Black smoke rose from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, signaling that the College of Cardinals has yet to reach an agreement on a new pope following Pope Francis’ death.

The 133 voting cardinals, who began their secret deliberations Wednesday evening, remain locked inside the historic chapel as they work to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis passed away on April 21 from a stroke and heart failure.

After nearly three hours of voting, black smoke billowed from the chapel’s chimney—an unmistakable sign to the crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square and viewers around the world that no candidate had secured the necessary votes.

In the conclave, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority—equivalent to 89 votes—to be elected pope. Until that threshold is met, the ballots are burned with a special chemical that produces dark smoke to indicate an inconclusive result. Once a pope is elected, a different chemical is used to create white smoke, marking the successful selection of the pontiff.

“Black smoke emerged from the Sistine Chapel after nearly 3 hours of voting,” observers noted, as eyes turned skyward to watch the dark plume rise above Vatican City.

While the world waits, the centuries-old ritual continues behind closed doors. Once the cardinals come to a decision, the new pope will don the traditional white vestments and make his first appearance from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeting the faithful and revealing the name he has chosen for his papacy.

Crowds packed St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday, scanning the chimney for signs of smoke and praying for guidance as the Church embarks on a new chapter. Photos captured worshippers gazing upward in anticipation of the next signal.

The voting process often takes multiple rounds before a consensus is achieved. Historically, however, conclaves have moved relatively swiftly in modern times. Pope Francis was elected in just two days in 2013, and the past 10 conclaves have averaged about 3.2 days before a new pontiff was named.

As speculation swirls over who will succeed Francis, faithful Catholics and curious onlookers alike continue to wait patiently beneath the Vatican’s skies, looking for that long-awaited white smoke to declare the election of the next pope.

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President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, warning that if all hostages are not released by noon on Saturday, he will push for the cancellation of the ceasefire in Gaza and allow Israel to take decisive action.

Speaking from the Oval Office after signing executive orders on Monday evening, Trump made it clear that he believes Hamas must release all captives immediately.

“If all the Gaza hostages aren’t returned by Saturday at 12 p.m., I would say cancel the ceasefire,” Trump stated. “Let all hell break out; Israel can override it.”

When asked whether the ceasefire should be revoked, Trump maintained that it was ultimately “Israel’s decision.”

The warning comes as Hamas has announced delays in the scheduled release of hostages, citing what it claims are Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.

A Hamas spokesperson, Abu Obeida, accused Israel of failing to meet its obligations under the agreement, including delaying the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza, targeting civilians, and restricting humanitarian aid.

“Therefore, the release of the Zionist prisoners next Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, will be postponed until further notice, and until the occupation commits to and provides compensation for the entitlements of the past weeks retroactively,” Obeida stated. “We reaffirm our commitment to the terms of the agreement, as long as the occupation remains committed to them.”

The ceasefire agreement, now in its sixth week, was designed to facilitate the release of hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. So far, five prisoner swaps have been carried out, resulting in the release of 21 hostages and over 730 Palestinian detainees. The next exchange was set to free three more Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

However, Hamas’ decision to halt the release of hostages has prompted strong reactions from Israeli officials. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called it a “blatant violation” of the agreement, instructing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to maintain high alert for potential escalations.

“I have instructed the IDF to maintain the highest level of readiness for any possible scenario in Gaza and to fortify the defense of Israeli communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of Oct. 7,” Katz stated.

Hamas recently released three visibly frail Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi, 52; Or Levy, 34; and Ohad Ben Ami, 56—on Saturday, forcing them to speak at a handover ceremony before transferring them to Israel. In return, Israel freed 183 Palestinian prisoners that same day.

Trump, responding to the condition of the released hostages, expressed his outrage, likening their appearance to Holocaust survivors.

“They looked like Holocaust survivors,” Trump said. “Like they haven’t had a meal in a month.”

The former president warned that patience is wearing thin regarding the situation. “I don’t know how much longer we can take that,” he added. “You know, at some point, we’re gonna lose our patience.”

With tensions escalating, all eyes are now on Saturday’s deadline to see whether Hamas will comply—or if a renewed conflict is on the horizon.

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Mexico has committed to stationing 10,000 troops along its northern border in an effort to curb fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, a move that comes in exchange for a one-month suspension of tariffs previously threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the agreement on Monday via social media, just hours before the tariffs were set to be enacted.

Following a conversation between the two leaders, Trump and Sheinbaum reached a mutual understanding that Mexico would intensify efforts to combat drug smuggling while the United States would enhance measures to limit the flow of firearms southward. “I just spoke with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico. It was a very friendly conversation wherein she agreed to immediately supply 10,000 Mexican Soldiers on the Border separating Mexico and the United States,” Trump confirmed in a post on Truth Social. He further elaborated that these troops would be tasked with stopping fentanyl trafficking and unauthorized migration.

The agreement comes in the wake of Trump’s recent announcement that he would impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on goods from China. While the Mexico deal resulted in a temporary pause on those tariffs, discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not yield a similar agreement.

Trudeau acknowledged the ongoing discussions in a social media post, stating, “I just had a good call with President Trump.” He announced Canada’s decision to bolster border security, including the appointment of a “Fentanyl Czar” and the implementation of a $1.3 billion initiative to strengthen enforcement efforts. “Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border,” he added.

Trump, in a separate post, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in negotiations, saying, “Canada has agreed to ensure we have a secure Northern Border, and to finally end the deadly scourge of drugs like Fentanyl that have been pouring into our Country.” He emphasized that the tariffs would be paused for a month while further trade discussions take place.

While negotiations continue, Mexico has also entered into broader discussions with the United States regarding trade and security policies. Sheinbaum indicated that high-level officials from both nations, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Mexico’s trade representatives, would soon engage in talks to solidify long-term agreements.

The vast majority of fentanyl seized at the U.S. border originates from Mexico, with over 21,100 pounds confiscated by authorities in 2024. In contrast, only about 43 pounds were intercepted along the Canadian border. The new border enforcement efforts aim to curtail the flow of illicit drugs, which have contributed to a devastating public health crisis in the U.S.

While Mexico and the U.S. work to finalize their deal, tensions remain between Washington and Ottawa. Trudeau has encouraged Canadians to support domestic products in response to Trump’s tariff threats, urging citizens to “choose products made right here in Canada” and to “check the labels” when shopping.

With tariffs originally set to take effect at midnight Tuesday, the agreements made with Mexico have provided temporary economic relief, though negotiations with Canada remain unresolved. The coming weeks will determine whether the U.S. and its North American trade partners can reach lasting compromises on border security and economic policies.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio successfully persuaded Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino to forgo renewing the country’s agreement with China on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—a major geopolitical shift in Latin America’s relations with Beijing.

Mulino confirmed on Sunday that Panama would not extend its BRI agreement, following discussions with Rubio during his diplomatic visit to the country, according to Baha Breaking News.

Panama had originally made history in 2018 by becoming the first Latin American country to sign onto China’s Belt and Road Initiative, just a year after severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan and formally recognizing Beijing. This move marked a major foreign policy victory for China, as Taiwan had previously maintained diplomatic recognition in Panama as a sovereign state. The New York Times reported that the 2017 shift was a significant step in China’s strategic expansion in the Western Hemisphere, aimed at countering American influence.

During the meeting between Rubio and Mulino, discussions centered on Panama’s sovereignty, national security, and economic partnerships with the United States. According to Baha Breaking News, Rubio informed Mulino that President Donald Trump viewed China’s influence over the Panama Canal as a possible violation of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal. However, Mulino pushed back against concerns about Chinese control, emphasizing that “Panama’s control over the canal was non-negotiable.”

In addition, Mulino confirmed that an audit was underway regarding two Chinese-operated ports in Panama, suggesting that the findings could lead to further policy changes in the future. The Panamanian government’s stance signals a reassessment of its economic and diplomatic ties with China, despite previous engagement in infrastructure projects under the BRI framework.

Beyond the Belt and Road decision, the two leaders also reached an agreement to bolster regional security, curb illegal migration through the Darién Gap, and promote investment opportunities for U.S. businesses. These efforts align with Washington’s broader strategy to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with Latin America amid growing global competition.

According to Reuters, Mulino confirmed that “a broad agreement between Panama and China to contribute to China’s silk road program” would not be renewed. He even suggested that Panama would consider terminating the agreement ahead of schedule, underscoring a more assertive stance toward reducing Chinese influence.

A statement from State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce further reinforced this position, revealing that Rubio had warned Mulino of the risks posed by China’s “position of influence and control” over the Panama Canal, which he deemed “a threat to the canal.”

The decision to distance Panama from the BRI has been met with praise from U.S. foreign policy experts. Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate the move, declaring, “This is a huge win for America.” Others have noted that Rubio’s tenure as Secretary of State is already making a strong impact in reshaping global alignments.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly preparing to announce his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party, according to a Sunday report by The Globe and Mail, which cited three anonymous sources. While the exact timing of Trudeau’s announcement remains uncertain, sources speculate it will occur before a key national caucus meeting on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not responded to requests for comment made outside regular business hours. It is also unclear whether Trudeau plans to step down immediately or remain in office as prime minister until a new leader is selected.

Trudeau assumed leadership of the Liberal Party in 2013, a period when the party faced significant challenges and had fallen to third place in the House of Commons. Under his leadership, the Liberals rebounded, but recent polling indicates the party is at risk of a significant defeat to the Conservatives in an election mandated to occur by late October.

If Trudeau resigns, it would leave the Liberal Party without a permanent leader during a critical period. This development may also trigger calls for an expedited election to establish a government capable of managing relations with the incoming U.S. administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The Globe and Mail report suggests that Trudeau has discussed the possibility of Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc serving as interim leader and prime minister. However, one source noted that this arrangement could be problematic if LeBlanc intends to pursue leadership of the party himself.

Trudeau’s potential resignation marks a pivotal moment for the Liberal Party as it navigates its future amidst political and international challenges.

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France plunged into political chaos on Wednesday as opposition lawmakers succeeded in ousting Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government through a no-confidence vote. The motion, supported by 331 lawmakers from far-right and left-wing parties, marks the first time a French government has fallen to such a vote since 1962. This historic event leaves the nation, the European Union’s second-largest economy, grappling with political instability at a time of pressing economic challenges. Barnier is expected to tender his resignation and that of his government to President Emmanuel Macron.

The roots of the crisis lie in Macron’s decision to call a snap election in June, which resulted in a deeply divided parliament. Unable to secure majority support, Barnier’s government resorted to special constitutional powers to pass a budget proposing €60 billion in spending cuts aimed at reducing France’s substantial deficit. This move enraged opposition parties, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen describing the budget as “dangerous, unfair, and punitive.” She emphasized that collapsing the government was “the only way the constitution gives us to protect the French.”

The fallout has left France without a stable government or an approved 2025 budget, though constitutional provisions prevent a U.S.-style shutdown. The uncertainty has already unsettled financial markets, with France’s borrowing costs briefly exceeding those of Greece earlier this week. Macron must now swiftly decide on a new prime minister, with sources indicating he aims to appoint one before the high-profile reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral on Saturday, an event that President-elect Donald Trump is expected to attend.

Any new prime minister will face the same gridlocked parliament that paralyzed Barnier’s government, making it difficult to pass crucial legislation. Macron could opt to keep Barnier and his ministers in a caretaker capacity while exploring options to find a leader capable of bridging the partisan divide. In the meantime, a caretaker government could extend current budget provisions or attempt to pass the 2025 budget by decree—an option fraught with legal ambiguity and political risk. Macron’s opponents argue that the only meaningful solution to the crisis is his resignation, a step he has shown no willingness to take.

The political upheaval in France comes at a time of mounting instability within the European Union, exacerbated by Germany’s coalition troubles and the impending return of Donald Trump to the White House. For Marine Le Pen and her National Rally party, this moment also carries risks. Having positioned themselves as a credible alternative to Macron’s administration, they now face scrutiny over their ability to govern effectively. As France navigates this period of uncertainty, the challenges of managing a polarized political landscape will continue to dominate the nation’s agenda.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau traveled to Florida this week to meet with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort, following Trump’s threat to impose hefty tariffs on Canadian goods. The meeting marks Trudeau as the first G-7 leader to visit Trump since the U.S. presidential election, underscoring the significance of their discussions.

A source familiar with the visit, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, confirmed that Trudeau would share a dinner meeting with Trump. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc accompanied Trudeau, further emphasizing the high-stakes nature of the encounter.

The meeting comes just days after Trump declared plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing their alleged failure to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the United States. These threats have raised concerns on both sides of the border, with Trudeau addressing the issue directly in comments made earlier in the day.

“We’re going to work together to meet some of the concerns,” Trudeau said during remarks in Prince Edward Island, Canada. “Ultimately, it is through constructive conversations with President Trump that I will ensure we stay on the right track for all Canadians.”

Trudeau highlighted the potential economic impact of such tariffs, particularly on Canadian exports like potatoes from Prince Edward Island, while questioning Trump’s contradictory promises. “Donald Trump got elected by vowing to bring down the cost of groceries, but now he’s talking about adding 25% to the cost of essential products,” Trudeau remarked. “When he makes statements like that, he plans to carry them out—there’s no question about it.”

Trump, for his part, reiterated his intentions earlier this week, stating that his first executive orders would include imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico. He emphasized the urgency of addressing immigration and drug trafficking, referencing a caravan of migrants traveling through Mexico to the U.S. border.

Canadian officials responded by underscoring the importance of U.S.-Canada economic ties. In a joint statement, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized Canada’s role as the top buyer of U.S. goods and a key supplier of energy and critical minerals vital to American industries.

Should Trump proceed with his tariff threat, Canada is prepared to implement retaliatory measures, according to a senior Canadian official. Similar actions were taken in 2018 when Canada imposed billions in duties on U.S. goods following American tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

This high-profile meeting will likely set the tone for U.S.-Canada relations under the incoming administration, as both leaders navigate the challenges of immigration, trade, and national security.

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As Donald Trump’s return to the White House became certain in November 2024, left-leaning leaders and officials across the globe reacted with unease, concern, and strategic reassessments. Here’s a look at how prominent figures responded and the potential challenges ahead for global relations.

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As President-elect Donald Trump plans to return to the White House as the 47th President, Mexico’s newly elected president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is preparing for what could be a challenging period for her country’s relationship with a second Trump administration.

During Trump’s first term, Mexico often found itself the target of his pro-strength policies and sharp rhetoric, facing threats of border closures, tariffs, and even U.S. military intervention to address drug cartels.

This time, the dynamics have shifted. Unlike her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who maintained a pragmatic, transactional approach and often found common ground with Trump on issues like immigration, Sheinbaum brings a different style to the table. 

As a former activist with strong leftist ideological convictions, Sheinbaum may find navigating Trump’s tough stance on crime, immigration, and trade more challenging. Arturo Sarukhan, former Mexican ambassador to the U.S., describes Sheinbaum as “more ideological” than López Obrador, predicting her administration may take a “nationalistic” stance in response to Trump’s policies.

Despite reaching out with a congratulatory call to Trump after his election win, Sheinbaum was quickly reminded of Trump’s emphasis on border security. Trump also acknowledged López Obrador, signaling he may still consider the former leader a key figure in Mexican affairs. The complex trade relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, valued at over $800 billion annually, is another potential flashpoint. 

With the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) up for review in 2026, recent legal changes in Mexico could prompt Trump to push for renegotiations, particularly in the auto industry. Sheinbaum has expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue but remains resolute, stating, “We are prepared to stand up if needed, with great unity.”

Further complicating matters is the possibility of Chinese companies using Mexico as a conduit to export goods to the U.S., potentially straining the USMCA framework and prompting a strong reaction from Trump. Meanwhile, Marcelo Ebrard, Mexico’s economy secretary, who previously negotiated with Trump as foreign minister, remains optimistic that economic interdependence will buffer potential tensions, warning that U.S. tariffs would have repercussions domestically.

On security, Sheinbaum appears to be shifting from López Obrador’s more passive stance against drug cartels, as evidenced by a major fentanyl seizure in Tijuana. This tougher approach may align with Trump’s views on combating cross-border drug trafficking. However, some experts caution against relying too heavily on economic interdependence as a safeguard, noting Trump’s immigration policies are often driven by national security and cultural concerns rather than economic logic.

As Sheinbaum prepares to engage with a potential Trump presidency, the extent to which the U.S. leader will push his agenda and how Mexico will respond remains uncertain. Sarukhan believes Trump will “talk loudly and carry a big stick,” setting the stage for what could be a tense and complex period in U.S.-Mexico relations.

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The bodies of six hostages, including American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were discovered in a tunnel beneath Gaza in the city of Rafah on Saturday. This location is significant because it is the very city that Kamala Harris had previously urged Israel not to enter.

In February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was ready to move into Rafah, a critical area on the Gaza-Egypt border, where Hamas leaders were believed to be hiding and holding Israeli hostages. However, Kamala Harris, echoing the Biden administration’s concerns, advised Israel against entering Rafah. Harris warned of the potential for high civilian casualties and hinted at “consequences” if Israel proceeded, which was interpreted as a possible threat to withhold U.S. military aid. “I’ve studied the maps,” Harris stated in her cautionary remarks.

Despite these warnings, Israel determined that entering Rafah was necessary. The operation resulted in the deaths of hundreds of terrorists with minimal civilian casualties, although many Hamas leaders are thought to have relocated within the Gaza Strip. During this operation, Israel also managed to rescue one hostage and tragically recovered the bodies of several others, including Goldberg-Polin and five others.

Additionally, Israeli forces established control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategically important route along the Gaza-Egypt border. This area had been a critical smuggling route for Hamas, where tunnels were used to transport weapons and other materials into Gaza. Israeli troops have since discovered and destroyed these tunnels.

IDF Spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari reported on Sunday that the six hostages had been brutally murdered by Hamas as Israeli soldiers were closing in on their location. The discovery of the hostages’ bodies may have been aided by intelligence obtained from a hostage who was rescued earlier in the week.

The tragic discovery underscores the complexity and the high stakes involved in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the difficult decisions faced by leaders on both sides and the devastating human toll of the situation.

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