This episode explores major global events as of April 23rd, focusing on the death of Pope Francis and its global impact. Against the backdrop of large public mourning in Rome, the podcast details the Pope's lying-in-state and upcoming funeral, highlighting the significance of his accessible and inclusive approach to the church. More significantly, the episode covers stalled Ukraine peace talks, with the US issuing explicit proposals and threatening to withdraw if not accepted; this is contrasted with the high-level discussions held in France the previous week. For instance, the US Secretary of State's cancellation of a London trip underscores the tensions. Furthermore, the podcast reports on substantial fines levied against Apple and Meta by the European Commission for violating digital market laws, sparking a debate about potential tit-for-tat actions given rising US tariffs. Finally, the episode touches upon other significant news, including Mahmoud Abbas's strong condemnation of Hamas, a major attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, and potential peace prospects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. What this means for international relations and the future of various global institutions is left open for further discussion.
