Details on Pope Leo XIV and his views. And, U.S. and China trade negotiations begin

Published: Friday, May 9, 2025 at 10:42 am

Pope Leo XIV Elected, U.S.-China Trade Talks Begin: Your Weekend News Roundup

Good morning! This week's news is packed with developments, from the Vatican to international trade. Let's dive in.

The Catholic Church has a new leader: Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from the United States, has been elected Pope. He's taken the name Pope Leo XIV, making him the first American pontiff. His first address focused on peace, aiming to reach "hearts, families, and all people." Reactions to his election were mixed, with some expressing disappointment that an Italian cardinal wasn't chosen. Concerns have been raised about his past handling of clergy sexual abuse allegations and his views on the LGBTQ+ community.

Meanwhile, trade tensions between the U.S. and China remain high. This weekend, U.S. and Chinese trade negotiators will meet in Switzerland for their first face-to-face talks since President Trump's return to office. The backdrop is a complex web of tariffs, with U.S. goods facing tariffs of around 125% in China and Chinese goods facing up to 245% in the U.S. While a deal is not expected, the meeting is a crucial step. China wants the U.S. to drop tariffs, a move Trump has dismissed. The two countries' differing negotiating styles add another layer of complexity.

In other news, GOP leaders are facing a hurdle in Congress as they resist proposals to strip Medicaid benefits. This division complicates efforts to pass a bill that includes significant spending cuts.

Finally, good news for drivers: gas prices have fallen significantly, primarily due to a drop in crude oil prices. This trend is expected to continue, potentially lowering prices for other goods as well.

BNN's Perspective: The election of an American Pope is a significant moment, reflecting the global reach of the Catholic Church. The ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are critical, impacting the global economy. Finding common ground will be essential to avoid further economic disruption.

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