Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Robert Prevost becomes first American pope in Catholic Church history.
In a historic moment, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the U.S. has been elected the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. His election was signaled by white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel and formally announced with "Habemus papam!" to crowds in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Leo XIV greeted the world with, "Peace be with all of you!" amid celebrations in Rome and beyond. The emotional moment was marked by church bells, cheers, and prayer. Before appearing, he spent time in the traditional "Room of Tears" to prepare.
This marks the first time an American has been elected pope, beginning a new chapter in Church history.
2. US and UK announce "breakthrough" trade deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have announced a limited trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral trade.
The deal keeps 10% tariffs on British exports but lowers U.S. tariffs on UK cars and cuts average UK tariffs on U.S. goods from 5.1% to 1.8%. Trump called it a “tremendous” opportunity, while Starmer praised it as a “historic day” for job creation and market access.
This is the first in a series of targeted trade deals following Trump’s recent tariff hikes on multiple countries.
3. Kallas confirms EU Foreign ministers’ visit to Ukraine on May 9
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
EU foreign ministers will travel to Lviv, Ukraine on May 9 to pledge €1 billion in support for Ukraine’s defense industry and endorse the creation of an International Tribunal for war crimes and aggression, said EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas during a press conference in Warsaw.
"Tomorrow we are going to Ukraine, and we are going to make available €1 billion for Ukraine's defense industry", said Kallas. "We will also give the final political endorsement for the establishment of the Tribunal… There will be no impunity".
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also confirmed that European leaders would arrive in Lviv on May 9 to address these topics.
The announcement followed an informal Gymnich-format meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw, where the ministers focused primarily on Ukraine’s situation and the pursuit of a peaceful, just resolution to the conflict.
4. World leaders react to election of Pope Leo XIV, first American pontiff.
World leaders have warmly welcomed the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff. U.S. President Trump called it a "Great Honor for our Country", while leaders from Europe, Latin America, and Russia praised the historic moment.
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy thanked the Pope for supporting international law. Global reactions highlight hopes for peace and unity under Pope Leo XIV's leadership amid global challenges.
5. Trump urges 30-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, Zelenskyy responds
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, warning of new sanctions if violated.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Kyiv is ready to comply immediately and urged Russia to do the same.
The proposal, first introduced by Washington in March, is seen as a key test of peace efforts.
6. King Charles urges global peace on 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Britain's King Charles marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a call for global peace and diplomacy. Speaking at a concert near Buckingham Palace, he honored World War II veterans and echoed Winston Churchill’s belief that "jaw to jaw is better than war".
The event followed a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey and included a nationwide two-minute silence. Charles and Prince William also laid wreaths at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
The anniversary comes amid ongoing war in Ukraine. Ceremonies were also held in France and Germany, while Russia prepares a military parade, with President Putin repeating claims linking the Ukraine conflict to "neo-Nazism".
King Charles reflected on Queen Elizabeth II’s VE Day memories, ending his speech with a light-hearted remark about not leading a late-night conga line like his mother once did.
7. UAE and Azerbaijan presidents discuss strengthening ties in phone call
On May 8, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a phone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
During the call, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of President Aliyev’s recent visit to Abu Dhabi. They highlighted the strong and growing partnership between the two countries, built on mutual trust and friendship.
The presidents noted positive progress in economic and trade relations, supported by active political dialogue and regular exchanges of delegations across various fields.
They also discussed key issues on the bilateral and regional agenda.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
India has proposed a steep reduction in average tariffs on U.S. goods - from nearly 13% to under 4% - in a strategic move to secure exemption from current and future tariff hikes under President Donald Trump, according to Indian officials familiar with the talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
In a notable shift from traditional Republican policy, President Donald Trump has proposed raising taxes on high-income earners to help finance broader tax cuts for middle- and working-class Americans.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
Romania’s far-right presidential frontrunner George Simion said the country should be compensated for aiding Ukraine, as he clashed with centrist rival Nicusor Dan in a televised debate ahead of the decisive run-off vote.
India has proposed a steep reduction in average tariffs on U.S. goods - from nearly 13% to under 4% - in a strategic move to secure exemption from current and future tariff hikes under President Donald Trump, according to Indian officials familiar with the talks.
U.S. President Donald Trump signaled support for steep tariffs on Chinese imports, calling 80% levies “right” ahead of high-level trade talks in Geneva aimed at easing escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed a series of trade and transit agreements during a high-level business forum in Karachi, paving the way for expanded commercial cooperation and long-term logistics development between the two countries.
France and Poland will sign a groundbreaking treaty on Friday to deepen cooperation on defence and energy, signaling a growing alignment among European nations.
In a notable shift from traditional Republican policy, President Donald Trump has proposed raising taxes on high-income earners to help finance broader tax cuts for middle- and working-class Americans.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a renewed drive to establish a unified capital market across the EU, aiming to unlock private investment for defence, digitalisation, and climate initiatives, with significant progress expected before summer.
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