Global News Podcast

President Putin marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day by defending his invasion of Ukraine. Also: Ukraine arrests two people allegedly working as spies for Hungary and Pope Leo gives his first homily.

Pope Leo XIV addresses Vatican crowd as new leader of the Catholic Church. King Charles marks 80 years since Nazi defeat in Europe. Bill Gates pledges to give away his billions. Plus: David Attenborough turns 99.

The new pope is Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV - the first American to be elected leader of the Catholic Church. Hear from our correspondent in Rome, as well as reaction from around the world.Image: Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful as he appears from the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Square on 8 May, 2025 in Vatican City (Credit: Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images)

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the three-day truce declared by President Putin. India and Pakistan have targeted each other in drone attacks. Also: the spacecraft due to crash back to Earth.

Black smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, as 133 cardinals fail to elect a new pope after the first ballot. Also: the White House responds to Joe Biden's BBC interview, calling him a disgrace.

Why are tensions escalating between India and Pakistan? Our team of BBC experts explain, after India launches missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Five Indian jets were downed, Pakistan says.

Pakistan says India's missile attack has ignited an "inferno in the region". India claims it targeted terrorist infrastructure. Also: Joe Biden speaks to the BBC, and cardinals gather to elect the next Pope.

India says it has targeted nine sites in Pakistan in response to a deadly attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir two weeks ago. Also: Canada's new PM tells Donald Trump his country will never be for sale.

Is Friedrich Merz the new German chancellor after he unexpectedly lost an initial vote in parliament? Also: Russian fears for victory parade after Ukrainian attack, and what kind of Pope do Catholics want?

There's been criticism in Israel and internationally of its plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. Also: Zhao Xintong has become the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship.

How is a new Pope chosen? How long could the conclave last? In a special edition of the Global News Podcast, the BBC’s Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool answers listener questions on the conclave at the Vatican

Israel's military has confirmed that tens of thousands of call-up orders are being sent to reservists - in preparation for an expansion of operations in Gaza. Also: Welsh cyclist completes 'dream' ride across the world.

Supporters of Australia's governing Labor party led by Anthony Albanese have been celebrating a resounding victory in the general election. Also: Trump criticised after posting AI image of himself as Pope.

A group of lions rescued from Ukraine are roaring again. Their new homes were built with money donated globally. Also: the paralysed man who's completed a marathon; a teenage cricket star; and a 103-year-old influencer.

In an interview, Prince Harry says he can't see a world where his family will visit the UK after he lost his security legal challenge. Also: a man's blood could unlock universal antivenom after being bitten many times.

President Trump ousts Waltz and nominates him for UN post. Waltz had added a journalist to a group chat on military plans. Also: President Zelensky hails minerals deal as "truly equal partnership."

Kyiv and Washington agree an economic partnership giving US access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals. Also: US economy shrinks for the first time since 2022, and hope for the Mexican amphibian on the brink of extinction.

India holds security talks and Pakistan warns of imminent military strikes from India, following the deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Also: Vietnam's reunification day, and a new eye test.

Donald Trump is celebrating 100 days in office - a key landmark. But the newly-elected Canadian government is reacting sharply against him. And Australian voters have taken against Mr Trump too.

Officials investigate mass power blackouts in Portugal and Spain, but cyberattack ruled out. Also: Mark Carney's Liberal Party wins the Canadian election, and the mysterious hum annoying Scottish islanders.