On Easter, Pope Leo urges world leaders to end wars, renounce conquest

By Joshua McElwee

Reuters Pope Leo XIV blesses the faithful at the end of the Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 5, 2026. REUTERS/Remo Casilli Pope Leo XIV arrives to lead the Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 5, 2026. REUTERS/Matteo Minnella

Pope Leo XIV leads the Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican

VATICAN CITY, April 5 (Reuters) - Pope Leo urged global leaders in his Easter message on Sunday to end the conflicts raging across ‌the world and abandon any schemes for power, conquest or domination.

The pope, ‌who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the Iran war, lamented in a special message ​to the thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square that people "are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent".

"Let those who have weapons lay them down!" the first U.S. pope exhorted. "Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!"

Leo ‌did not mention any specific ⁠conflicts in the message, known as the "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing. It was unusually brief and direct.

The pope said ⁠that the story of Easter, when the Bible says Jesus rose from the dead three days after not resisting his execution by crucifixion, shows that Christ was "entirely nonviolent".

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"On this ​day of ​celebration, let us abandon every desire for ​conflict, domination, and power, and implore ‌the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars," Leo urged.

Leo, who is known for choosing his words carefully, has been forcefully decrying the world's violent conflicts in recent weeks and ramping up his criticism of the Iran war.

In a sermon for the Easter vigil on Saturday night, he urged people not ‌to feel numbed by the scope of the ​conflicts raging across the world but to work ​for peace.

The pope made a rare direct ​appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, urging him to find ‌an "off-ramp" to end the Iran war.

In ​his address from the ​balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday to the Square below, decorated with thousands of brightly coloured flowers for the holiday, Leo offered brief Easter ​greetings in ten languages, ‌including Latin, Arabic and Chinese.

The pope also announced he would return to ​the Basilica on April 11 to host a prayer vigil for peace.

(Reporting ​by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

On Easter, Pope Leo urges world leaders to end wars, renounce conquest

By Joshua McElwee Pope Leo XIV leads the Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican VATICAN CITY...
Congo says it will receive third-country deportees under new deal with US

KINSHASA, April 5 (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo will receive third-country ‌nationals deported from the United States ‌under a new deal with the Trump ​administration, the government in Kinshasa said in a statement on Sunday.

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* The government said it will receive deportees starting ‌inApril, but ⁠did not say how many it had agreed to take. * ⁠The arrangement will be paid for by the United States,with no cost ​to the ​Congolese government, ​the statement said. * ‌Facilities have been prepared near the capital Kinshasa toaccommodate the deportees, it said. * The United States has sent third-country deportees toseveral African countries including Ghana, ‌Cameroon, EquatorialGuinea and Eswatini, ​drawing criticism from ​legal experts ​andrights groups. * The agreement coincides ‌with an effort by ​the Trumpadministration ​to implement a peace deal between Congo andRwanda and an agreement ​ensuring U.S. ‌access to Congolesecritical minerals.

(Writing by ​Nellie Peyton; Editing by Hugh Lawson ​and Ros Russell)

Congo says it will receive third-country deportees under new deal with US

KINSHASA, April 5 (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo will receive third-country ‌nationals deported from the Unite...
Crystal Hefner Shares Photos From Her and Husband James Ward's Destination Wedding in Cook Islands

Crystal Hefnerhas shared photos from her destination wedding to her second husband,James Ward.

Us magazine GettyImages-1182190225 Crystal Hefner Shares Photos From Her Destination Wedding

On Saturday, April 4, theOnly Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myselfauthor, 39, posteda carousel of photosshot during her wedding in the Cook Islands on Thursday, April 2. The photos showcased Hefner' long-sleeved "Margo" wedding gown from designerOksana Mukha, which was covered in over 5,400 Swarovski crystals.

Hefner revealed toPeoplethat she picked out the lace "Margot" wedding gown because it felt like "a Disney princess dress."

Another shotincluded a close look at Hefner' stunning diamond wedding ring, which was accentuated by a flower crown that she wore during the ceremony.

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The couple confirmed that Hefner walked down the aisle to a local band playing the Māori love song, "Akaipoipo Taua," while the newlyweds' first dance was toIke Dweck's track "Safe With Me."

Hefner and Ward opted for a "simple, elegant, and ocean-inspired" ceremony to match their scenic Cook Islands location.

"We chose the Cook Islands because of how remote it is," the bride toldPeople. "There are no big chain hotels, which makes it feel incredibly peaceful and authentic. It's also home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Since James and I both love the ocean and nature it felt like the perfect place for us to start this chapter of our lives."

Ward beamed that he was over the moon about tying the knot with his bride.

Crystal Hefner Shares Photos From Her Destination Wedding

"Crystal's heart, specifically for me and all non-human living things, is a thing to behold," he said. "All creatures, great and small are bestowed a generosity and kindness, the likes of which I've never seen. She's the classiest, brainiest, most adventure-seeking partner I could have ever hoped to find. My life is now better in every way, and I feel like the luckiest guy alive that I get to spend my life with her."

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The newlyweds opted to stay in the Cook Islands for their honeymoon.

As for what's next for the couple, Hefner hinted, "[We hope for] more travel, more adventures in nature, and continuing to build a life centered around love, animals, the ocean, and meaningful experiences together."

"We're excited to keep exploring the world together, spending time in nature, and building a life that reflects the things we both love," she added.

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Hefner confirmedher nuptials were imminenton Thursday when she shared a "wedding day" video of Ward picking her up in his arms. She also offered a sneak preview of their beachside wedding location, where stones had been arranged in the shape of a heart.

"Baby where the hell is my husband… probably waiting for me to walk down the aisle 🥹💍 Today is the day," she captioned the post.

Us Weeklyexclusively reportedin March 2025 that Ward proposed to Hefner near their home in Hawaii with a six-carat, vintage mine-cut diamond set on a whisper-thin band.

"It truly feels like a full-circle moment. James completely surprised me. He had a hidden staircase and a winding trail cleared to reveal a handcrafted deck perched above a dramatic cliffside overlooking the ocean," Hefner toldUs.

She continued, "It was the exact spot where we'd had a quiet picnic together a year ago — a place that became 'ours.' I had no idea he was secretly turning it into something permanent and symbolic. I thought we were just going for a walk, but when I saw the flowers, the handwritten notes, and the sea stretching endlessly in front of us, I knew something extraordinary was about to happen."

Crystal was previously married to late Playboy founderHugh Hefnerfrom 2012 until his death in 2017. (Hugh had been married twice before, toMildred Williamsfrom 1949 to 1959 and toKimberley Conradfrom 1989 to 2010. ThePlayboymagnate was a father of four children.)

Crystal Hefner Shares Photos From Her and Husband James Ward’s Destination Wedding in Cook Islands

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These 19 Activewear Dresses Are Made to Keep You Cool, Comfy and Cute All Summer Long

We love our flowy fit‑and‑flare dresses and floral favorites, but nothing beats the ease and versatility of a breezy activewear dress when the weather warms up. Whether for running laps, running errands, serving on the court or serving chic style, thesebreathable activewear dressesprove that performance and style go hand in hand. And with all the creative designs popping up these days — from drop‑waist dresses totiered tennis stylesand half‑zip athletic pieces — there's truly something for everyone.

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In anticipation of the hot, humid days to come, we rounded up 19 breathable andeasy-going athletic dressesthat deliver everything you'd need, including slimming fits, great bust support and style versatility. Shop our top picks from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Nordstrom and Macy's below — and get ready to hit the treadmill, tennis court or coffee shop with well‑deserved confidence.

19 Lightweight Activewear Dresses for Staying Cool and Looking Chic

1. Our Favorite:It's no surprise over 600 shoppers picked up thiscrossback tennis dressthis past month. With built‑in shorts, roomy pockets and a bra that lifts and separates without underwire, it delivers style and dependable support in one easy piece.

2. Preppy Style:If built‑in shorts aren't your thing, this bestsellingsleeveless tennis dressgives you the best of both worlds. The stretchy, sweat‑wicking fabric pairs perfectly with separate shorts for customizable comfort.

3. Modest Pick:Going for a more modest, full‑coverage look? This polishedzip‑front polo dressfully delivers, with built-in shorts and fresh spring colors, including pink and blue.

4. Slimming Silhouette:Walmart shoppers can't get enough of thiswrap‑waist activewear dress. They're wearing it for everything — workouts, powering through errands and even brunch.

5. Perfect Cover:Trying to hide a muffin top? Thissleeveless golf dressfeatures a clever high-waist split skirt that lets you enjoy a smooth, flattering fit no matter how active your day gets.

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6. Flowy Flare:Thistiered athletic pickis as close to a traditional dress as you can get without losing the practicality that makes it a go‑to for busy days. The toggle waist design lets you tailor the fit exactly to your liking.

7. Quiet Luxury Style:Achieve that country club aesthetic with thispleated athletic dressfrom Zella. Complete the rich-mom look with crisp white sneakers, oversized sunnies and a structured tote.

8. Splurge Worthy:For those who gravitate toward premium brands like Alo Yoga or lululemon, thishalf‑zip athletic dressfrom TravisMathew is a perfect match. Shoppers praise its all‑day wearability on the golf course, even on the hottest days.

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9. Dancer Vibes:Admirers will think you're an off-duty ballerina in thisFree People ruffle jumpsuit. While you won't necessarily be running miles in it, you can absolutely float through errands, coffee runs and casual weekends in total comfort.

10. Mom-Approved:Quince shoppers are obsessed with thisspaghetti‑strap active dress. Reviewers praise the breathable, stretchy fabric and all‑day comfort, calling it a "must‑have" for on‑the‑go moms.

11. Comfort Without Compromise:Some activewear dresses can feel a bit too revealing. This UPF 50Lands' End active dressenlists a longer skirt and a higher neckline, so you can feel comfortably covered without venturing into matron territory.

12. Style First:Don't sweat about running laps in thisracerback active dressthat, let's be honest, is more about looking cute than shaving seconds off your mile time.

13. Size Inclusive:Find your perfect fit in thisscoop‑back athletic dressfrom Old Navy, which is available in regular, tall, and petite sizes from XS to 4X. We especially love the spring‑ready hues, including blue, pink and green.

14. Move With Confidence:Drop‑waist active dressesare popping up everywhere, and Old Navy's take on the trend might just be our favorite. The super‑stretchy dress lets you move with confidence, thanks to its non‑chafing shorts, supportive built‑in bra and flared, fun skirt.

15. Twirl Worthy:Keep it girly and fun with thisruffle tennis dressthat we're dying to wear on and off the court. Pair it with a cardigan and tennis shoes for a sporty look that'ssoin this spring.

16. Confidence Booster:Not into showing off a lot of skin? You can still keep things cute and stylish withthis half-zip dressthat has a flirty ruffle hem and tons of color options, including this pink houndstooth style.

17. Tummy-Hiding Fit:For those bloated days where nothing fits right, thistummy‑control tennis dressis just the piece for feeling supported, snatched and ready to take on the day.

18. Full Sleeves:Whether you need sun protection or just like the style, thislong‑sleeve active dressis your go‑to for staying cool, covered and effortlessly chic.

19. Make a Statement:Stand out from the conventional crowd in thiscolorful tennis dressthat uses a clever mesh overlay for the ultimate blend of breathability, movement and eye‑catching style.

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Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase.Learn more!

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Jonah Hill and Tina Fey Crash Jack Black's 'Saturday Night Live' 5-Timers Club Induction

Jack Blackenlisted some star-studded helpers to bringSaturday Night Live'sFive-Timers Clubback to life.

Us magazine Jonah Hill and Tina Fey Crash Jack Black SNL 5-Timers Club Induction

TheSchool of Rockstar, 56,made his historic fifth appearanceas anSNLhost on Saturday, April 4, which meant that he'd gained entry in the show's historic Five-Timers Club lounge — but there was a hitch.

Fellow Five-Timers Club memberJonah Hillcrashed the monologue to explain to Black that something was wrong in the Club. The duo raced to the Five-Timers Club lounge, only to find it covered with cobwebs and other spooky regalia.

"There's evil lurking around every corner," Black warned, before a voice replied, "No, it's just me."

Six-timeSaturday Night LivehostTina Feythen stepped out of the shadows wearing a freshly-mintedSNL UKone-timers jacket for hosting the series premiere of the British spinoff two weeks ago. (Fey joked that theSNL UKone-timers club jacket was lined with the fur of Paddington Bear.)

Jonah Hill and Tina Fey Crash Jack Black SNL 5-Timers Club Induction 1

"I wanted to congratulate you on a historic night. You're officially the first Black in the Five-Timers Club," Fey quipped, in reference toSNL's less-than-diverse hosting history.

(Dwayne Johnsonis the only nonwhite member of the Five Timers Club yet, thoughChris Rock,Maya RudolphandCharles Barkleyhave all hosted multiple times.)

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As the trio tried to figure out how to revive the Five-Timers Club lounge, they were joined by fellow five-timeSNLhostCandice Bergenand six-timerMelissa McCarthy.Jack White— the night's musical guest — even dropped by for a quick cameo to celebrate his own fifth time performing solo onSaturday Night Live.

"The five-time musical guests only have their parking validated for 15 minutes so I have to move my hearse," White, 50, quipped before walking off.

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Black finally decided that he needed a rocking musical number to fully revive the Club, so he called on all of the former hosts, White and "a choir of marching wizards" to join him for a revamped cover of the White Stripes' 2003 classic "Seven Nation Army."

"I'm gonna make it right. The five-timer army gonna lift the curse," Black sang. "We got Jack Black and White, he's shredding his axe while I sing the next verse."

As all of the classicSNLhosts danced around him on stage, Black declared, "I can't believe this is really happening. Am I in heaven?"

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Bergen,Steve Martin,Buck Henry,Elliott GouldandChevy Chasewere among the earliest members of the Five Timers Club but the first actual sketch occurred in 1990 whenTom Hanksjoined.

Black made hisSNLdebut as a special guest with his Tenacious D bandmateKyle Gassin May 1998. He hosted for the first time in January 2002.

Saturday Night Livecontinues on NBC April 11 at 11:30 p.m. ET with guest hostColman Domingoand music fromAnitta.

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