Pope Leo XIV on Monday responded to the extraordinary broadside against him posted by US President Donald Trump the day before, saying that his appeals for peace are rooted in the Gospel and that that he is not afraid of Trump’s administration. Trump had accused the Chicago-born pontiff of being “v»»»

Donald Trump launched an extraordinary attack on Pope Leo late Sunday, also going as far as to share an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ healing the sick. He later deleted the image Monday following backlash from his usually loyal Christian and Catholic supporters, saying he “th»»»

Iran executed at least 1,639 people last year, an average of more than four executions per day, Norway-based Iran Human Rights and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty said in their joint annual report, warning that the regime risked killing even more people this year after protests in Ja»»»

FRANCE 24's Mark Owen speaks with the Lebanese Minister for Social Affairs, Hanin Sayyed, about the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon in the wake of the Israeli attacks and ground invasion. She says that if the war continues and displacement in Lebanon continues at the current pace, the country will n»»»

US President Donald Trump has warned that any Iranian vessels that breach Monday's newly enforced US naval blockade will be “immediately eliminated,” escalating tensions amid a fragile ceasefire after talks brokered by Pakistan failed to reach a peace agreement on the conflict in Iran. US President»»»

Benin voters cast their ballots for the country's next president Sunday, with current Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni expected to win handily over the sole opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè. Results are expected earlier in the week. Benin election officials began counting votes after Sun»»»

Pope Leo XIV began on Monday a landmark visit to Algeria, where he called for forgiveness in a speech paying tribute to victims of the country's war of independence from France. It marked the first visit by a pontiff to the Muslim-majority country, which risked being overshadowed by public criticis»»»

Benin opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe suffered a bruising election loss on Monday after conceding to favourite Romuald Wadagni in Benin's presidential vote. Opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe on Monday conceded defeat to favourite Romuald Wadagni in Benin's presidential election. Hounkpe offered "»»»

Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Jean-François Bélanger, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Military Operations at the Royal Danish Defence College, explains that "what NATO does really well at the moment is aggregate the different threat perceptions of its members" and a standalone Europe»»»

Peter Magyar's landslide victory over Viktor Orban in Sunday’s Hungarian legislative elections marks a seismic shift for Hungary and the EU, but Brussels may need to temper its enthusiasm. On the rule of law, migration and LGBTQ rights, the road ahead is neither straight nor guaranteed. The images »»»

WASHINGTON: A majority of US Catholic voters supported Donald Trump in his 2024 presidential victory. Yet across the broad Catholic political spectrum – even among conservative-leaning bishops – there is dismay over Trump’s unprecedented verbal assault on Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead th»»»

Prime Minister Mark Carney's party secured a majority in Canada's parliament on Monday after two by-election wins, boosting his Liberals as they work to bolster a country shaken by threats from the United States. Carney's Liberals won the most seats in elections a year ago, but fell just short of a»»»

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that any Iranian attack boats that approach the American naval blockade around Iran's ports would be destroyed, despite international calls for a ceasefire to be respected and negotiations to resume. The US military said the blockade, which took effect at 140»»»

U.S. President Donald Trum nominated former congresswoman Michelle Steel (R) as ambassador to South Korea. In this April 2023 photo, Steel arrives at the White House for a state dinner with former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo U.S. President Don»»»

Share: A generational peace is within reach—but only if Israel abandons dominance and embraces full equality with a sovereign Lebanon By: Ya Libnan Editorial Board , Opinion Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks of a “lasting peace” with Lebanon—one that endures for generations. That vis»»»

Ras Al Khaimah: The Ras Al Khaimah Court of First Instance has overturned a one-year jail sentence issued in absentia against a 49-year-old Gulf national, replacing it with a Dh10,000 fine after accepting his opposition and citing medical evidence and gaps in the prosecution’s case. In its ruling d»»»

For over 40 days, talks about conflict punctuated daily life. Phones sent warnings at different times of the day and night, and most tried to adjust to a 'new normal' that slowly seeped into their routines. While adults searched for ways to get through each day, they also had to find ways to calm t»»»

Tribune News Network DOHA Qatar Airways has issued a travel update announcing flexible rebooking options for passengers whose flights have been rescheduled, delayed, or cancelled. The airline stated that customers holding confirmed bookings for travel up to June 15, 2026 may benefit from a complime»»»

Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Sheikh Qassem: Zionist settlements will not be safe even if the Israelis enter any part of Lebanon, and Lebanon’s borders will not shrink b»»»

Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem maintained on Monday that Lebanon is facing an aggression which does not observe any humanitarian or moral consideration, stressing that it is a clear occupation. In a televised speech, Sheikh Qassem said, “We remained steadfast, the fighters stood fir»»»

A man being held for his wife's disappearance must be released or charged today by Bahamian police. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- Authorities in the Bahamas are facing a deadline to charge or release a man being held in connection with the disappearance of his wife»»»

The US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended exactly as they were bound to end under the current balance of power – without a deal, without a handshake, without even the faintest sense that the two sides have moved closer to a durable peace. Nearly 21 hours of talks, an unprecedented level of representatio»»»

"We can’t let a country blackmail or extort the world. That’s what they’re doing — they’re really blackmailing the world. We’re not going to let that happen," Trump told reporters, declaring that a US blockade of the Hormuz Strait has begun. The blockade "started 10 o'clock," according to the presi»»»

According to official data, the population in Colombia could reach 500 hippos by 2030 if control measures are not implemented. A scientific study cited by the government recommends removing at least 33 animals per year to achieve a significant reduction. File Photo by Daniel Irungu/EPA April 13 (UP»»»

Bulgarian politicians commented on Sunday's elections in Hungary, reflecting over governance, democracy, and Europe’s direction. Hungary's Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, won the parliamentary elections with a decisive lead over Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his Fidesz party, according to near-»»»

Hezbollah will not abide by any agreements that may result from the direct Lebanon-Israel talks in the United States, negotiations it firmly opposes, a senior Hezbollah official said Monday. Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of Hezbollah's political council, spoke on the eve of the talks expected i»»»

The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said on Monday he hopes another oil stockpile release is not needed but "we stand ready to act" if the energy shock resulting from the war with Iran requires ‌it. The 32-member ‌IEA agreed last month ‌to ⁠release 400 million barrels of ⁠oil »»»

BusinessGermanyLufthansa pilots strike for 2 days, cabin crew will followMark Hallam with AFP, dpaPilots who are members of the Vereinigung Cockpit trade union are striking on Monday and Tuesday. As hundreds of flights were canceled, the UFO cabin crew union said it would also strike on Wednesday a»»»

Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said in Sliven on Monday that suggestions are being made in the public domain about a possible "Romanian scenario" in the upcoming Bulgarian elections, which, according to him, are intended to mobilize support for Rumen Radev and his Progressive Bulgaria. Rade»»»

President Donald Trump looks out the window with Eric Trump, executive vice president of Trump Organization Inc., left, and Natalie Harp, executive assistant to President Donald Trump, center, aboard Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House Friday. Trump's $10 billion suit against the Wall S»»»

Washington: The US blockade of Iranian ports took effect Monday evening, April 13, 2026. The US military announced that the blockade includes Iranian ports on the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, east of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that it will apply to all ships regardless of their flags. It cla»»»

Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Municipality has announced the administrative closure of a restaurant in the Dukhan area due to food deemed unfit for human consumption. The Jaal Algharya Restaurant will be closed for three days starting April 13, 2026, as per the Ministry’s Administrative Closure Deci»»»

The United Kingdom has halted a plan to hand over the Chagos Islands, an Indian Ocean archipelago, to Mauritius. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed an agreement last year transferring sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius. However, the deal allowed Washington and London to retain control »»»

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has accused WhatsApp of misleading users about privacy, arguing that Telegram offers stronger protection for sensitive content. The Russian tech entrepreneur has repeatedly criticized Meta-owned WhatsApp’s security model, dismissing claims that the app cannot ac»»»

Many political allies who had endorsed Viktor Orbán have stayed silent or voiced dismay, but some pledged to work with Hungary’s new, pro-EU leader. The list of noisy, far-right Orbán-endorsers who stayed mute on Monday (13 April) after the outgoing Hungarian prime minister’s election drubbing incl»»»

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Airways announced customers with a confirmed booking on Qatar Airways operated flights, for travel until June 15, 2026, are eligible for complimentary date changes up to 31 October 2026, subject to availability and fare seasonality. "And, if your rebooked flight is impacted again»»»

Rome, Italy: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warned on Monday, April 13, 206, that the current and upcoming agricultural seasons could be affected if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and fertilizer shipments are disrupted. According to FAO estimates, between 20 »»»

Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump warned Monday that any Iranian attack boats that approach the naval blockade he has ordered around the country's ports will be destroyed, despite international calls for a ceasefire to be respected and negotiations to resume. The US military said»»»

London: A UK teenager's 2024 frenzied stabbing spree in northwest England which killed three young girls and sparked nationwide anti-immigration riots was "foreseeable and avoidable", a public inquiry concluded Monday. The attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, which seriously wo»»»

A truck driver who stopped his vehicle in the Vitinya Tunnel on the Hemus Motorway on Monday morning due to a technical malfunction was arrested after disobeying a police order. The acting Secretary General of the Interior Ministry, Georgi Kandev, suspects traffic sabotage. According to the Road In»»»

New York: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that more than 32 million people worldwide could be pushed into poverty due to the economic fallout of the conflict in the Middle East, with developing countries expected to bear the brunt. In a report issued on Monday, the agency sai»»»

Péter Magyar promised during the election campaign that he would dismantle Viktor Orbán’s entire political system “brick by brick” — a system with which he had close ties until very recently. Over the past two years, Magyar has travelled almost constantly around the country, saying he would curb co»»»

1 of 2 | The price of oil again climbed over the $100-per-barrel threshold on Monday after President Donald Trump announced U.S. forces will form a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- The price of oil again climbed over the $100-per-barrel th»»»

Although Poland spends more on defense than any other NATO country relative to GDP, the economic impact is limited, according to the International Monetary Fund. Defense spending has risen sharply to about 4.5% of GDP, but around 80% of military equipment is imported, mainly from the U.S. and South»»»

A potential U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports could trigger an unprecedented shock in global energy markets. Oil prices have already surged, with Brent crude exceeding $103 per barrel after failed diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran. Experts warn that current prices do not reflect a w»»»

During 44 days of war in the Middle East, the EU’s fossil fuel import bill rose by over €22 bln, according to Ursula von der Leyen. She stressed that the crisis, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, is driving up fuel, food, and household costs across Europe. Von der Leyen warned that»»»

Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has pulled off a stunning victory in the country’s parliamentary election, with his Tisza party beating Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz by more than 16 points. The result is set to dramatically change Hungary’s relations with the EU, Russia, and Ukraine»»»

What will be the consequences for the United States of refraining from taking extreme measures against Iran? It is too early to say what kind of lasting order, if any, will emerge in the Middle East after the failure of the US and Israel’s campaign against Tehran. Yet the decision to avoid escalati»»»

An Israeli general linked to a controversy over the use of a teenager in an online influence campaign has been appointed as the next director of the Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence agency. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, currently serving as »»»

Manila: Suspended Filipino Congressman Kiko Barzaga surrendered to authorities on Monday (April 13) hours after a Makati court issued an arrest warrant for eight counts of cyberlibel. This marks a dramatic turn in his legal woes. Barzaga, a neophyte lawmaker representing the 4th District of Cavite,»»»