Global News Podcast

Pope Francis has been laid to rest in his favorite church, marking a heartfelt farewell with a historic turnout of 400,000 mourners. His legacy of compassion and unity shines through personal stories from his visits to conflict areas. The podcast also touches on a tragic explosion at a key Iranian port and North Korea's military display. Virginia Giuffre's impactful advocacy against abuse is remembered alongside discussions about social etiquette in public transport. The theme of building bridges over walls resonates throughout.

The funeral of Pope Francis brought together global leaders and royals, showcasing a mix of tradition and the pope's love for simplicity. The event highlighted his legacy of compassion and unity across diverse faiths. Remarkable logistics ensured a calm atmosphere in St. Peter's Square, even facilitating unexpected reconciliations among world leaders. Attendees shared personal stories, reflecting on his impactful journey, especially in Africa and the Philippines, as well as his commitment to marginalized communities.

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is taking place today in St Peter's Square. More than one hundred foreign dignitaries are expected to attend.

Vitaly Shevchenko, the Russia editor for BBC Monitoring, dives into the assassination of a senior Russian general and its implications for peace negotiations in Ukraine. He discusses the conflicting sentiments within Ukraine regarding territorial concessions amid ongoing war efforts. Shevchenko also touches on the broader geopolitical tensions and highlights the humanitarian challenges stemming from the conflict. The conversation is punctuated by reflections on Pope Francis's legacy, offering a poignant look at resilience amid turmoil.

The US president insists he's putting 'a lot of pressure' on Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal. Also: Dutch town hall dumps rare Warhol print by mistake.

Tensions escalate between India and Pakistan following a deadly Kashmir attack, with water-sharing agreements at the heart of the conflict. In Ukraine, Kiev endures a devastating missile strike, prompting urgent global dialogues on peace and support. Meanwhile, voices of dissent rise in Gaza as civilians protest against Hamas, risking their safety for change. On a lighter note, the podcast highlights a UK trial battling peanut allergies and the inspiring journey of a woman challenging norms within the magic community.

Michelle Fleury, a business correspondent, discusses the US Treasury Secretary's sharp critique of the IMF and World Bank for straying from their core missions. She highlights the need for these institutions to realign with US goals amidst China's rising influence. Meanwhile, James Landell, a diplomatic correspondent, analyzes the US's challenging peace initiatives in Ukraine, emphasizing the complexities of ongoing diplomatic efforts. They also touch on astonishing historical findings regarding a Roman gladiator's life and death.

Ione Wells, BBC's South America correspondent, shares insights from Buenos Aires about the global response to Pope Francis lying in state at St Peter's Basilica. She discusses the emotional tributes from mourners and reflects on the Pope's legacy of healing and hope. The conversation also touches on significant fines imposed on tech giants Apple and Meta, and the evolving landscape of Palestinian politics, shedding light on the complexities of global issues while offering a poignant reflection on the impact of Francis's leadership.

Faisal Islam, the Economics editor, shares insights from the IMF meeting in Washington, D.C., revealing a significant downgrade of global growth forecasts, especially warning about potential U.S. recession risks linked to Trump’s tariffs. Yogita Limaye, a South Asia correspondent, reports on the tragic attack in Kashmir, where over twenty tourists were killed, highlighting the grim realities amidst economic discussions. The contrast between global economic uncertainties and real-world violence creates a poignant narrative in today's interconnected world.

Mark Lowen, BBC's Rome correspondent who has accompanied Pope Francis over the years, discusses the arrangements for the Pope's funeral in St. Peter's Square. He reflects on the Pope's compassionate legacy, emphasizing his progressive views on climate change and inclusivity. The conversation touches on the global leaders attending the funeral, including Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky. Lowen also highlights the Pope's transformative leadership and his role in advocating for marginalized communities.