NPR News Now: May 11, 2025, 7AM EDT

Host: Jael Snyder
Release Date: May 11, 2025

Pope Leo XIV Calls for an End to War

In his inaugural Sunday message before a large congregation in St. Peter's Square, the newly elected Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt plea to global leaders to cease all forms of warfare.

Pope Leo XIV (00:30): "I would also like to appeal to the powerful people of the world, repeating the always current call: never again war."

Speaking in Italian, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the devastation of World War II, marking its 80th anniversary, and lamented that the world is now embroiled in what he termed a "third world war."

NPR Correspondent (00:46): "Ago and quoted the late Pope Francis, saying the world is currently experiencing a third world war."

The Pope concluded his address by offering the traditional Sunday blessing as tensions remain high globally.

Ceasefire Between India and Pakistan Holds Amid Accusations

A US-mediated ceasefire between India and Pakistan appears to be holding, with reports indicating a significant reduction in fighting. However, both nations continue to accuse each other of violating the truce.

Putin Proposes Peace Talks with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended an olive branch by proposing direct peace talks with Ukraine. He announced that the negotiations would commence without preconditions in Istanbul starting Thursday.

NPR Correspondent (01:08): "Russian leader Vladimir Putin is proposing direct peace talks with Ukraine, saying they should begin this Thursday in Istanbul without preconditions."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the proposal but emphasized that Moscow must first agree to an immediate ceasefire before discussions can proceed.

NPR Correspondent (01:18): "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is welcoming Putin's proposal, but says Moscow must first agree to an immediate ceasefire."

Israel Closes UN-Run Schools for Palestinian Children

Israel has shut down six schools operated by the United Nations for Palestinian children in East Jerusalem, escalating tensions between the two entities. This action follows Israel's earlier ban on the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) operating within its territories.

NPR Correspondent (01:24): "Israel has shut down six schools run by the United Nations for Palestinian children in East Jerusalem."

Over 800 Palestinian students are now forced to seek alternative educational institutions, many of whom face the daily challenge of navigating dangerous checkpoints due to lack of appropriate permits.

Hadil Al Shalchi, NPR News (01:36): "Parents say this means many Palestinian children will have to go through dangerous checkpoints daily, some of whom don't have the appropriate permits."

The Israeli Education Ministry justified the closures by stating the schools were operating without proper licensing. Tensions have been particularly high following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which have intensified Israel's campaign against what it perceives as UNRWA's bias and anti-Semitic tendencies.

U.S. Justice Department Investigates Proposed Mosque Development in Texas

The U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating the proposed "Epic City" housing development by the East Plano Islamic Center in North Texas. Senator John Cornyn recently sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi expressing concerns over the project's compliance with state laws.

NPR Correspondent (02:19): "The Justice Department investigating a proposed housing development by North Texas mosque."

Caroline Love from KERA reports that "Epic City," located approximately 40 miles northeast of Dallas, plans to include a new mosque, over 1,000 single and multi-family homes, and a faith-based school. However, Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton argue that the project violates the Texas Fair Housing Act and consumer protection laws.

Caroline Love, KERA (02:31): "Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed the project violates the Texas Fair Housing act and consumer protection laws."

An attorney representing the East Plano Islamic Center has dismissed the investigations as "misguided and unnecessary," assuring full cooperation with authorities.

Tufts University Student Released from Detention

Ramesa Osterk, a student from Tufts University, expressed relief upon returning to Boston after being held for six weeks in a Louisiana detention center. Her release was ordered by a federal judge pending a final decision in her case.

NPR Correspondent (03:16): "Tufts University student Ramesa Osterk says she is relieved to be back in Boston."

Osterk spoke to reporters at Logan Airport, marking the end of her detention following her arrest by immigration agents.

Albania Holds Pivotal Parliamentary Elections

Albanian voters are heading to the polls in a crucial parliamentary election today. The incumbent prime minister is seeking an unprecedented fourth term amidst a campaign heavily focused on Albania's aspirations to join the European Union.

NPR Correspondent (03:34): "Voters in Albania going to the polls in a parliamentary election today."

The ruling Socialist Party promises that EU membership can be achieved within five years. In contrast, the main opposition argues that Albania is not yet prepared for EU accession and has enlisted a veteran from President Trump's 2024 campaign to lead their efforts.

NPR Correspondent (03:46): "The main opponent says Albania is not yet ready for the EU and has hired a veteran of President Trump's 2024 campaign."

Rogue Rewilding: Eurasian Lynx Spotted in Scottish Highlands

Intriguing wildlife news from Scotland, where Eurasian lynx have been spotted in the Highlands for the first time in centuries. Authorities have confirmed that the four animals were released illegally, suggesting a case of "rogue rewilding."

Jacob Fenston, NPR (03:57): "Earlier this year, Eurasian lynx were spotted in the Scottish Highlands, animals that had not roamed that landscape for hundreds of years."

The incident has sparked a backlash, leading the Scottish First Minister to declare that there will be no official lynx reintroduction programs under his administration.

Jacob Fenston (04:31): "The Scottish first minister now says there won't be any official lynx reintroduction on his watch."

Peter Cairns of the nonprofit "Scotland the Big Picture" commented on the ecological importance of lynx as apex predators vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Peter Cairns (04:31): "Ecologically speaking, we know that these animals are important. We know that apex predators play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems."

This is not the first instance of rogue rewilding in the UK, with previous cases involving butterflies, wild boars, and beavers—collectively referred to as "beaver bombing."

Jacob Fenston (04:39): "The UK has seen previous cases of suspected rogue rewilding, including butterflies, wild boars and beavers. It's been dubbed beaver bombing."

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now covered a wide array of global and domestic issues, from the poignant message of peace from Pope Leo XIV to intricate international conflicts and domestic political developments in the U.S. and abroad. The discussions highlighted ongoing efforts towards peace, the complexities of international relations, challenges in education and housing, wildlife conservation concerns, and the dynamic nature of political landscapes.

For more updates, visit NPR News Now.