Pope Leo XIV has begun a landmark visit to Algeria, the first papal visit to the Muslim-majority nation, amid public criticism from US President Donald Trump over the pontiff's calls for an end to violence in the Iran war. The two-day Algerian visit launches a broader African tour covering Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea from 13 to 23 April, with the pope framing the trip as an opportunity to promote peace and reconciliation between Christian and Muslim worlds.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
Peter Magyar's Tisza party won a decisive parliamentary majority with record turnout, ending Viktor Orban's 16-year rule. Magyar, a political newcomer promising to restore democratic checks and balance, pledged to put Hungary "back on track" with Europe after Orban's clash with the EU over rule-of-law and Ukraine.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
France and Britain will organize a "peaceful multinational mission" to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, separate from the warring parties, French President Emmanuel Macron announced. The UK confirmed it will not join the US naval blockade of the strait announced by Trump.
14 April 2026 · New Era →
Pope Leo told reporters he has "no fear" of the Trump administration and will continue to advocate for peace after Trump attacked him on social media for his stance on Iran, calling him "weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy." The pope said his role is to spread the message of the gospel and stand against global conflicts and innocent suffering.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →