Hamas releases Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage in Gaza, ahead of President Trump’s Middle East trip

President Donald Trump will focus his attention on three energy-rich nations home to existing or planned Trump-branded real estate projects — places where he aims to leverage American economic interests to do what he personally revels in: making business deals.

Pope Leo XIV stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thunderous applause and an electric atmosphere, to deliver his first Sunday blessing and an address calling for peace in Ukraine and Gaza.

Pope Leo XIV was elected as the Catholic Church's 267th leader on Thursday. The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday evening local time, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV has called for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and an immediate cease-fire in Gaza with the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid.