Pope Francis appeared at his hospital window in Rome, offering a blessing for the first time since his admission on February 14. Minutes later, the 88-year-old pontiff was discharged, with doctors recommending at least two months of rest at the Vatican. Dr. Sergio Alfieri revealed the Pope faced two critical health episodes that put his life at risk but was never intubated and remained alert. Though not fully recovered, he no longer has pneumonia and is expected to resume work soon. Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, expressed joy at his recovery, calling it a “great gift” to the world.
CHINA AND JAPAN STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION WITH KEY CONSENSUS
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya co-chaired the sixth China-Japan High-Level Economic Dialogue in Tokyo on Saturday, marking the first such meeting in six years. The talks concluded with 20 key consensus points, with both nations committing to strengthening economic cooperation.
Experts view the dialogue’s resumption as a positive step in easing tensions and reflecting Japan’s interest in improving ties with China. Analysts suggest that amid global uncertainty, China-Japan cooperation—alongside broader Asia-Pacific engagement—serves as a stabilizing force against unilateralism and protectionism, reinforcing economic resilience in the region.
US ENVOY BLAMES HAMAS FOR GAZA ATTACK, CLAIMS HE WAS ‘DUPED’
U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, admitted Sunday (March 23) that he may have been “duped” by Hamas after initially believing the group had accepted his ceasefire extension proposal, only for it to reject the deal. “I thought we had an acceptable deal. I even thought we had an approval from Hamas. Maybe that’s just me getting duped,” Witkoff told Fox News.
His “bridge” proposal, presented in Doha on March 12, aimed to extend the ceasefire until April 19, with Hamas releasing five Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel agreed, but Hamas demanded adherence to prior truce terms, including full Israeli withdrawal.
CANADA’S NEW PM CARNEY CALLS SURPRISE APRIL ELECTION
Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Conservative rival launched their election campaigns on Sunday amid escalating tensions with the U.S., including a trade war and annexation threats from President Donald Trump. Carney announced a five-week campaign leading up to the April 28 vote.
The Liberals had faced likely defeat until Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, including calls for Canada to become the “51st U.S. state,” sparked a wave of nationalism, boosting Liberal support. Carney emphasized the election’s significance, calling it a defining moment. The 37-day campaign will determine the next government, with Liberals and Conservatives as the main contenders.
US ENVOY HOPES FOR PEACE AS US-UKRAINE TALKS BEGIN IN RIYADH
Ukraine and U.S. officials began talks in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (March 23) to negotiate a partial ceasefire in the war with Russia, as Washington pushes for “real progress” while the Kremlin warns of “difficult negotiations.” U.S. officials are set to hold separate technical discussions with Russian counterparts on Monday (March 24) in Riyadh, potentially paving the way for a breakthrough in the three-year conflict.
Despite ceasefire proposals, fighting persists. A Russian strike on Kyiv killed three civilians, while Ukrainian drone attacks in Russia left two dead. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed discussions focused on protecting critical infrastructure.
