Pope Voids Meeting with Russian Orth.Patriarch; Had Been Planned to Help End War in Ukraine

 Pope Francis has canceled a summit with the leader of Russia's Orthodox Church amid diplomatic wrangling over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Worthy News website reports today (April 30, 2022). 

The meeting between the pope and Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill was due to occur in Jerusalem, Israel, on June 12 during the pope's trip to nearby Lebanon.

"I regret that the Vatican has had to cancel a second meeting with Patriarch Kirill," Pope Francis said in an interview published in the Argentine newspaper La Nacion (The Nation).

Court Ends Attempt to End TX "Heartbeat Act;" Heartbeat Law Blocks 100 Abortions Every Day

 The Texas Supreme Court has made a ruling that dismisses all attempts by pro-abortion advocates and providers to overturn Texas' "Heartbeat Act." the New American website reports today (April 29, 2022)-

It also requires a lower court to consider whether those bringing challenges even have legal standing to do so.

In short, Texas' "heartbeat law" stands and will save an estimated 100 babies from being murdered by abortion every day. 

Israel Marks Holocaust Memorial Day with Halt; Tens of Thousands of Candles Lit around Globe

Tens of  thousands of yellow candles were lit around the globe  as Jews commemorated Yom Hashoah, the annual Jewish day of remembrance for the Holocaust, the Jewish News website reports today (April 28, 2022).

In a project organized by Macabi GB, over 32,000 individual flames were lit worldwide to remember the lives cut short. 

In Israel, the country stood still for a moment as a single-torn siren sounded across the country. 

Dr. Fauci: US No Longer in COVID Pandemic; COVID Is Now at a Lower Level Than Before

 The U.S. is no longer in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the coronavirus' continuing global threat, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Biden, the NPR website reports today (April 27, 2022). 

However, Fauci also warned that people should still be mindful of the disease. 

"We are certainly right now in this country out of the pandemic phase," Fauci said today. "We are at a low level right now."

Biden Observes Anniv. of Armenian Genocide; Turkey Denies There Was an Armenian Genocide

 President Joe Biden on April 24 commemorated the 107th anniversary of the start of the "Armenian genocide," issuing a statement in memory of the 1.5 million Armenians "who were deported, massacred, or marched to their deaths in a campaign of extermination," the Newsy website reports today (April 26. 2022).

The statement did not reference the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which President Biden has called a genocide. Yet President Biden used the anniversary to lay down a set of principles for foreign policy as the U.S. and its allies arm Ukrainians and impose sanctions on Russia. 

"We renew our pledge to remain vigilant against the corrosive influence of hate in all its forms," the president said. "We recommit ourselves to speaking out and stopping atrocities that leave lasting scars on the world." Turkey has denied its genocide of Armenians.

Russia Warns US Not to Send Arms to Ukraine; US Sends Ukraine Drones, Howitzers, Missiles

 Russia told the U.S. today to stop sending more arms to Ukraine, warning that Western deliveries of weapons were inflaming the conflict, and would lead to more losses. the Reuters website reports today (April 25, 2022).

Russia's Feb, 24 invasion of Ukraine has killed thousands of people, displaced millions more, and raised fears of a wider confrontation between Russia and the U,S,

The U.S. has ruled out sending its own forces to Ukraine, but Washington has supplied weapons to Kyiv, such as drones, howitzers, and anti-aircraft missiles.

Pope Calls for Orthodox Easter Truce in Ukraine; Says Russian Attacks on Ukraine Must Stop Now

 Pope Francis called for a halt to attacks in Ukraine today (April 24, 2022), so aid can reach the exhausted population and urged leaders to "listen to the voice of the people," who fear an escalation, the Newsmax website reports.

Speaking to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter's Square, he noted that the day most Eastern Christians, including most in Ukraine and Russia, celebrate Easter (today) coincided with the two-month mark of the war.

"I renew an appeal for an Easter truce, the minimum and tangible sign of a willingness for peace. Stop the attacks in order to help the exhausted population. Stop," Francis said.