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Newly-elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost arrives on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter's Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8. (Photo: Getty Images)
Robert Prevost elected Pope Leo XIV, first American to lead Catholic Church
May 08, 2025
WHITE SMOKE rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signalling that cardinals have elected a new leader for the Catholic Church. US Cardinal Robert Prevost was chosen in a surprise decision and has taken the name Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope.
Thousands gathered in St Peter's Square cheered as the smoke appeared and bells rang, confirming the Church has chosen its 267th pope. Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica around 70 minutes later, making his first public appearance.
French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti made the announcement with the Latin words "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope") before introducing Pope Leo to the public.
Aged 69 and originally from Chicago, Leo XIV spent most of his clerical life as a missionary in Peru. He was appointed cardinal only in 2023. He has made few public statements and rarely speaks to the media.
He succeeds Pope Francis, who died last month after serving 12 years as the first Latin American pope. Francis focused on reform and openness, encouraging debate on topics such as women’s ordination and inclusion of LGBT Catholics.
The new pope will be introduced in Latin, followed by his first address and papal blessing. He is expected to take on significant challenges, including global conflicts, fallout from the Church’s sexual abuse crisis, and Vatican financial issues.
Voting process and background
A total of 133 cardinal electors from five continents began voting on Wednesday afternoon in the largest conclave ever held. Their only means of communicating progress was through smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel — black for no decision, white for a successful election.
Two rounds of black smoke were seen before white smoke emerged around 6pm (1600 GMT) on Thursday.
Following tradition, the newly elected pope entered the Room of Tears to prepare, then returned to the Sistine Chapel for the cardinals’ pledge of obedience. He then stepped onto the balcony for the official announcement and delivered his first “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) blessing.
Debates over Church direction
Ahead of the conclave, cardinals were divided between those seeking continuity with Pope Francis’s reformist approach and others who wanted to return to traditional practices. Francis appointed 80 percent of the voting cardinals, but that did not guarantee a like-minded successor.
The conclave was the most international to date, with cardinals from 70 countries. Before voting began, Dean Giovanni Battista Re urged the electors to choose someone who could maintain unity and guide the Church through a complex historical moment.
The Church continues to face declining priest numbers and falling attendance in the West.
The papal inauguration typically occurs within a week of the election. It includes a mass attended by political and religious leaders from around the world. Pope Leo is expected to tour St Peter’s Square in the popemobile and deliver a homily outlining his plans.
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Starmer and Donald Trump have announced a new UK-US trade agreement cutting tariffs on key British exports.
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Starmer, Trump announce UK-US trade agreement
May 08, 2025
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and US president Donald Trump on Thursday announced a trade agreement that reduces tariffs on British exports, including cars and steel.
The deal, reached after several weeks of talks, lowers levies on UK car exports from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent and lifts tariffs on British steel and aluminium. The UK government said the move would save Jaguar Land Rover hundreds of millions of pounds a year, with the reduction applying to a quota of 100,000 cars — close to Britain’s total exports last year.
“This is a really fantastic, historic day,” Starmer said, appearing via video link with Trump during parallel press conferences in London and Washington. “It’s going to not only protect jobs, but create jobs, opening market access,” he said, adding a “tribute” to both negotiating teams.
Speaking at a Jaguar Land Rover factory in the Midlands, Starmer said, “That is a huge and important reduction.”
The agreement also includes reciprocal market access for beef, with UK farmers allowed a tariff-free quota of 13,000 metric tonnes. The UK government said British food standards remain unchanged and confirmed that chlorinated chicken will not be allowed into the country.
There will be no change to the UK’s digital services tax on US tech firms as part of the deal.
“This is just the start,” Starmer said. “We’re more ambitious for what the UK and the US can do together.” He said he learned of Trump’s approval for the deal during a phone call on Wednesday night while watching Arsenal’s Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Trump called the agreement a “breakthrough” and the first step in broader negotiations. “I’m thrilled to announce that we have reached a breakthrough trade deal with the United Kingdom,” he said. “The deal includes billions of dollars of increased market access for American exports, especially in agriculture.”
Trump denied exaggerating the scope of the agreement, calling it a “maxed-out deal” in response to a question.
The UK will continue to face a 10 per cent baseline tariff on most goods under the reciprocal tariff policy introduced by Trump in April, though there are exemptions for certain products such as pharmaceuticals.
Downing Street said negotiators would continue talks to lift remaining tariffs and seek exemptions from future levies. The UK government added that Britain would receive “preferential treatment” in any future US tariff decisions.
A UK government official described the agreement as a “general terms document” covering key sectors and providing a framework for further negotiations, rather than a full free trade agreement. The official said more talks would follow, especially on tariffs affecting the pharmaceutical sector.
The trade deal was announced days after Britain signed a free-trade agreement with India, its largest such deal since leaving the European Union.
Trump said Starmer had been a “tough negotiator” during his visit to the White House in February. Starmer’s visit included delivering an invitation from King Charles III for a second state visit for Trump.
While the UK has not yet responded with retaliatory tariffs, the European Union on Thursday proposed new duties on US planes and cars if its own negotiations with Washington fail.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Anushka Sharma appears to ignore Virat Kohli’s hand during Bengaluru outing amid social media row
May 08, 2025
Cricketer Virat Kohli and actor Anushka Sharma were recently seen together in Bengaluru, marking their first public appearance since a minor social media controversy involving Kohli and actor Avneet Kaur. The couple, who have maintained a largely private life, stepped out for a dinner outing on Tuesday, which quickly drew attention online.
A video shared on social media showed the pair exiting a car and heading into a restaurant. Kohli appeared to extend his hand to help Anushka out of the vehicle, but she chose to support herself using the car door instead. She then walked a few steps ahead of Kohli into the restaurant. This brief exchange, while seemingly ordinary, sparked varied reactions online, particularly as it came shortly after Kohli’s name was linked with a ‘liked’ post on Instagram.
The couple opted for a casual look during their outing. Kohli wore a plain t-shirt with trousers, while Anushka was seen in a beige jumpsuit. The video, which was also shared on platforms like Reddit, attracted comments about the brief moment between the two. One user commented, “Typical husband-wife dynamics,” while another noted, “What am I seeing... She didn’t hold Virat’s hand.” Another user jokingly said, “The algorithm mistakenly showed that Anushka didn’t hold Virat’s hand. There was absolutely no intent behind it.”
The timing of the video’s emergence is notable, coming shortly after a post from Avneet Kaur’s fan page was ‘liked’ by Kohli’s verified Instagram account. The interaction quickly became a trending topic, prompting a statement from Kohli on Instagram Stories.
In his clarification, Kohli wrote: “I’d like to clarify that while clearing my feed, it appears the algorithm may have mistakenly registered an interaction. There was absolutely no intent behind it. I request that no unnecessary assumptions be made. Thank you for your understanding.”
Despite Kohli later removing the ‘like’, it drew widespread speculation, with some interpreting it as a deliberate move. The situation briefly boosted Avneet Kaur’s social media presence, reportedly resulting in increased followers and brand visibility.
Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli have been married since December 2017. The couple first met in 2013 during a commercial shoot and began dating soon after. They tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Italy after four years of dating. Their first child, daughter Vamika, was born in January 2021. On 15 February 2024, the couple welcomed their second child, a son named Akaay.
Known for their preference to keep family life out of the spotlight, Anushka and Virat’s recent appearance quickly drew public attention, especially in the wake of social media speculation. While fans continue to comment on their every move, the couple has not addressed the restaurant video directly.
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Black smoke is seen from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel as Catholic cardinals gather for a second day to elect a new pope on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City. (Photo: Getty Images)
Cardinals to vote again after second black smoke signals no pope yet
May 08, 2025
CARDINALS will cast more votes on Thursday afternoon to choose the next pope, after a second round of black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signalling that no candidate has yet secured the required majority.
The 133 cardinals began the conclave on Wednesday afternoon in the 15th-century chapel to elect a successor to Pope Francis. So far, two rounds of voting have ended without agreement. Black smoke appeared again at lunchtime on Thursday, showing no one had received the two-thirds majority needed.
The process, conducted in secrecy, includes two rounds of voting on Thursday afternoon. The cardinals are staying at the Santa Marta guesthouse and return to the chapel for each round.
Ballots are burned in a stove inside the chapel. If no decision is made, chemicals added to the smoke turn it black. White smoke will appear when a new pope is chosen.
Crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square to watch the chimney. Some expressed disappointment but said they were prepared to wait.
Emmanuel Quiros Chavarria, a 34-year-old Costa Rican priest studying in Rome, told AFP: “The most important thing is that the elected pope is a man of unity and balance.”
On Wednesday, the first smoke appeared around three hours after the cardinals entered the chapel and began voting. If Thursday’s votes also end without a result, voting will continue on Friday.
In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI was chosen after four ballots over two days. Pope Francis was elected in 2013 after five ballots in the same period.
“I don't want it rushed — whatever they need to do to make the right decision,” said Barbara Mason, 50, who travelled from Canada to attend the conclave.
There is no clear frontrunner. Some cardinals may back a candidate in the image of Francis, while others may prefer someone focused more on doctrine. Pope Francis, who supported the poor, migrants and the marginalised, died on 21 April at the age of 88.
"I'd like someone moderately conservative," said a 24-year-old French pilgrim named Augustin. "The church needs unity and strong values." He said he had walked to the Vatican from a Tuscan monastery.
Colter Sikora, a 37-year-old tourist from the US, said he hoped the new pope would continue Francis’s legacy. “You want somebody who's holy, but has, like Francis, a little bit of charisma, somebody that you look up to and want to follow as a leader,” he said.
Inside the chapel, cardinals aged under 80 are eligible to vote. They sit under Michelangelo’s frescoes and mark their vote on a paper, which they place in a silver urn.
After the votes are counted, the papers are burned in a cast iron stove from 1939. A second stove with chemicals produces either black or white smoke through the same flue.
Only the procession into the chapel was broadcast. Once the doors were closed, the live feed stopped. The cardinals left their phones behind and took an oath not to share any details of the voting. Breaking that oath would result in excommunication.
This year’s conclave is the largest and most international in Church history, with cardinals from around 70 countries. About 80 percent of them were appointed by Pope Francis.
The cardinals represent a wide range of views, from conservative to progressive. The next pope will have to navigate divisions within the Church, geopolitical issues, the clerical abuse scandal, and falling attendance in Western countries.
Names being discussed include Italians such as Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Hungary’s Peter Erdo, the Philippines' Luis Antonio Tagle, and Sri Lanka’s Malcolm Ranjith.
“The church has many divisions between liberals and conservatives, which are divisions that should not be, because I believe that the Church is universal,” said Juan Benitez, a 37-year-old Colombian.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Grace and glory of qawwali brothers Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan
May 08, 2025
A YEAR after Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan passed away in 1997, his sensational young nephews Rizwan and Muazzam Ali Khan delivered a star-making performance at the Womad music festival.
Collectively known as Rizwan–Muazzam Qawwals, they have since, kept their legendary uncle’s remarkable legacy alive through songs, albums and world-class live performances around the globe. This includes regular UK tours, where they have captivated audiences with their exceptional stage presence.
Rizwan Ali KhanEvan Dawson
The dynamic duo returns this month with concerts in Bradford (14), London (18), Birmingham (23) and Bristol (25). The shows will feature a blend of Sufi classics and tracks from their new album At the Feet of the Beloved, along with the UK premiere of music from Chain of Light – the lost Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan album discovered 34 years after it was recorded and released in 2024.
Hailing from a family line of qawwali musicians that spans over five centuries, the brothers are ready to deliver more majestic, hypnotic and deeply joyful performances. Eastern Eye caught up with them to find out more.
'At the Feet of the Beloved' their new albumReal World Records
How do you reflect on this musical journey you have both been on?
Rizwan: This journey has been amazing, but also tough and challenging. We had to carry forward our family’s legacy from a very young age. After our legendary uncle Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s death, it was difficult to maintain that level of performance, but we did our best to follow in his footsteps.
What has kept your partnership strong over so many years?
Muazzam: First, we are brothers. We have shared the same vision since childhood – to uphold our family’s reputation, which spans centuries. We have always worked hard, together, to honour that.
What has been the most memorable moment in your journey so far?
Muazzam: The time we spent with our great uncle Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
And during your professional career?
Rizwan: Our debut tour in 1998 – performing at the Womad festival in the UK – stands out. The audience from around the world gave us a wonderful response, even though they did not understand the language. That was the beginning of something very special. You have performed countless concerts around the world.
What does live performance mean to you both?
Rizwan: Live performance means a lot – it connects us with the audience and gives us a chance to entertain them while bringing something fresh each time.
How do you generate so much power on stage?
Muazzam: It is part of our family tradition. This energy has been passed down through generations – it is in our heritage.
What can audiences expect from your 2025 UK tour?
Muazzam: We will perform beloved classics as well as qawwalis from our new album. We will also present qawwalis from our uncle’s recently released album Chain of Light.
How do you feel about performing for UK audiences?
Rizwan: We love performing in UK cities – the audience response is always fantastic, and it feels like our second home.
Muazzam: UK audiences are diverse and very knowledgeable about qawwali music, which makes it even more special.
Tell us about your new album At the Feet of the Beloved.
Rizwan: This album is different from our previous recordings – it features spiritual and contemporary lyrics. We are pleased with the release for two reasons: first, it includes four tracks with distinct flavours; second, it comes after a long gap in pure qawwali albums and coincides with the release of our uncle’s Chain of Light.
How have you handled the pressure of carrying your uncle’s legacy?
Rizwan: As I said, it has been challenging, but we try our best to keep our family’s qawwali tradition alive. No one can be like our great uncle.
Muazzam: We love performing his songs – they are a source of constant learning.
How does it feel to be on stage in front of a live audience?
Rizwan: It has always felt amazing to perform in front of a live audience because of the response they give. Muazzam: I agree – their energy inspires us and pushes us to work even harder.
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions as a group?
Rizwan: We wish we had more time with our late uncle. But we remain inspired by him and his extraordinary legacy.
What are your future plans?
Muazzam: We plan to collaborate more with leading international artists.
Finally, why should audiences come to your UK shows?
Muazzam: Come for world-class qawwali entertainment, no one performs it quite like the family of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. There will be new songs from our album, and we look forward to seeing you all there.
Catch Rizwan-Muazzam Qawwal at Alhambra Theatre, Bradford (14), Royal Festival Hall, London (18), Birmingham Town Hall (23) and Bristol Beacon (25).
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