An unusual public back-and-forth suggested that both sides in the war were eager to at least appear interested in negotiations.

Pope Francis’ funeral will be a more modest event, after the pontiff broke with longstanding Vatican tradition to simplify the ritual. It will likely take weeks to choose a new pontiff.

As democratic values and alliances were being turned upside down, the pope was a consistent moral guidepost. Who can play that role now?

Europe’s weapons makers are prospering as the continent reconsiders its post-Cold War stance of favoring domestic investment over military spending.

In rural England, increasingly sophisticated farming equipment has become a target for thieves, adding to pressure on farming communities.

The far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said the more crucial goal was ensuring that Hamas no longer ruled the Gaza Strip.

His groundbreaking pontificate worked to make the Catholic Church more inclusive. Cardinals will now decide whether to continue his approach or restore more doctrinaire leadership.

After decades of conservative leadership, Francis tried to reset the course of the Roman Catholic Church, emphasizing inclusion and care for the marginalized over doctrinal purity.

Curbing trade with China to curry favor with the United States would be “selfish and shortsighted,” the government said, promising to retaliate.

During a visit to Palmyra, reporters found traces of the many forces that had fought over the city and ancient monuments reduced to rubble.