NPR News Now - NPR News: 04-21-2025 8AM EDT

Episode Date: April 21, 2025

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Want to know what's happening in the world? Listen to the State of the World podcast. Every weekday we bring you important stories from around the globe. In just a few minutes you might hear how democracy is holding up in South Korea or meet Indian monkeys that have turned to crime. We don't go around the world. We're already there. Listen to the State of the World podcast from NPR. Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Korva Kuhlman. The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has died today at the age of 88. He had been ill recently and spent five weeks in the hospital being treated initially for

bronchitis and then for severe pneumonia. He was still recovering. Francis had delighted worshippers in St. Peter's Square just yesterday riding in the Popemobile to bless the crowd on Easter Sunday. With the death of Pope Francis, reaction is pouring in from throughout Europe. NPR's Rob Schmitz has more. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on social media that Pope Francis inspired millions far beyond the Catholic Church with his humility and love for the less fortunate. My thoughts, she said, are with all who feel this profound loss." Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Matz posted on X that Pope Francis will be remembered for his tireless commitment to the weakest in society, to justice and reconciliation. Polish President Andrzej Duda wrote in a statement

that Pope Francis' pastoral work was characterized by humility and modesty, and that he was a great apostle of mercy in which he saw the answer to the challenges of the modern world. Rob Schmitz, NPR News, Berlin. As the Trump administration negotiates trade deals with other countries, China has issued a warning. NPR's John Rewich reports the warning is against any agreements that harm Chinese interests. China's Commerce Ministry says it respects the efforts of others to try to resolve trade disputes with the U.S. through consultation, but it warns that it'll take corresponding counter

measures if any deals are struck at the expense of China's interests. It did not give details. The comments come after reports that President Trump is hoping to use tariff negotiations with other countries to isolate China. At the same time, Trump has said he wants to do a deal with Beijing. This month, he raised the base tariff on Chinese imports to a dizzying 145%. China responded in kind with high tariffs on US goods. The Chinese Commerce Ministry says seeking tariff exemptions by harming the interests of others will only lead to failure on both sides and

ultimately hurt everyone. John Ruech, NPR News, Shanghai. Four members of the House of Representatives have arrived in El Salvador today. They're demanding the release of Kilmer Abrego Garcia. He is the immigrant illegally deported from Maryland to a prison in El Salvador. The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his return. Trump administration officials say the immigrant is not coming back. President Trump's borders are Tom Homan claims

the Trump administration is doing the right thing. I believe removing public safety threats and terrorists, designated terrorists to that prison in El Salvador. He spoke to ABCs this week, but federal courts have ruled that and terrorists, designated terrorists, to that prison in El Salvador. He spoke to ABCs this week. But federal courts have ruled that if deported people are, in fact, terrorists, the Trump administration should have no problem proving that in court, and that the Trump administration cannot deny due process to people and evade the Constitution.

This is NPR. The gunman who shot and killed 23 people in a racist attack in El Paso, Texas in 2019 will appear in a state court today. Patrick Crucis is expected to accept a plea deal and admit he intentionally targeted Latino shoppers at a Walmart. In exchange, he would avoid the death penalty for a life prison term without parole. Protesters across the U.S. and Europe have demonstrated outside facilities for Tesla EVs. This has been dubbed the Tesla takedown campaign, and Piers Emma Bowman has more. About 100 people showed up to the protests on a sunny Easter Sunday in front of a Tesla

service center in Burbank. That's down from its peak turnout of 300 people a month and a half ago. The primary motivator for its members has been Tesla CEO, Elon Musk's work to dismantle federal agencies. Organizers want to chip away at the billionaire's power, and they say that starts with tarnishing Tesla's brand. Joel Lava, who helps lead the effort in LA,

thinks the boycott movement gets some credit for Tesla's falling stock and drop in U.S. sales. I think it's now a house of cards that's about to tumble so we're gonna keep the pressure on. The campaign says it plans to target Musk's other businesses next, including SpaceX and the social media platform X. Emma Bowman and PR News, Los Angeles. Again, repeating our top story. The Vatican says that Pope Francis has died at his residence today. He had just blessed worshippers in St. Peter's Square yesterday who had gathered to celebrate Easter Sunday. Pope Francis was 88 years old.

I'm Corva Coleman, NPR News in Washington.