Rome has become the center of global attention once again as world leaders and royals from 170 national delegations gather on Saturday to pay their final respects at the funeral of Pope Francis. While the day is officially one of mourning, many observers believe the event could also serve as a catalyst for informal political discussions among attending dignitaries.

Experts suggest that funerals of major global figures often evolve into opportunities for behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Pasquale Ferrara, Director General for Political Affairs and International Security at Italy’s Foreign Ministry, noted that “funeral diplomacy” is not new. “It happened at the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, where Australia and Japan initiated talks on a joint security statement for the Asia-Pacific,” Ferrara said.

Similar patterns were seen at the funerals of Queen Elizabeth II and former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, where leaders from rival nations engaged in unprecedented exchanges. Raisi’s funeral, following his death in a helicopter crash in May 2024, notably prompted the first visits to Tehran by a Tunisian president and an Egyptian foreign minister since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Saturday’s gathering in Rome presents similar opportunities, even as it poses significant diplomatic and logistical challenges. Ferrara pointed out that coordinating between the Vatican, the Italian state, and the numerous visiting delegations — many of whom are in Rome for just a few hours — requires delicate handling and flexibility.

The ceremony is expected to foster more informal encounters rather than formal negotiations. According to Ferrara, spontaneous conversations during moments of mourning can often build personal trust between leaders, laying the groundwork for future diplomacy.

During his decade-long papacy, Pope Francis carved out a unique role for the Vatican in addressing global issues such as climate change, conflict resolution, and social justice. His outreach to leaders across the political and religious spectrum leaves a wide legacy — and today, many of those he touched have gathered to honor him.

For the attending world leaders, Saturday’s funeral is not only a solemn farewell but also a rare opportunity for dialogue, potentially sowing seeds for future cooperation in a world often divided by politics and ideology.

A powerful explosion tore through the Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran’s Bandar Abbas on Saturday, killing at least four people and injuring more than 500, according to Iranian state media. The cause of the blast remains under investigation.

The explosion caused extensive damage to port offices and nearby infrastructure, with shockwaves felt in neighboring cities. Reports from domestic outlets said the blast shattered windows of buildings located several kilometers from the epicenter, highlighting the intensity of the explosion.

According to the director general of crisis management in Hormozgan province, where the port is located, authorities have yet to determine the cause. Firefighting teams were deployed immediately and are still battling the fires ignited by the blast at the quay.

State television reported that at least 516 people were injured, with many receiving treatment at local hospitals. Footage aired on Iranian media showed chaotic scenes as ambulances rushed to emergency rooms, where victims crowded waiting areas. Some images on social media captured massive plumes of thick black smoke rising over the port, and buildings with windows blown out far from the blast site.

The Shahid Rajaee port is Iran’s most advanced container terminal, handling around 72.5 million metric tonnes of goods annually. It is a vital artery for the Islamic Republic’s trade, especially given the country’s economic isolation.

Authorities are continuing emergency operations at the port while investigating what triggered the devastating explosion. The incident comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, raising concerns about the security of key infrastructure.

As of Saturday evening, officials had not indicated whether the explosion was accidental or the result of foul play. The government has urged the public to stay away from the area while cleanup and rescue efforts continue.

A U.S. federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to reverse its move to suspend operations at Voice of America (VOA) and reinstate hundreds of journalists and contractors who were recently sidelined in a controversial government shake-up.

The ruling, issued Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, blocks efforts by the White House to dismantle VOA and other U.S.-funded media outlets, including Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. The decision follows a March executive order by President Donald Trump calling for the “elimination to the maximum extent” of several federal entities, including the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees these organizations.

In his order, Judge Lamberth declared that the government acted unlawfully in sidelining nearly all 1,300 VOA staff and notifying some 500 contractors that their roles would be terminated by the end of March. The judge ruled that the administration likely violated several federal laws, including the International Broadcasting Act and Congressional Appropriations Acts, which govern how public broadcasters operate.

“The defendants acted without regard to the harm inflicted on employees, contractors, journalists, and media consumers around the world,” Lamberth wrote. “It is hard to fathom a more straightforward display of arbitrary and capricious actions.”

The judge instructed the government to “take all necessary steps” to restore affected staff and resume full radio, television, and digital operations for VOA and its sister networks.

The Trump administration had previously accused VOA — originally established during World War II to counter Nazi propaganda — of harboring an “anti-Trump” bias and promoting “radical” views. The White House has not yet responded to the ruling, nor has USAGM.

The decision was welcomed by press freedom advocates and VOA journalists.

“This is a significant step forward for press freedom,” said VOA White House correspondent Patsy Widakuswara, who was among the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. “But it’s just a small step — we expect the government to appeal.”

Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association, praised the court’s defense of editorial independence, calling VOA and its affiliates “trusted sources of truth in places where it is often scarce.”

“By upholding editorial independence, the court has protected the credibility of USAGM journalists and the global mission they serve,” he said.

The ruling ensures the continued operation of U.S. international broadcasters, which provide news to audiences in regions where press freedom is often under threat.