World News — Top Global Stories Now
Looking for clear, no-nonsense updates on big international events? This is the World category on Patio Pulse. We pull together fast summaries, what changed today, and what to watch next — with extra focus on how global moves affect Africa and its neighbours.
Today's top headlines
Pope Francis dominated headlines with two big stories: his informal style reshaped papal communication and his appointments of 21 new cardinals signal a shift in Church leadership. In the Middle East, Iran’s nuclear steps and rising tensions with Israel and the US are changing regional calculations. Kenya launched an urgent evacuation for citizens in Lebanon as violence flares.
Other major items: Hamas called out Israel after an airstrike killed political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran; a plane crash near Kathmandu killed 18 people; and a Dubai princess publicly announced a divorce on Instagram, raising safety concerns. A high-profile missing-person search continues for presenter Michael Mosley on the Greek island of Symi. South Korea suspended a military pact with the North after trash-balloon attacks, while Putin’s visit to Harbin highlights deeper Russia-China ties. The UN General Assembly urged the Security Council to consider Palestine’s bid for full membership amid the Gaza crisis.
How we cover these stories
We keep it short and useful. For each story you’ll find: a concise summary, why it matters to Africa or global stability, and what to expect next. When a development could affect trade, migration, or diplomacy in African countries, we flag it up so you don’t miss the local angle. Expect updates as events evolve — we refresh key stories and note verified changes only.
Want practical context? For the Iran story we explain how uranium enrichment levels change regional risk. For evacuations, we list which governments have issued travel advice and what steps citizens should take. For accidents and disasters, we point to official casualty figures and ongoing rescue efforts. For political moves, we flag international reactions and likely timelines.
How to follow: check this page for the latest headlines, open the stories that matter to you, and use the search to find country-specific coverage. If you care about Africa’s role in any global event, look for our “Africa angle” notes inside articles — they cut straight to the local impact.
We aim to save you time. No fluff, no jargon — just the facts and clear next steps when they matter. If you want faster alerts, subscribe to our newsletter or enable notifications. Questions or tips? Send them our way; reader leads often shape where we focus next.
Keep this page bookmarked. World events move fast — we make sure you get the key facts without the noise.
Pope Francis’s Informal Approach Broke Papal Traditions and Modernized Catholic Discourse
Keabetswe Monyake Apr 21 0Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, reshaped papal communication with his informal tone and inclusive perspective. His hallmark phrase 'Who am I to judge?' showcased empathy toward LGBTQ+ issues. Francis left a legacy of warmth, dialogue, and accessibility that resonated beyond the Catholic Church.
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Iran's Strategic Nuclear Developments Amidst Regional Tensions with Israel and the US
Keabetswe Monyake Nov 16 0In a region defined by uncertainty and historic complexities, Iran's nuclear pursuits have long been a contentious focal point between Tehran, Jerusalem, and Washington. Recent developments underscore these tensions, with Iran's strategic use of proxies, the construction of defensive tunnels, and concerns over increased uranium enrichment, becoming pivotal points of international discussion.
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Pope Francis Appoints 21 New Cardinals: Strengthening Global Influence in the Roman Catholic Church
Keabetswe Monyake Oct 7 0Pope Francis has announced the appointment of 21 new cardinals, a significant move towards shaping the future of the Roman Catholic Church. Notably among them is Archbishop Frank Leo of Toronto, the only North American in this group. This decision reflects the Pope's vision to diversify and rejuvenate Church leadership, highlighting Toronto's growing prominence in the Catholic community. An installation ceremony at the Vatican will formally welcome these new leaders.
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Kenya Launches Urgent Mass Evacuation for Citizens from Lebanon Amid Rising Middle East Tensions
Keabetswe Monyake Aug 6 0The Kenyan government is rapidly moving to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon amid escalating Middle East tensions. Rising fears of conflict have prompted the State Department for Diaspora Affairs to urge Kenyans to register for evacuation and relocate to safer areas. The call comes as violence between Israel and regional groups intensifies.
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Hamas Denounces Israeli Airstrike Killing Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran
Keabetswe Monyake Jul 31 0Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was killed in an Israeli airstrike while in Iran. Hamas has issued a strong statement denouncing the assassination and vowed to continue their fight against Israel. The incident has increased regional tension and attracted international condemnation. Haniyeh is to be buried in Lusail, Qatar. The conflict in Gaza remains intense, with numerous casualties reported.
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Nepal Plane Crash: 18 Dead After Takeoff from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan Airport
Keabetswe Monyake Jul 25 0A Saurya Airlines flight crashed shortly after takeoff from Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 18 individuals, including the co-pilot, and injuring the pilot who survived. The Bombardier CRJ 200 was en route to Pokhara for maintenance, carrying mechanics and airline employees. Emergency services shuttered the airport for hours, recovering all bodies amid challenging monsoon conditions.
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Dubai Princess Shaikha Mahra Announces Divorce on Instagram Amid Safety Concerns
Keabetswe Monyake Jul 19 0Princess Shaikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai has made headlines by announcing her divorce from Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Instagram after a year of marriage. Concerns for her safety arise due to her father's history of controlling behavior towards his daughters, making this public declaration particularly significant.
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Intensive Search for Missing Presenter Michael Mosley Enters Fifth Day on Symi
Keabetswe Monyake Jun 10 0The intensive search for television and radio personality Michael Mosley, who went missing during a solo walk on the Greek island of Symi, has entered its fifth day. His wife, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, and their four children remain actively involved in the search efforts alongside Greek authorities. Challenges posed by the rocky terrain and scorching weather have made the search operation particularly strenuous.
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South Korea Halts Military Pact with North Korea Over Escalating Trash Balloon Dispute
Keabetswe Monyake Jun 3 0South Korea's National Security Council has decided to fully suspend the 2018 military agreement with North Korea. This response comes after Pyongyang launched hundreds of balloons filled with trash over the border. The suspension aims to address deteriorating trust and escalating tensions.
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Putin's Visit to 'Little Moscow' in China Highlights Strengthening Sino-Russian Ties Amid Geopolitical Challenges
Keabetswe Monyake May 17 0Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Harbin, dubbed 'Little Moscow', underscores Russia and China's strengthening economic and strategic partnership. Attending key forums and meeting Xi Jinping, Putin's trip aims to fortify ties amid Western geopolitical pressures.
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UN Assembly Urges Security Council to Discuss Palestine’s Bid for Full Membership Amid Gaza Crisis
Keabetswe Monyake May 12 0Amidst the ongoing Gaza crisis, the UN General Assembly has called on the Security Council to consider Palestine's request for full membership. The assembly emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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