In Video: This Morning’s Top Headlines – April 25 | Morning News NOW
Mourners Flock to Vatican to Pay Respects to Pope Francis
Vatican City – Tens of thousands of worshippers from around the world have gathered at the Vatican to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who passed away on Wednesday. The Pope’s body lies in state in St. Peter’s Basilica, where mourners are lining up by the thousands to bid farewell. Today marks the third and final day that the public can pay their respects.
According to NBC News international correspondent Clauddio Levanga, who is at the Vatican, "There is a very long line of people waiting for their opportunity to get inside St. Peter’s Basilica to bid farewell to Pope Francis. As of this morning, the Vatican said that 128,000 people have already bid farewell to the Pope, and that number is expected to rise significantly throughout the day."
Funeral Preparations Underway
Later today, American Cardinal Kevin Pharaoh will preside over the ritual of sealing the Pope’s coffin, marking the end of public viewing. The Pope’s funeral will take place tomorrow, attended by world leaders including President Trump and Ukrainian President Zalinski.
The Vatican has released a computer-generated image of what Pope Francis’s tomb might look like, which is currently being prepared in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The simple tombstone is made of marble from the northern Italian region of Liora, where the Pope’s grandparents migrated from to Argentina.
Conclave Still Undetermined
The Vatican has not yet announced a date for the conclave, which typically starts 15-20 days after the Pope’s death. The cardinals need time to gather in Rome and get to know each other before selecting a new Pope.
Trump and China Trade Dispute Continues
Meanwhile, the trade dispute between the US and China continues to escalate. President Trump has doubled down on his assertion that the two countries are in talks, despite Beijing’s insistence that no talks are taking place. The US and China have imposed tariffs on each other’s goods, with the US imposing a 25% tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods and China imposing a 25% tariff on $60 billion worth of US goods.
Ukraine-Russia Conflict
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia shows no signs of resolution. Yesterday, Russia unleashed its deadliest attack on Ukraine in months, killing at least 12 people. President Trump has criticized Russian President Putin, urging him to stop the attack.
New NBC News Poll: Gen Z’s Views on Inflation and Due Process
A new NBC News poll powered by Survey Monkey found that 69% of Gen Z (18-29 year olds) disapprove of President Trump’s handling of inflation and the cost of living. The poll also found that 92% of Gen Z believe that due process protections should be the same for those in the US on a student visa or green card as for US citizens.
Murder Charges against Man Accused of Killing CEO
The man accused of killing the CEO of United Healthcare will be arraigned on federal charges, including murder and stalking, later today. Prosecutors have announced that they will seek the death penalty.
Weather Update
A cold front will move towards the east coast today, triggering showers and thunderstorms from the Ohio Valley to the Gulf Coast. The unsettled weather will continue into the weekend, with heavy downpours and localized flooding possible.
Other News
- The man accused of opening fire at a Fourth of July parade in Illinois has been sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
- A 19-year-old in New Jersey has been charged with starting a wildfire that has scorched over 15,000 acres.
Good Morning News
That’s all for now. Thanks for joining us.
