International
Social networks, protagonists in the farewell to Pope Francis for ‘selfies’ in front of his coffin
Social networks continue to be protagonists in the massive farewell to Pope Francis, who died last Monday at the age of 88, in the midst of a growing controversy over the ‘selfies’ that some visitors have published in front of his coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica.
More than a hundred thousand people have paraded these days through the Vatican temple to say goodbye to the Argentine pontiff, including many tourists and curious people who have “snealed” for photographs for the last time the most “viral” pope in history.
In recent hours, images have been released of people who, after hours of waiting, take advantage of the few seconds that the authorities let stop in front of the coffin to take a selfie next to Francisco’s body inside the coffin and then publish them on social networks.
This has unleashed criticism from many faithful, who denounce the lack of respect and solemnity in a context of mourning.
“The moment lived with so many people loses a lot of intimacy; the queues, the speed, blur that experience,” Pedro lamented to EFE, who traveled a whole night by car from the Spanish town of Murcia to say goodbye to the pope.
“Many come more to take pictures than to pray for the pope,” he added bitterly.
Francis’ closeness to young people and his active digital presence, especially through the official account @Pontifex in X (formerly Twitter), marked the style of a pope who knew how to adapt to contemporary languages and build bridges with the new generations.
Although the account was inaugurated by Benedict XVI in December 2012, it was Francisco who turned that channel into a common communication tool with millions of faithful.
Four days after his death and on the eve of the massive funeral expected for Saturday, social networks continue to mourn his death with an avalanche of tributes, messages of affection and content that consolidates the Argentine pontiff as the most “viral” and photographed in history.
Now, those same young people pay tribute to him from platforms such as TikTok and Instagram with emotional posts that compile his most remembered speeches and the iconic moments of his pontificate.
And even videos generated with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in which he is seen coming to heaven, received by his predecessors John Paul II and Benedict XVI, or even by Jesus, with whom he appears taking a picture “between the clouds.”
In the first 24 hours after the announcement of his death, more than 9.7 million content related to the pope and about 200 million interactions on social networks around the world were generated, according to an analysis by the SocialCom platform for Adnkronos.
A figure that surpassed other events of great global impact, such as the assassination attempt of US President Donald Trump in 2024.
Much loved by the new generations, Francisco managed to connect with her thanks to his direct tone, his simple language and his positive look towards the use of social networks, which he did not condemn or ignore during his pontificate.
International
Trump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubiocould potentially form a Republican presidential ticket for the 2028 elections.
Speaking during a dinner with law enforcement officials as part of National Police Week, Trump publicly praised both officials and said they could make “an ideal team” for the next presidential race.
“Who likes JD Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio?” Trump asked attendees before adding that the pair “sound like a good combination.”
The president highlighted his vice president’s performance in office, stating that their current partnership has been highly effective. “JD is perfect, that has been a perfect formula,” Trump told reporters later.
He further suggested that a Vance-Rubio pairing could represent a strong presidential and vice-presidential ticket, although he stopped short of offering any formal endorsement.
“I think it sounds like a presidential candidate and a vice-presidential candidate,” he said, while clarifying that his remarks should not be interpreted as an official backing of any future campaign.
So far, neither Vance nor Rubio has publicly confirmed any intention to run in the 2028 presidential election.
Rubio previously sought the Republican nomination in 2016 but withdrew after losing the primary race to Trump. Later, in a December 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, he said he would be among the first to support Vance if he decided to run for the White House.
Vance, meanwhile, has recently dismissed speculation of any political rivalry with Rubio amid growing discussion about potential future GOP leadership.
International
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Victory Day Truce
Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday of violating a Victory Day truce that was reportedly agreed with mediation from the United States, claiming that Ukrainian forces carried out attacks on Russian territory as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Despite the declared ceasefire, the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that Ukrainian forces attacked Russian military positions using attack drones and artillery.
According to the ministry, Ukrainian forces made twelve attempts to advance toward Russian-held positions across several sectors of the front line.
It also alleged that Ukrainian strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in Crimea, several border regions, the Caucasus, and other areas including Moscow and Perm in the Ural region.
The Defense Ministry estimated around 8,900 violations of the ceasefire in total, including more than 7,000 drone attacks and over 1,000 strikes involving tanks, artillery, multiple rocket launch systems, and mortars since the truce came into effect at midnight.
Russia said its forces responded “symmetrically” to what it described as violations by Ukrainian troops.
Earlier, the Kremlin denied claims that Ukraine attempted to sabotage a military parade in Red Square marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
“No attempts were made. Everything went well,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told local media.
International
Trump Says U.S.-Iran Talks Progressing, Signals Possible Deal on Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Washington is holding “very good” talks with Iran and stated that there is a strong possibility of reaching an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“We’ve had very good conversations over the last 44 hours, and it’s very possible that we’ll reach an agreement,” Trump said during an event held in the Oval Office at the White House.
The president’s remarks came just hours after he announced a temporary suspension of the military operation aimed at escorting vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf due to Iran’s blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump explained that the pause in operations is intended to facilitate diplomatic negotiations between both sides and prevent further military escalation in the region.
“We’re in good shape, and right now things are going well. Now we have to achieve what we need to achieve. If we don’t, we’ll have to go much further,” the Republican president warned.
In a post published on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump reiterated that if Iran accepts Washington’s proposed conditions, military operations and the naval blockade affecting the Islamic republic would come to an end.
However, he also issued a new warning to the Iranian government, stating that the United States would respond with attacks “of greater intensity” if Tehran rejects the agreement promoted by the White House.
Panama confirms drug contamination of El Salvador coffee shipment occurred on its territory
Trump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Victory Day Truce
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
