FirstUp: Public viewing of Pope Francis at St Peter’s Basilica... The headlines today

April 23, 2025, marks a day of significant developments across the globe.

Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, with a memorial mass held in Jerusalem at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

United States Vice President JD Vance will visit Agra, having launched the India-US COMPACT initiative to deepen military, trade and technology ties between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues his visit to Saudi Arabia, co-chairing the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in London for peace talks with Western countries, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to visit Kazakhstan on April 26–27, following an invitation from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.​

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Memorial mass for Pope Francis in Jerusalem

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025 , at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke, is currently lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 am, to be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

Notably, Pope Francis chose to break with centuries of papal tradition by selecting a simpler burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, without the traditional triple coffin.

Dignitaries, including US President Donald Trump and US First Lady Melania Trump, are expected to attend the service. His death has initiated the traditional nine-day mourning period known as Novendiale. ​

In Jerusalem, a memorial mass for the late pope will be held at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a site of profound significance in Christian tradition.

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The ceremony will be attended by members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, who will join in praying for peace in Israel and Palestine, reflecting the pope’s enduring commitment to reconciliation in the Holy Land. ​

JD Vance visits Agra

US Vice President JD Vance is on an official visit to India , with a scheduled stop in Agra today.

During his visit, Vance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the India-US COMPACT initiative, aimed at deepening military, trade, and technology ties between the two nations.

The initiative focuses on mutual trust and citizen engagement, marking a significant step toward a defining 21st-century partnership. ​

Ukraine delegation in London for ceasefire talks

A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in London for peace talks with Western countries, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia.

“We are ready to move forward as constructively as possible, just as we have done before, to achieve an unconditional ceasefire, followed by the establishment of a real and lasting peace,” Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy wrote on the X social media platform.

The delegation’s participation underscores Ukraine's commitment to constructive discussions toward achieving an unconditional ceasefire and establishing lasting peace. ​

Italian PM Meloni to visit Kazakhstan

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is scheduled to visit Kazakhstan on April 26–27, following an invitation from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

High-level talks will focus on strengthening the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Italy, with discussions anticipated to cover areas such as trade, energy and regional cooperation.

With inputs from agencies