Intuition essential at the Pope's side - morning circumstances call for acute awareness - Vatican grapples with the need for a pointing gesture at the Pope's tomb - early-day challenge addressed
Morning Situation: So Long, Pope Francis - The Gathering of the World's Leaders
Hey there, good folks,
If you've ever been to a funeral, you know it can be a peculiar blend of emotions. You want to pay your respects, but it's also a social gathering where you might catch up with relatives you haven't seen in ages, or overhear whispered gossip about someone who wasn't invited.
Now imagine this scene on a grand scale, with global leaders descending upon Rome to bid farewell to the one-and-only Pope Francis.
Prepare for an event expected to attract representatives from an astonishing 170 foreign delegations. Compared to Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005, where 138 countries represented, this event is set to outshine its predecessor, earning the title "diplomatic event of the year," as declared by the Center on Public Diplomacy of the University of Southern California.*
With eyes on the US-Ukraine duo — President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky — tensions are running high. While Trump yearns for peace above all, Zelensky valiantly resists a dictated peace. Meanwhile, Russia's Minister of Culture, Olga Lyubimova, will attend — and let's not forget that a warrant for the arrest of President Vladimir Putin is still out at the International Criminal Court.
Zelensky and Trump at the Pope's Funeral
Will Zelensky take the opportunity to discuss matters with Trump? And how will EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen play her cards, who has been unable to secure an appointment in Washington for weeks to chat about tariffs?
Countless ambassadors from the Middle East and South America are expected, such as the newly-minted president of Argentina, Javier Milei, who once criticized the pope for being the "devil's representative on earth."
Francis Campbell, the British ambassador to the Vatican from 2005 to 2011, highlights the Church's profound and unseen influence. "The Holy See has an extraordinary mobilizing power that will be evident during the funeral," Campbell notes to the Guardian.
The funeral gets underway at 10 a.m., but most guests are expected to arrive the night before, opening the stage for behind-closed-doors conversations.
Have a great weekend!
Cheers, Mirjam Bittner
Lavrov on Ukraine Talks
While Russia continues its relentless attacks on Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov grants an interview to US broadcaster CBS, hinting that his country is prepared for a deal. However, he specifies that "certain specific details still require refining."
The deal presented by US President Trump has faced much criticism, edging perilously close to meeting Russia's demands. For more insight on this, give the Morning Situation of Thursday a read. The press comments:
The "Team Merz" Takes Shape
Power shifts are in motion in Berlin. Former Health Minister Jens Spahn appears to be one of its beneficiaries, despite his questionable performance during the corona pandemic. Spahn's dealings with the AfD have more recently put him in the spotlight. Now, he's reportedly set to become the parliamentary leader of the Union.
The chief political correspondent of Stern, Miriam Hollstein, and politics chief Veit Medick discuss the new government team of Friedrich Merz in the "5-minute talk." Several positions within the "Merz team" are rumored to already be set.
Al Pacino Turns 85
The Godfather turns 85: Al Pacino, a Hollywood legend. My colleague Jochen Siemens has taken this occasion to delve into his autobiography and sums it up as follows: "In his memoirs, he neither self-aggrandizes nor airs dirty laundry. Sorry!"
What Else is Important Today
- In Torgau, Saxony, the end of World War II is honored. American and Soviet soldiers shook hands here in 1945, and the picture toured the world. This year's commemoration has stirred quite the fuss, as despite the Foreign Office's suggestion to exclude Russia due to the Ukraine war, the Russian ambassador has announced his participation.*
- In Brunswick, a trial in the VW diesel affair is closing in. Four former managers and engineers of the Volkswagen group stand trial, and the court has hinted that evidence gathering could be completed today.*
With material from the agencies.
- Pope
- Pope Francis
- Funeral
- Donald Trump
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- The European Union, committed to the implementation of the Lisbon strategy, may discuss tariffs with President Donald Trump during Pope Francis' funeral, as EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been unable to secure an appointment with Trump for weeks on this topic.
- The funeral of Pope Francis is likely to attract various representatives, including those from Argentina, such as the newly-minted president, Javier Milei, who once criticized the pope.
- Politics and discussions, apart from mourning, are expected to dominate the Pope Francis funeral, as world leaders gather to pay their respects, potentially leaving room for behind-closed-doors conversations.
- The funeral of Pope Francis, in addition to being a significant general news event, may also serve as an opportunity for leaders like President Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss matters, particularly surrounding war-and-conflicts and Ukraine.
