NPR News Now - NPR News: 05-08-2025 2PM EDT

Episode Date: May 8, 2025

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Rachel Martin Live from NPR News. I'm Lakshmi Singh. Joy erupts in St. Peter's Square at news of the new pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, is the first pope from the United States in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, heard through an interpreter. The 69-year-old stepped onto the balcony today and delivered his first remarks to the world as the new leader of a church of 1.4 billion Catholics. Help us and all others to build bridges with to build bridges with dialogue, with meeting, to be one common people, living always in peace. Thank you to Pope Francis. NPR's Ruth Sherlock describes the anticipation that built earlier today as white smoke billowed

from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel where 133 cardinals were sequestered. Mary Flaherty-Knight, Professor of Social Sciences, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York,

University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York,

University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York,

University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York,

University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, University of New York,

University of New York, University of New York, University of New York, a return to traditionalism, a return to an Italian pope. But now gradually it's drawing on people. This is a new era for the church, America's first pope. Americans in the crowd are ecstatic. Here in the crowd, people are shouting, Viva il Papa, long live the pope, as he appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. Danielle Pletka NPR's Ruth Sherlock reporting. On Truth Social, President Trump congratulates Pope Leo XIV. He says the election of St. Peter's Basilica. NPR's Ruth Sherlock reporting on Truth Social. President Trump congratulates Pope Blair XIV. He says the election of the first American pope is a great honor for

this country. As the US and China prepare to address their trade war during high-level meetings in Switzerland this weekend, Russian President Vladimir Putin is hosting Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Kremlin today. They were slated to attend events marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. NPR's Charles Mayne's reports from Moscow, the two leaders are highlighting a quote, no limits partnership. In a lavish ceremony at the Kremlin, Putin and Xi extolled their close relations in the face of what the Chinese leader said was external bullying, an apparent reference to the United States. In turn, Putin paid tribute to the sacrifice of Soviet and Chinese people in World War

II and said the two were again united in the fight against neo-Nazism, how Putin falsely portrays his current war in Ukraine. While formally neutral on the Ukraine issue, China has provided Russia with diplomatic and economic cover. The presence of Chinese troops in a military parade on Red Square this Friday will only reinforce a view among critics that Beijing chose sides in the conflict long ago. Charles Maines, NPR News, Moscow. From Washington, this is NPR News. There is growing concern about the effect of microplastics on human health. The research is still evolving, but it is prompting some home cooks to stop or limit

their use of plastics around food. NPR's Joe Hernandez reports these chefs say, at first, it might not be easy, but it is possible. Joe Hernandez, NPR News If you want to reduce plastics in the first it might not be easy, but it is possible. If you want to reduce plastics in the kitchen, there are a few things you can do. Anne-Marie Bonneau wrote the book, The Zero Waste Chef. You can use a wooden cutting board, store food in glass or metal, save all your jar.

Another common recommendation is not to heat your food in plastic. Chef Edward Lee ditched plastics at his restaurant, Shia, including squeeze bottles. Sauces are now stored elsewhere and vinaigrettes are made as needed. All our vinaigrettes are fresher because we have to make them to order. Beno says if you do ditch plastic, don't worry about every last item. These days, it's pretty hard to avoid. Joe Hernandez, NPR News. MS. JILL HENDRICKS Microsoft founder Bill Gates says he plans to donate 99 percent of his remaining

fortune, more than $100 billion, to the Gates Foundation before it closes 2045, over the next 20 years. The Foundation says it plans to continue supporting its partners and grantees, including those working to improve global health before it shuts down. Case decisions come as international aid and development projects grapple with sweeping cuts in U.S. assistance since President Trump took office. The Dow is up more than 1 percent or 452 points. This is NPR News.