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.
Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan have concluded a two-day visit to Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur, touring key cultu...
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the war against Iran was nearing its end, saying Tehran wanted to reach a deal as the c...
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port ci...
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
Saudi Arabia said its air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca before it could enter prohibited airspace over the holy city, as attacks by the Iran-aligned group deepen regional tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was carrying out tests on a new weapon to intercept drones and had recorded a successful hit overnight.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is outlining the EU's priorities in her annual State of the Union address, covering security, support for Ukraine, trade with China, migration, climate and artificial intelligence.
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port city of Odesa in the early hours of Thursday, officials said on the Telegram messaging app.
A top Democrat on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee said on Wednesday he would not approve the Trump administration’s proposed $2.8 billion sale of thousands of heavy bombs to Israel, citing concerns over civilian protection and international law.
Poland has urged the European Union to accelerate action against Meta after a new report estimated the technology giant could have earned around $199 million (760 million zlotys) from fraudulent advertisements in the country over a year.
Israel and Morocco have agreed to upgrade their diplomatic relations, turn their existing missions into full embassies and appoint ambassadors, marking a further expansion of ties restored under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords.
China has officially opened the Pinglu Canal, a $10.75 billion waterway giving the country's landlocked southwest a shorter, direct route to the sea and Southeast Asian markets.
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