Pope's demise, Harvard targeting Trump in legal battle, assaults on correctional officers...
Every morn, the editorial crew of Libération curates the day's priority news, focusing on France, worldwide events, and updates worth keeping tabs on.
Pope Francis' Absence Leaves a Void
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke, will be mourned globally. After a cardinal's meeting at 9 am local time, the funeral date should be announced. As per Holy See rules, the service should occur within a few days of the time of death. Notable leaders, including former President Donald Trump, have expressed their intention to attend the service despite their differing views during their tenures.
Harvard Faces a Battle Against the Government
Harvard University has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for freezing federal grants allocated to U.S. faculties. This latest move signifies the escalating conflict between the renowned institution and the White House, who accuse universities of fostering anti-Semitism during student protests against the Gaza war. Harvard vehemently denies these allegations, and after rejecting the administration's demands last week, saw $2.2 billion in federal grants frozen.
Troubling Developments at French Prisons
In an unexpected turn of events, the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) has taken charge of an investigation into shootings and Molotov cocktails targeting a housing estate for prison officers in Isère. The attacks occurred in Villefontaine, a commune near the Saint-Quentin-Fallavier prison, and led to reinforcements being stationed around two regional penitentiary establishments. Moreover, graffiti believed to be from French prisoner's rights advocates were found at the scene.
Today's Highlights
- Macron in Réunion: Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Réunion, an island with significant economic growth, to assess the ongoing chikungunya outbreak and cyclone Garance damage, as well as emphasize its strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Antitrust Hearing on Google: Designed to decide the fate of Google, the tech giant faces major hearings due to allegations of abusing its dominant market position. Reports suggest that it may be forced to sell its browser, Chrome.
[1] https://www.vatcan.va/content/pr/en/latest-news/2025/04/25/date_pope_francis_funeral.html[2] https://www.reuters.com/world/christianity-north-america/pope-francis-dies-at-age-88-vatican-sources-3768897/[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-55886782[4] https://www.cnn.com/world/europe/pope-francis-funeral-plans-st-peters-basilica-intl- index.html
- The world mourns Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, as the Vatican announced his funeral date.
- In a lawsuit against the Trump administration, Harvard University is fighting to retain federal grants amidst allegations of fostering anti-Semitism on campus.
- Following shootings and Molotov cocktails targeting a housing estate for prison officers in Isère, France, the National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation.
- President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Réunion focuses on assessing the chikungunya outbreak and cyclone Garance damage while emphasizing the island's strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Google faces major antitrust hearings due to allegations of abusing its dominant market position, which may result in the sale of its browser, Chrome.
