals and Ukraine’s stance. According to documents from the latest shuttle diplomacy efforts obtained by Reuters, Washington is reportedly suggesting legal recognition of Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, as Russian territory, a red line that Kyiv and its European allies refuse to cross.

Disagreements also persist over the timeline for lifting sanctions on Russia, the nature of security guarantees for Ukraine, and financial compensation for war damages.

Trump has warned that the U.S. could withdraw from peace negotiations if both Moscow and Kyiv fail to agree on a deal soon. Meanwhile, Zelenskiy continues to push for terms that ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.

The personal relationship between Trump and Zelenskiy has been rocky. While Trump has often criticized Zelenskiy for “foot-dragging” on peace talks, Zelenskiy has accused Trump of being caught in a “disinformation bubble” favoring Moscow.

Nevertheless, both leaders recognize the necessity of cooperation. Trump needs Zelenskiy’s support to broker a swift peace agreement, while Ukraine needs Trump’s influence to pressure Moscow for more favorable terms.

During the meeting in Rome, Zelenskiy once again eschewed formal attire, wearing a dark, buttoned-up shirt without a tie, paired with a military-style jacket — a style he has maintained since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 to show solidarity with his troops.

As the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis, a pontiff known for advocating peace and dialogue, the Trump-Zelenskiy meeting offered a small glimmer of hope for progress in ending Europe’s bloodiest conflict in decades.

World mourns as Pope Francis laid to rest in humble burial

Venus L Peñaflor
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World mourns as Pope Francis laid to rest in humble burial

VATICAN CITY. Gathering in unity and reverence, world leaders, royalty, and thousands of faithful mourners filled St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke.

Presiding over the solemn funeral Mass, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised the Argentine pope as “rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges,” adding that Francis had “truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time.” In a powerful message against regression, the 91-year-old cardinal said Pope Francis was “attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church.”

More than 250,000 mourners crammed the square and surrounding streets, while applause filled the air as Francis’ coffin, adorned with a large cross, was carried into the sunlit square by 14 white-gloved pallbearers.

In a moment of historic significance, U.S. President Donald Trump, who had previously clashed with Pope Francis over issues such as migration and climate change, was seen seated among dignitaries on one side of the coffin. Across from him sat the cardinals who will convene next month to elect the next pontiff, debating whether to continue Francis’ progressive vision or return to a more traditional papacy.

The funeral also offered a poignant backdrop for diplomacy: President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who had last met in a tense encounter in Washington, held a notably warmer discussion inside St. Peter’s Basilica. A White House official described it as a “very productive discussion,” while Zelenskiy called it a “good meeting.”

Heads of state from Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, the Philippines, Poland, and the prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand, and royalty from Spain were present. Aerial images showed a vibrant mosaic of black, red, purple, and white garments, a visual testament to the global reach of the 1.4-billion-member Roman Catholic Church.

The funeral Mass, rich in ancient ritual and attended by about 4,000 priests, 400 bishops, and 250 cardinals, featured Latin hymns and prayers offered in Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and Arabic.

Many mourners camped out overnight or arrived before dawn to secure front-row places. Aurelie Andre, a pilgrim from France, shared her emotions: “When I arrived at the square, tears of sadness and also joy came over me. I think I truly realised that Pope Francis had left us, and at the same time, there is joy for all he has done for the Church.”

Following the Mass, St. Peter’s great bells tolled as Francis’ coffin was loaded onto an open-topped popemobile and driven through the streets of Rome. Crowds, estimated by police at around 150,000, lined the 5.5-km (3.4-mile) route to St. Mary Major Basilica. As the cortege passed Rome’s ancient monuments, well-wishers waved signs, threw flowers, and cried out, “Viva il papa!” and “Ciao, Francesco!”

In keeping with his lifelong commitment to humility and simplicity, Pope Francis had requested to be buried at St. Mary Major rather than in the Vatican, making him the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican in more than a century. The private burial ceremony marked the final farewell.

Skipping the traditional three-casket burial of cypress, lead, and oak, Francis chose a single zinc-lined wooden coffin. His final resting place bears only the simple inscription “Franciscus,” his name in Latin, and is adorned with a reproduction of the modest iron-plated cross he wore throughout his pontificate.

A formal Latin summary placed next to his body hailed him for leaving “a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and universal fatherhood.”

Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 13 centuries, spent his 12-year reign championing the poor, advocating for migrants, and urging the world to combat climate change. His death has set into motion an ancient and secretive process: a conclave to elect his successor, expected to begin no earlier than May 6.

As the Church prepares for a new chapter, the memory of Pope Francis’ remarkable life and transformative leadership will remain indelibly etched in the hearts of millions around the world.

Skipping the traditional three-casket burial of cypress, lead, and oak, Francis chose a single zinc-lined wooden coffin.
Crowds, estimated by police at around 150,000, lined the 5.5-km (3.4-mile) route to St. Mary Major Basilica. As the cortege passed Rome’s ancient monuments, well-wishers waved signs, threw flowers, and cried out, “Viva il papa!” and “Ciao, Francesco!”

Comelec: Pamimigay ng ayuda bawal muna sa May 2-12, P20 bigas tuloy

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Comelec: Pamimigay ng ayuda bawal muna sa May 2-12, P20 bigas tuloy

MAYNILA. Ipinahayag ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) na ipagbabawal ang pamimigay ng anumang uri ng ayuda mula Mayo 2 hanggang Mayo 12, 2025, kasabay ng 10-araw na election ban bago ang nakatakdang halalan sa Mayo 12.

Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Garcia, saklaw ng pagbabawal ang mga programang nagbibigay ng tulong gaya ng Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), at Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP) program. Tanging medikal at burial assistance lamang ang pinapayagan sa ilalim ng exemption.

Babala pa ni Garcia, ang mga lalabag sa nasabing kautusan ay posibleng maharap sa kaso. Aniya, ayon sa Omnibus Election Code, may kalakip na parusang pagkakakulong para sa mga lalabag sa mga election offense.

Samantala, hindi kasama sa ipinagbabawal ang P20 rice project ng Department of Agriculture. Nilinaw ng Comelec na pinapayagan itong ipagpatuloy ngunit dapat sundin ang itinakdang mga kondisyon, tulad ng pagbebenta ng subsidized na bigas sa mga pampublikong lugar at pagbibigay ng malayang access sa media upang masiguro ang transparency sa implementasyon.

Movie Review: “April,” a haunting portrait of despair and defiance in rural Georgia

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: “April,” a haunting portrait of despair and defiance in rural Georgia

In “April,” director Dea Kulumbegashvili delivers a shattering and uncompromising depiction of womanhood, grief, and isolation in a harsh, rural corner of Georgia. The film, which solidifies Kulumbegashvili’s status as one of Europe’s most essential filmmakers, is an unflinching exploration of societal cruelty and personal resilience.

A Bleak and Unforgiving World

Set in a remote provincial region of Georgia, “April” follows Nina (played by Ia Sukhitashvili), a seasoned obstetrician at the local hospital who endures a grueling and punishing existence. The film opens with a haunting delivery scene, shot from overhead, where a newborn is delivered but never cries. The sterile hospital hallways, unsettling silence, and graphic imagery of the stillbirth set the tone for a story steeped in sorrow.

Despite Nina’s experience with thousands of births, the tragedy prompts the grieving father to demand a police investigation. In a chilling confrontation, he accuses Nina of performing abortions in the village, calling her a “murderer” before spitting on her. Nina endures the moment in horrified silence, a recurring theme in “April” that underscores her internal anguish.

The Weight of Isolation

While abortion, legal yet fraught with stigma in Georgia, serves as a central theme, “April” delves far deeper into Nina’s loneliness and the systemic oppression she faces. Time and again, Kulumbegashvili places Nina in situations where her professional and personal gestures are minimized or brutally condemned.

One of the film’s most harrowing sequences involves a deaf-mute teenage girl (Roza Kancheishvili) undergoing a clandestine kitchen-table abortion after a mysterious rape. The scene, shot in static profile with half of Nina visible, is both intimate and devastating. The girl’s soft, mournful murmurs resonate throughout the film, contrasting starkly with a world where even cries of pain go unheard. As Kulumbegashvili poignantly illustrates, “only the storm cloud skies cry.”

A Director in Complete Control

“April” extends the promise of Kulumbegashvili’s acclaimed 2020 debut “Beginning” and has already garnered recognition as a prize-winner at the Venice Film Festival. Though its austere style and deliberate opacity may challenge some viewers, the film’s hypnotic intensity and unwavering control over its narrative make for an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Nina’s words are few but powerful. As she confronts an investigation into the stillbirth, she tells her superior, “Other than my job, I have nothing to lose.” Sukhitashvili’s masterful performance speaks volumes through her restrained expressions and yearning eyes, capturing the emotional weight of a woman trapped between duty and despair.

Cinematographer Arseni Khachaturan skillfully alternates between objective and subjective perspectives, often depicting Nina alone, driving through dark roads or searching for fleeting intimacy, or surrounded by men who scrutinize her every move. When Nina recounts the circumstances of the stillbirth, the camera adopts her viewpoint: three men seated in judgment, further highlighting the oppressive imbalance she faces.

A Haunting Visual Mystery

Interspersed throughout the film are enigmatic scenes of a faceless, humanlike figure with sagging, unformed skin, shifting slowly while breathing heavily. Is this a grotesque manifestation of Nina’s tortured soul? A symbolic representation of an adult fetus whose suffering remains unseen? Kulumbegashvili leaves these haunting images open to interpretation, adding another layer of depth to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

“April” is a Metrograph Pictures release, unrated by the Motion Picture Association, with a runtime of 134 minutes. Presented in Georgian with English subtitles, the film earns a 3.5 out of 4 stars for its raw emotional power and uncompromising vision.

Though grimly spellbinding, “April” is an essential viewing experience, too often silenced

Visayas gears up for 2025 VABC with strategic outreach to South Luzon

Venus L Peñaflor
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Visayas gears up for 2025 VABC with strategic outreach to South Luzon

In preparation for the much-anticipated Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) set for July 23–26, 2025, at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo, Leyte, the Visayas business community made a strategic move by actively participating in the 34th South Luzon Area Business Conference (SOLABC).

More than just a symbolic gesture, the presence of VABC organizers at SOLABC represented a deliberate effort to promote regional collaboration and strengthen ties among chambers under the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

“This engagement is about building bridges, exchanging insights, and identifying areas of mutual interest that can lead to meaningful business partnerships,” said one of the VABC delegates. “We believe that fostering inter-regional collaboration is key to unlocking greater economic opportunities not just for our respective areas, but for the country as a whole.”

The initiative underscores the proactive approach of the Visayas chambers in ensuring the upcoming conference will be both inclusive and impactful. With the theme of sustainable and inclusive growth at its core, the VABC 2025 promises to be a platform for robust dialogue, policy advocacy, and private sector networking.

Organizers extended a warm invitation to all PCCI members from South Luzon, encouraging their participation in the Leyte conference. “Your presence will not only enrich the discussions but will also further strengthen our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable business growth,” the VABC team emphasized.

As momentum builds for the VABC in July, the Visayas chambers reaffirm their role as vital players in promoting regional synergy and national economic progress.

Global leaders, faithful flock to Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral

Venus L Peñaflor
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Global leaders, faithful flock to Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral

VATICAN CITY. Royal figures, world leaders, and hundreds of thousands of mourners are expected to converge at St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to bid farewell to Pope Francis in a funeral that reflects both his profound influence and his desire for simplicity.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, a 91-year-old Italian prelate, will preside over the funeral Mass, which will begin at 10 a.m. (0800 GMT). Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years, passed away after a papacy marked by compassion, bold reforms, and occasional controversy.

The Vatican confirmed that representatives from over 150 countries will attend, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who often disagreed with Francis over issues such as immigration. Other attendees include the presidents of Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Poland, and Ukraine, along with the prime ministers of Britain and New Zealand. European royals are also expected to join the global delegation.

In the past three days, approximately 250,000 people viewed the Pope’s body as it lay in state inside the majestic 16th-century St. Peter’s Basilica. On Saturday, his casket will be carried out through the basilica’s main doors into the square, where mourners will fill the cobblestone esplanade and the Via della Conciliazione.

A formal Latin summary of Pope Francis’ papacy placed beside his body read: “Francis left everyone a wonderful testimony of humanity, of a holy life and of universal fatherhood.”

As the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years, Pope Francis championed the poor and marginalized, and boldly challenged affluent nations to respond to the migrant crisis and climate change. However, his reformist agenda met resistance from traditionalists within the Church, particularly in his efforts to promote transparency and curtail opulence.

A Final Act of Simplicity

True to his lifelong commitment to humility, Pope Francis opted for a stripped-down funeral and burial. Unlike the elaborate, multi-casket interments of his predecessors, such as Pope John Paul II’s three-hour funeral, Saturday’s ceremony will last just 90 minutes.

He also rejected the centuries-old tradition of being entombed in three nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak. Instead, he was laid in a single zinc-lined wooden casket, which was sealed overnight.

In a break with Vatican custom, Francis will be buried not within the Holy See, but at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, about four kilometers from St. Peter’s. His tomb bears only a simple inscription: “Franciscus.” Above it hangs a replica of the modest, iron-plated cross he wore during his papacy.

The late pope’s funeral motorcade will pass through Rome one final time, giving the public a last opportunity to say goodbye. Italian authorities have launched an extensive security operation, closing city airspace and deploying anti-aircraft systems and patrol boats in one of the largest security mobilizations since the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

As Pope Francis is laid to rest, focus will shift to the election of his successor. The conclave of cardinals, cloaked in secrecy, may begin as early as May 6, though initial meetings are expected to occur before voting starts. Cardinals will assess the Church’s future direction, which remains mired in financial strain and internal division.

Pope Francis’ papacy may have ended, but his legacy, marked by humility, courage, and a call for unity, will continue to shape the Church and the world beyond.

Pope Francis’ coffin was sealed during a private ritual in St. Peter’s Basilica. Photo: Francesco Sforza – Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty
Royalty and presidents to join multitude of mourners at Pope Francis’ funeral | Reuters

Malakanyang, nababahala sa ulat ng posibleng pakikialam ng China sa halalan 2025

Venus L Peñaflor
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Malakanyang, nababahala sa ulat ng posibleng pakikialam ng China sa halalan 2025

MAYNILA. Nagpahayag ng matinding pag-aalala ang Malakanyang kaugnay ng ulat mula sa National Security Council (NSC) na may indikasyon umano ng pakikialam ng China sa nalalapit na halalang pambansa at lokal sa Mayo 2025.

Sa isang press briefing sa Palasyo, sinabi ni Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary at Palace Press Officer Claire Castro na sisimulan na ang mas malalim na imbestigasyon ukol sa nasabing isyu.

“Sa ngayon po, ang sinabi po sa atin ay pag-iimbestigahan pa po muna para malaman natin kung ano pa po ang mga detalye dito at kung ano po ang napapaloob sa mga ganitong klaseng pangyayari. So, ang iba pa pong mga detalye ay maaari po nating matanong or aming kakausapin muli ang National Security Council,” ani Castro.

Dagdag pa niya, ipinaabot na sa kaalaman ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang ulat, at iginiit na kinakailangan ng “agaran, mas malalim na pag-imbestiga.”

Sa naunang pagdinig ng Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, inihayag ni NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya na may operasyon umanong isinasagawa ang Chinese state-sponsored actors sa Pilipinas na naglalayong impluwensyahan ang eleksyon.

“There are indications that information operations are being conducted… are Chinese state-sponsored in the Philippines and are actually interfering in the forthcoming elections,” pahayag ni Malaya.

Ayon sa kanya, layon ng mga operasyong ito na itaguyod ang mga kandidatong maka-China at siraan ang mga tumutuligsa sa Beijing.

“Yes, there are indications of that,” tugon ni Malaya nang tanungin kung may partikular na mga kandidato na sinusuportahan ang China.

Dagdag pa niya, may mga nakikita silang naratibo mula sa China na kaakibat ng mga mensahe mula sa mga “local proxies” sa Pilipinas, tulad ng mga komentaryo kaugnay ng Balikatan exercises. Aniya, inuulit ng mga lokal na kasabwat ang linya mula Beijing na ang nasabing military exercise ay “isang banta sa ating regional peace and stability.”

Kinumpirma rin ni Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia ang mga natanggap nilang impormasyon ukol sa mga automated bot mula sa ibang bansa na ginagamit upang palakihin ang mga isyung tumutuligsa sa Comelec o sa halalan.

“Mayroon tayong natanggap na intelligence information coming from different agencies na kasama natin. Kahit ‘yung nakikita sa social media na tumutuligsa sa Comelec o sa proseso, naka-automatic bot po ‘yun. Ito ay nanggaling sa ibang bansa at hindi sa atin bansa. Pero may mga ginagamit dito upang masigurado na kung ano ima-magnify o palalakihin na isyu, ‘yun ang makikita ng sambayanan,” ani Garcia.

Sa kabila nito, tiniyak ni Garcia na ang darating na halalan sa 2025 ay magiging patas at tapat.

Samantala, mariing itinanggi ng China ang alegasyon ng pakikialam. Ayon kay Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun sa isang press conference noong Huwebes, Abril 24, “China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ domestic affairs. We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections.”

Patuloy namang binabantayan ng mga awtoridad ang sitwasyon upang tiyaking hindi maaapektuhan ang integridad ng halalan.

$200 million in U.S. Reaper drones lost as Houthi rebels intensify strikes in Yemen

Venus L Peñaflor
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$200 million in U.S. Reaper drones lost as Houthi rebels intensify strikes in Yemen

WASHINGTON. Houthi rebels in Yemen have shot down seven American MQ-9 Reaper drones in under six weeks, according to U.S. defense officials, marking a significant and costly escalation in the Pentagon’s ongoing military campaign against the Iran-backed group.

Each drone, manufactured by General Atomics, is valued at approximately $30 million. The total loss of over $200 million underscores the intensifying threat to U.S. assets operating in the region. Three of the drones were downed just in the past week, suggesting that the Houthis are improving their ability to detect and target high-altitude unmanned aircraft, which typically operate at over 40,000 feet (12,100 meters).

U.S. defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operations, said the drones were conducting either attack runs or surveillance missions when they were hit, crashing into either water or land. Confirmed dates for the drone losses include March 31 and April 3, 9, 13, 18, 19, and 22.

Although hostile fire is the likely cause, one official noted that all incidents remain under investigation. The official added that the uptick in U.S. military activity has increased risks, but emphasized: “We will take every measure possible to protect our troops, equipment, and interests in the region.”

Since President Donald Trump ordered an expanded campaign on March 15, promising “overwhelming lethal force” until Houthi attacks on shipping cease, U.S. forces have launched over 750 strikes against Houthi targets. The American campaign uses a combination of Reaper drones, fighter jets, bombers, and warships, with daily attacks being conducted from two Navy aircraft carriers currently deployed in the region.

The USS Harry S. Truman and the USS Carl Vinson strike groups are now operating in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is currently weighing whether to extend the Truman’s deployment further at the request of U.S. Central Command, which would mark another rare instance of dual carrier operations in the Middle East.

Despite the heavy investment in military firepower, the Houthis continue to fire missiles and one-way drones at U.S. warships, though none have landed a hit. In addition to the Reaper drone losses, the Houthis’ sustained campaign has already dramatically disrupted global trade through the Red Sea, a vital corridor that usually handles about $1 trillion in goods annually.

From November 2023 to January 2024, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant vessels, sinking two and killing four sailors.

In the wake of recent U.S. strikes, concerns about civilian casualties are mounting. Democratic Senators Chris Van Hollen (Maryland), Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), and Tim Kaine (Virginia) wrote a letter Thursday to Defense Secretary Hegseth questioning the administration’s commitment to minimizing harm to noncombatants. The senators specifically cited reports that U.S. strikes on the Ras Isa fuel terminal last week may have killed more than 70 civilians.

Their letter reads: “Military leaders agree that ingraining civilian harm mitigation practices within U.S. operations leads to better outcomes and that civilian casualties actually undermine the mission that the military has been sent in to do.”

The Houthis have framed their attacks as retaliation against Israel’s war in Gaza, stating that their actions aim to end the Israeli military campaign against Hamas.

The situation remains volatile, with further escalation likely as U.S. forces remain engaged in what has become the most intense maritime and aerial conflict the region has seen in decades.

How Pope Francis’ humble footwear became a symbol of pride in his Buenos Aires neighborhood

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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How Pope Francis’ humble footwear became a symbol of pride in his Buenos Aires neighborhood

Pope Francis’ ordinary shoes bring pride to his Argentine neighborhood, and his cobbler

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina. In the heart of the Flores neighborhood in western Buenos Aires, a small cobbler’s shop has suddenly become a place of pilgrimage, not for its luxury, but for its simplicity. As tributes continue to pour in following the death of Pope Francis, one unlikely item has captured global attention: his humble, black leather shoes.

Unlike the ornate red slippers worn by his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, Francis’ simple footwear has long stood as a symbol of his humility. The plain loafers, purchased from a family-run store called Muglia Shoes, have become an emblem of the pope’s roots, and of his enduring bond with his community.

From Local Priest to Global Icon

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Italian immigrant parents, had been a regular customer at Muglia Shoes since his days as a Jesuit priest at the nearby Basilica of San José de Flores.

“My father, my grandfather, they told me stories about how Father Jorge came from the church around the corner to buy these shoes, they were the ones he liked, he wore them all the time,” said Juan Jose Muglia, the 52-year-old third-generation cobbler now running the shop. “They’re simple, it’s the kind of shoes that waiters like to wear today. They can last you years and years.”

The Muglia family’s shoe business, established in 1945, became the go-to place for Francis, even after he rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church. The loafers, now priced at around $170 due to Argentina’s runaway inflation, have been sought after by priests from across the city — and even young clergy visiting from Rome.

“Priests came here from all the basilicas in the city, some young priests even came from Rome to buy them,” Muglia recalled.

A Humble Choice Amid Papal Tradition

When Francis became pope in 2013, Muglia offered to send him a new pair of his favorite shoes to the Vatican. But Francis declined.

“He told me, his feet had become too swollen in his old age and he needed something more customized for Rome,” Muglia said.

Rather than don the traditional red velvet or silk papal slippers, Francis remained true to his identity. He wore ordinary black shoes with orthopedic soles — continuing a break from papal opulence that resonated deeply with Catholics around the world. Esquire Magazine once dubbed Benedict XVI “Accessorizer of the Year” for his crimson shoes, prompting speculation about their designer. In contrast, Francis remained steadfast in his minimalist approach.

Flores Mourns One of Its Own

The news of Francis’ death on Monday at the age of 88 sent a wave of emotion through the Flores neighborhood. While the foot traffic at Muglia Shoes has surged with visitors and curious customers, locals recall the man behind the shoes as much more than a pope.

“It was a world of people,” Muglia said. “They came from everywhere.”

At a newsstand nearby, 69-year-old vendor Antonio Plastina fondly remembered Francis’ weekly visits. “We made small talk like any two Argentines, a bit of this and that, some politics mixed with soccer,” he said, his eyes misting. Even after becoming archbishop and cardinal, Bergoglio continued to visit Flores every Sunday, reading the news with a cup of coffee at a corner café that’s now a mattress shop.

Flowers and handwritten notes now adorn the barred windows of Membrillar 531 — the modest home where Francis grew up as the eldest of five children. Alicia Gigante, 91, a longtime neighbor and family friend, stopped by on Thursday morning with her daughter for support.

“My vision is going but my memory is long,” she said softly. “I’ll remember him for a long time, always his kindness, his smile, and that greeting, when you rang the doorbell and he came out into the street. There he was, always the same, he would caress you and bless you.”

As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, it is perhaps the story of his shoes, handmade in Flores, worn with devotion, that best reflects the enduring simplicity of a man who walked with the people, in every sense of the word.

Juan Jose Muglia shows the shoe model, right, that was regularly worn by Jorge Bergoglio at the Muglia shoe store in the Flores neighborhood where the late Pope Francis grew up and where Muglia’s father and grandfather attended the former pope at their shop in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Thursday, April 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

‘Vladimir, STOP!’: Trump slams Russian strike that killed 12 in Kyiv

EDGARDO HERNAL
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‘Vladimir, STOP!’: Trump slams Russian strike that killed 12 in Kyiv

KYIV/WASHINGTON. U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rare and pointed rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin following a devastating missile and drone attack on Kyiv that killed at least 12 people and injured 90 others, in what has been described as the most intense assault on the Ukrainian capital this year.

At the White House on Thursday (April 24), Trump confirmed that his administration was “applying a lot of pressure” on Russia and Ukraine to finalize a peace agreement. Reacting to the assault, Trump said: “I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” — a message he also posted on Truth Social.

Despite the aggression, Trump expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations, noting that the Kremlin had made a “pretty big concession” and is now open to “stopping the war, stopping taking the whole country,” referring to Ukraine.

“This next few days is going to be very important. Meetings are taking place right now,” Trump said. “I think we’re going to make a deal … I think we’re getting very close.”

Civilians Among Casualties in Kyiv

Emergency crews in Kyiv reported that they were still retrieving bodies from the rubble over 12 hours after the attack. The blasts destroyed buildings, triggered over 40 fires, and left families devastated.

“There was the air raid siren, we did not even have time to dress to go out of the apartment. One blast came after the other, all windows were blown out, doors, walls, my husband and son were thrown to the other side,” said Viktoria Bakal, a Kyiv resident.

Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, confirmed the death toll and said rescue teams had been deployed to 13 locations across the capital. Mobile phones could still be heard ringing under the debris as responders with climbing specialists and sniffer dogs worked through the wreckage.

Russia Denies Targeting Civilians

The Russian Ministry of Defence said the assault was aimed at Ukraine’s military-industrial complex using high-precision long-range weapons from land, sea, and air. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking with CBS News’ Face the Nation, said the peace process was “moving in the right direction” but still required refinements on “some specific points.”

Lavrov maintained Moscow’s position that civilians were not targeted in the operation.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy contradicted that claim, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that Russia used a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile in the Kyiv strike. He also reported on Telegram that Russian forces used the aerial assault to mask intensified land-based offensives, particularly in the eastern Pokrovsk sector, though these were successfully repelled.

Talks Intensify as U.S. and NATO Push for Resolution

Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed Trump’s urgency, saying further talks were scheduled over the weekend and that both Russia and Ukraine needed to act decisively.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, following meetings in Washington, added: “There is something on the table now, I think, where Ukrainians are really playing ball, and I think the ball is clearly in the Russian court now.”

Trump also commented on his differing tones toward leaders, noting it would be difficult for Ukraine to reclaim Crimea. He criticized Zelenskiy’s hardline stance, particularly after the Ukrainian leader reiterated that Kyiv would never recognize the Russian annexation of Crimea. Trump went as far as referring to Zelenskiy as a “dictator” in earlier remarks.

Meanwhile, a U.S. official said Trump’s special envoy is expected to meet with Putin on Friday for further negotiations.

Wider Damage Across Ukraine

Apart from Kyiv, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry reported that seven other regions were affected by the Russian offensive. Infrastructure damage was reported in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, as well as in the Zhytomyr and Pavlohrad regions.

The latest developments come at a critical juncture in the war, with both Kyiv and Moscow under pressure to meet Trump’s call for a “fast” resolution to the conflict.

“I have my own deadline, and we want it to be fast,” Trump said when asked if there was a timeline for the talks.

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