At times during weeks of thorny negotiations, the efforts of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government seemed destined to fail.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for “immediate de-escalation” as he spoke with leaders from both countries.

Here’s what to know about Pope Francis’ successor, Robert Francis Prevost, who was chosen on Thursday. He is the first American pope and will be known as Leo XIV.

The two leaders, meeting in Moscow, rejected what they described as Washington’s attempt to contain them. They also hailed their friendship.

A monthslong Israeli military operation in the northern West Bank has displaced tens of thousands of people. Some are now learning they may not return.

Voting in the morning was inconclusive. The conclave will reconvene in the afternoon, with two more votes expected on Thursday, unless a pontiff is chosen in the first round after lunch.

A deal would be a positive sign for both governments, which have eyed an agreement since President Trump’s first term.

The two leaders, meeting in Moscow, hailed their alliance a day ahead of events to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The annual Moscow parade marking victory over Nazi Germany is expected to be the largest in years, with world leaders in attendance, as the Kremlin tries to link that triumph to the war in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spent months nurturing his relationship with President Trump. Is that about to pay off?