NPR News Now: April 26, 2025, 3 PM EDT

Farewell to Pope Francis: A Global Tribute

Massive crowds gathered in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, to bid farewell to Pope Francis in a poignant funeral service that underscored his global impact and dedication to the marginalized. NPR’s Windsor Johnston reported the event, highlighting the immense turnout with “hundreds of thousands of people who came to pay their final respects” (00:18).

Lauren Frere provided an on-the-ground perspective, describing the ceremonial procession: “The cobblestone streets of Rome have been lined with people, in some places 20 people deep, applauding as the pope mobile carried Francis out of the Vatican for the last time, past Roman ruins, past the Colosseum, to his final resting place in an immigrant neighborhood” (00:42). This portrayal emphasized Pope Francis's connection to diverse and underserved communities.

Ruth Sherlock further delved into the significance of the attendees, noting, “One of the priorities of his papacy was Francis's care for the poor and the disadvantaged. And he was known, for example, to slip out of the Vatican to visit homeless shelters nearby” (01:36). The inclusion of individuals from marginalized backgrounds—such as the homeless, migrants, prisoners, and war victims—at the funeral underscored his lifelong commitment to social justice and inclusion.

Historic Meeting at the Vatican: Trump and Zelensky

In a significant diplomatic move, President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Vatican during Pope Francis's funeral. The White House described the meeting as “very productive” (02:07). NPR’s Joanna Kakissis reported that both leaders attended the funeral service, marking a rare public interaction at such a solemn event.

Zelensky expressed optimism about the meeting’s potential legacy, stating on social media, “This meeting could turn out to be historic” (02:29). In contrast, Trump used the occasion to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin, tweeting, “It makes me think he doesn't want to stop the war… he’s just tapping me along” (02:29). This exchange comes amid heightened tensions over Ukraine's territorial disputes, with Trump previously asserting in an interview that “Russia can keep the southern Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, which it illegally annexed in 2014” (02:29).

The meeting follows a week of increased U.S. pressure on Zelensky to concede certain territories, a stance that Zelensky firmly rejects, declaring, “I will never recognize Russian occupied Ukrainian land as part of Russia” (02:29). This diplomatic encounter highlights the complex dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine-Russia relations and the ongoing conflict's international implications.

Appalachian Caverns Up for Sale: A Unique Tennessee Opportunity

In regional news, Appalachian Caverns in Blountville, Tennessee, a beloved local attraction since 1991, is now on the market for $2.2 million. NPR’s Chad Barrett reported on this unique sale, emphasizing the property’s extensive features, including a three-mile cave system spread over nine acres.

Roger Hartley, the current owner, shared his reasons for selling: “I'm three and a half years away from retirement. Got time to sell. And if it doesn't sell right now, I'm still okay” (03:50). Despite attracting over 10,000 visitors annually, Hartley highlighted the environmental significance of the caverns, noting the presence of endangered species such as the gray bat and the Indiana bat (03:55).

Hartley expressed a desire for the new owner to continue the preservation efforts, stating, “you do have the endangered gray bat, the most populous bat we have here… we have about 15,000 grays, and then we have the endangered Indiana bat” (04:02). This sale presents a unique opportunity for conservation-minded individuals to steward a natural landmark while maintaining its status as a key regional attraction.

Policy Shift: Attorney General Rescinds Protections for Journalists

In a controversial move, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the rescinding of a Biden-era policy that provided protections for journalists. Windsor Johnston detailed the changes in a memo sent to Department of Justice employees, stating that the department “will not tolerate the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information to the media” (04:17).

The new policy empowers the department to use legal measures such as subpoenas, court orders, and search warrants to compel journalists to produce information or testify. This shift represents a significant alteration in the federal approach to press freedom and transparency.

In response, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press criticized the policy, asserting that “strong protections for journalists serve the public by safeguarding the free flow of information” (04:17). This development raises concerns about potential implications for journalistic independence and the broader democratic principle of a free press.

In Summary

Today's NPR News Now episode provided comprehensive coverage of significant global and national events, from the heartfelt farewell to Pope Francis and the consequential meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian leaders at the Vatican, to regional developments like the sale of Appalachian Caverns and pivotal policy changes affecting journalistic protections. Each story was presented with detailed reporting and insightful commentary, ensuring listeners remain informed on critical issues shaping the world.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript and are provided for reference to specific quotes and segments.