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Pope Leo XIV touched down in Algiers on Monday morning, becoming the first pontiff ever to set foot in Algeria, a nation of roughly 48 million people where Catholics number fewer than 10,000. The United‑States‑born pontiff, now 70, arrived at about 09:00 GMT aboard his papal aircraft, according to an AFP journalist on the scene. The historic landing opens a 11‑day, four‑country African itinerary that will see Leo travel to Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea after two days in Algeria. Over the course of the tour he will cover nearly 18,000 km on 18 flights, addressing audiences in Italian, English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. During his stay in Algeria, the pope will pay homage to the victims of the 1954‑1962 war of independence from France and will visit both the Great Mosque of Algiers – home to the world’s tallest minaret – and the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa overlooking the Bay of Algiers. He will also pray privately at a chapel dedicated to the 19 clergy murdered during Algeria’s 1992‑2002 civil war, though he will not visit the Tibhirine monastery, site of the 1996 monk kidnapping. The Vatican has scheduled 25 speeches for the 11‑day journey, covering topics such as natural‑resource exploitation, Catholic‑Muslim dialogue, and the dangers of political corruption. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni highlighted that the four nations face a “diverse set of challenges,” from authoritarian rule to human‑rights concerns. One of the tour’s marquee events is expected in Cameroon’s coastal city of Douala, where the Vatican anticipates a crowd of roughly 600,000 for a mass on Friday. Both Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea have long‑standing presidents who have faced accusations of rights abuses, underscoring the diplomatic nuance of Leo’s visit. According to recent Vatican statistics, Africa supplied more than half of the 15.8 million new Catholics baptized worldwide in 2023 – that’s 8.3 million new African Catholics. The continent also increasingly exports clergy, with Angola and Cameroon consistently ranking among the top producers of seminarians. Archbishop Jean‑Paul Vesco, head of the Algiers archdiocese, framed the trip as an effort to “build bridges between the Christian and Muslim worlds.” The pope’s broader African outreach follows a limited overseas record since his May 2025 election, which includes trips to Turkey, Lebanon and Monaco. By embarking on this unprecedented journey, Pope Leo XIV seeks to reinforce the Vatican’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, highlight Africa’s growing influence within the global Catholic Church, and encourage political leaders across the continent to address corruption and promote peace.

The National Gallery of Art's latest exhibition, 'Dear America: Artists Explore the American Experience', is a thought-provoking collection of over 100 works by 95 artists. This 'open letter to the nation' offers a multifaceted exploration of the American experience, delving into themes of land, community, and freedom.Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are immediately struck by the unconventional representations of iconic American symbols. The Statue of Liberty, for instance, is reimagined through the lens of South African photographer Zanele Muholi and a geometric screenprint by Roy Lichtenstein.The exhibition's curatorial approach is to create 'provocative conversations across centuries, disciplines and demographics.' E Carmen Ramos, the gallery's chief curatorial and conservation officer, notes that the show was 'years in the making' and showcases an 'embarrassment of riches' from the gallery's permanent collection of over 160,000 works.Structured around three core themes – land, community, and freedom – the exhibition presents a diverse array of works. These include Thomas Moran's idyllic watercolours of the American West juxtaposed with Thomas Hart Johnson's photographs of a landscape ravaged by coal mining and railroads. The exhibition also features poignant pieces such as Carrie Mae Weems's haunting silhouette and Gordon Parks's indelible 'American Gothic.'The show's second section, 'Community,' features Richard Avedon's massive 1976 commission 'The Family,' which comprises 69 stark, uniform portraits of the bicentennial era's political, media, and corporate elite. This is contrasted with John Wilson's tender sketches of his teenage children and their friends.The final act of the exhibition turns its lens to 'Freedom,' showcasing historical portraits of figures such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and George Washington, alongside powerful works by Kara Walker, Martha Rosler, and Faith Ringgold. As visitors exit, they are met with Robert Indiana's boldly coloured screenprint 'Liberty '76,' created for the 1976 bicentennial.Ramos reflects on the exhibition's significance, stating that it 'explores how artists in the United States have explored the American experience across different moments in time.' The exhibition will be on view in the National Gallery's West Building until 20 September.

More than 1,000 film and television professionals have signed an open letter opposing Paramount’s pending acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, a deal valued at $111 billion. The signatories include high‑profile names such as Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, Yorgos Lanthimos, Kristen Stewart, Jane Fonda, and Emma Thompson.The letter, published on BlocktheMerger.com, warns that the merger would undermine the integrity, independence and diversity of the U.S. media sector, consolidating the number of major studios to just four and jeopardising a "vibrant future" for what it calls America’s "single most significant export" – its cultural content.Signatories argue that media consolidation already weakens competition, leading to fewer mid‑budget films, reduced independent distribution, higher production costs and fewer jobs across the ecosystem. They stress that competition is essential for both a healthy economy and a healthy democracy.Among the notable supporters are directors Denis Villeneuve, Boots Riley, Mimi Leder and Nicole Holofcener, as well as TV veterans David Chase, Noah Wyle, Ramy Youssef, Rob Delaney, Jason Bateman and Ted Danson. The letter also praises California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other state officials for scrutinising the deal.Paramount CEO David Ellison, who outbid Netflix for Warner Bros, claims the merger will boost creative output, pledging to release 30 theatrical titles annually and invest in both studios. Critics, however, remain skeptical, pointing to the Ellisons’ political ties and the risk of fewer politically‑engaged films.Recent accolades underscore the stakes: Warner Bros productions captured a record 11 Oscars in March, while Paramount films earned no nominations. The industry fears that the combined entity could further diminish quality and lead to significant job losses.Paramount has responded with a statement emphasizing that the transaction will “create a company that can greenlight more projects, back bold ideas, support talent across multiple stages of their careers, and bring stories to audiences at a truly global scale—while strengthening competition.” The letter’s authors remain unconvinced, urging regulators to block the merger to preserve competition, protect jobs, and safeguard the cultural export that defines American cinema.

Sam Neill, the veteran actor celebrated for his memorable performances on screen, is set to answer readers' questions in an upcoming interview with The Guardian. Neill's iconic roles include his portrayal in Jurassic Park, where he famously removes his sunglasses and gazes at a towering Brachiosaurus, a scene that has become etched in cinematic history.Born in Northern Ireland and raised in New Zealand, Neill's diverse filmography showcases his versatility as an actor. He has appeared in a range of films, from period dramas like My Brilliant Career to thrillers such as Dead Calm, which is set to be released in 4K later this year. His recent projects include Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, alongside Kaitlyn Dever and Matthew Modine.Neill's career has been marked by his ability to take on idiosyncratic, director-led projects, often playing characters with a unique blend of gruffness and warmth. His performances in Sweet Country and Rams have been particularly noted for their depth and nuance.In addition to his film work, Neill has also made headlines for his memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, in which he openly discusses his experience with stage-three blood cancer and his journey towards remission. When asked about his mortality, Neill expressed a pragmatic view, stating, “I’m not afraid to die, but it would annoy me”.Readers are invited to post their questions for Sam Neill by 6pm BST, Thursday 16 April, and The Guardian will publish his answers in their reader interview series. This provides a unique opportunity for fans to engage with one of cinema's most beloved actors and gain insight into his life and career.

German club Union Berlin broke new ground on Sunday by appointing Marie‑Louise Eta as interim manager, the first female to head a Bundesliga side and the inaugural woman to coach a top‑flight men’s team in a major European league. Eta, 34 years old, previously made history as the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach. She will steer the team for the remainder of the campaign after the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, whose tenure ended following a 3‑1 loss to bottom‑placed Heidenheim that underscored a stagnant second half of the season. In a statement, Eta expressed her enthusiasm: “I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task.” Sporting director Horst Heldt welcomed the decision, noting that Eta will transition to lead Union’s women’s Bundesliga squad in the summer as originally planned. Union’s recent form has been troubling: the side has secured only two victories since Christmas and currently sits seven points above the relegation playoff zone. Heldt described the situation as “absolutely disappointing” and emphasized the urgent need for points to avoid a drop. Eta brings a distinguished playing résumé, having won the 2010 UEFA Women’s Champions League and three Bundesliga titles with Turbine Potsdam. Her coaching résumé includes stepping in for head coach Nenad Bjelica during a three‑game suspension in 2024, showcasing her readiness for senior responsibilities. While women have managed men’s teams in Germany’s lower tiers—such as Sabrina Wittmann at Ingolstadt FC—Eta’s appointment marks the first instance at the top level. France’s former second‑division side Clermont also benefited from a female coach, Corinne Diacre, between 2014 and 2017. The historic move not only reflects Union Berlin’s immediate need for a turnaround but also signals a broader shift toward gender diversity in elite football management.

The report outlines the abrupt end of the United States‑Iran dialogue held in Pakistan, noting that the parties left without a formal accord. Analysts attribute the breakdown to deep‑seated mistrust, divergent strategic objectives, and pressure from regional actors, all of which complicated the negotiation process.While the talks were intended to address longstanding issues such as nuclear safeguards and regional security, the lack of a mutually acceptable framework proved insurmountable. Observers point to the broader geopolitical context—particularly the United States' shifting policy in the Middle East and Iran's internal political calculations—as pivotal in shaping the outcome.In the aftermath, diplomatic channels remain open, but the failure underscores the challenges of reconciling competing interests in a volatile region. The article suggests that any future engagement will need to confront these core disagreements head‑on to avoid a repeat of the current stalemate.

US Vice‑President JD Vance addressed a podium in Pakistan, confirming that after a marathon 21‑hour negotiation no settlement had been secured to end the conflict with Iran. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump was in Miami watching a mixed‑martial‑arts fight, a stark contrast that underscored the administration’s focus on spectacle over substantive diplomacy. The breakdown was not accidental. Washington insists Iran must relinquish any capacity to develop a nuclear weapon, whereas Tehran maintains its right to a civilian nuclear programme and rejects the notion of a weapons agenda. The US “final and best offer” demanded a complete surrender of that capability, a condition more akin to imposing victory than fostering negotiation. Compounding the impasse, the United States sought unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Iran, however, pressed for transit fees, lifted sanctions, unfrozen assets, reparations, and a broader regional cease‑fire. The divergent demands meant that a single round of talks could not bridge the gap, resulting in negotiations devoid of trust and a war without a clear resolution. Historical wisdom, echoed by Winston Churchill’s famous remark that "jaw‑jaw is better than war‑war", highlights the high cost of continued fighting. Ironically, the current US‑Iran dispute revolves around a nuclear programme that was once restrained by a deal the Trump administration later abrogated, and a maritime route that the same administration helped ignite by launching the conflict. The fragile cease‑fire’s survival now hinges not only on Washington and Tehran but also on Israel’s expanding offensive in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, an operation that has drawn accusations of war crimes and threatens to widen the regional conflagration. Financial markets are unlikely to react positively to recent developments. American voters are already feeling the impact of surging fuel prices, and Trump’s consideration of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could exacerbate the situation. Disrupting a route that carries roughly one‑fifth of global oil would push prices higher, with ripple effects far beyond the Gulf. The current cease‑fire is set to expire in just over a week. While diplomatic talks have not formally ended, a stalemate persists and the logic of escalation is gaining traction. Iran appears unlikely to concede, opting instead to test US resolve at sea. Seasonal heat may limit a full‑scale ground offensive for now, but the risk of a shift toward naval confrontations, airstrikes, and proxy warfare looms, offering no winners—only further loss.

Springtime in a typical British suburb is a chorus of birds, buzzing insects and the occasional rumble of a mini‑digger. While sparrows spar and tits clash over territory, a crew of contractors is often busy erasing hedges, bushes and trees, leaving behind a stark trench of bare earth. In one April afternoon, a once‑lush front garden was reduced to a skip full of uprooted branches and a strip of exposed soil. Despite the nation’s reputation as a garden‑loving society, the trend toward concrete is accelerating. An RHS audit published last year found that 42% of domestic garden space in the United Kingdom has been paved over, with timber fences replacing wild privet and driveways smothering mossy lawns. The loss is not merely aesthetic; it erodes habitats that support a remarkable share of the country’s wildlife. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, over 50% of Britain’s butterflies, amphibians and reptiles, and more than 40% of its bird and mammal species rely on garden habitats. The new David Attenborough series Secret Garden underscores this, describing urban gardens as “almost as diverse as a tropical rainforest.” Yet, as the series aired, another garden was being stripped to the ground, highlighting the tension between media‑driven reverence and on‑the‑ground reality. Socio‑economic factors compound the issue. One in eight households in the UK has no garden at all, and lower‑income families and ethnic minorities are disproportionately deprived of green space. Even owners of gardens often lack the time, money, or confidence to cultivate biodiverse oases, viewing gardening as a burdensome chore. Experts suggest a radical, yet simple, alternative: do nothing. Allowing dandelions, thistles, and stray grasses to flourish provides nectar for pollinators, while bare patches become nesting sites for bees and birds. Unraked leaves serve as winter shelters for insects, and dead stalks become food for aphids, which in turn feed higher‑up predators. The “negative space” of an untended garden can therefore become a hotbed of ecological activity. Conservationists argue that embracing this messiness could reverse the decline of urban biodiversity. As one commentator mused, “If Sir David Attenborough could return for a bonus episode, he might show us that a tangled, overgrown garden is not a failure but a vibrant ecosystem in its own right.” By Emma Beddington, 12 April 2026

The US State Department has taken a significant step in its ongoing efforts to crack down on individuals with ties to the Iranian regime, revoking the green cards of three Iranian nationals. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to prevent foreign nationals with connections to anti-American terrorist regimes from residing in the United States. The individuals affected include Seyed Eissa Hashemi, whose mother was a key figure in the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, known as 'Screaming Mary' for her role as a leading propagandist for the violent Islamists. The State Department also revoked the green card statuses of Hashemi's wife and son. According to the department, Hashemi entered the US in 2014 on a visa and was granted lawful permanent resident status in 2016 through the diversity immigrant visa program, which the Trump administration has since ended. The arrests and green card terminations are part of a series of actions against those the State Department deems to have ties to the current or former government of Iran. This is particularly significant given the ongoing tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, with Washington DC and Tehran recently reaching a two-week ceasefire agreement. The US has been waging war against Iran since late February, and these actions are seen as part of the US efforts to counter Iranian influence. Recent actions also include the arrest of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian military general assassinated by the US in 2020, and her daughter. The State Department has also revoked the green card status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of former Iranian national security council secretary Ali Larijani, and her husband. The situation remains complex, with US Vice-President JD Vance dispatched to Islamabad to broker peace talks, though Iranian leadership has stated they will not participate until Israel agrees to stop bombing Lebanon. The international community remains watchful as diplomatic efforts continue to navigate the intricate landscape of US-Iran relations.