Prophecy News Watch - April 22, 2025
Around the World
Christian Leaders Mourn Pope Francis; Prayers Urged
U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the Evangelical aid organization Samaritan's Purse, urged Christians to pray for the Catholic Church following Pope Francis's death.
China Vows Retaliation Against U.S.-Led Trade Isolation Efforts
China on Monday warned it will retaliate against countries that align with the U.S. in ways that harm Beijing’s interests, as the escalating trade war between the world’s two largest economies increasingly entangles other nations. Beijing specifically cautioned against trade agreements with Washington that come at China’s expense, vowing countermeasures in response.
U.S. Slashes Syria Troop Count, Intensifies Anti-ISIS Focus
The United States will reduce its military presence in Syria to fewer than 1,000 troops in the coming months, Pentagon officials said Friday, as it consolidates forces to reflect the evolving mission to defeat ISIS.
Russia and Iran Seal 20-Year Strategic Pact to Deepen Military and Diplomatic Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law the ratification of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Iran, solidifying long-term military and diplomatic ties between the two allies, according to Russian state media.
US Vice President Mourns Passing Pope Francis At 88
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic and the last known foreign leader to have met Pope Francis before his death, has expressed sadness about the pontiff's passing at the age of 88.
Pope Francis Dies At Age 88 (Update)
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican confirmed Monday.
UK Court: Trans Women Not Legally Women; Harry Potter Author Happy
"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling celebrated Easter by welcoming a British Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally considered women under British law.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu Vows Total Victory Over Hamas, Rejects Civil War Fears
At a memorial ceremony, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s determination to achieve all objectives in the war against Hamas and dismissed fears of internal unrest, declaring, “There will be no civil war—there will be no civil war.”
Inside the United States
House Panel Seeks DOJ Charges Against Cuomo
A House Republican panel is recommending criminal charges against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, alleging the Democrat made false statements to Congress during his testimony on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump Backs Hegseth After Report of Another Signal Chat With Family
President Donald Trump continues to stand behind Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after another Signal chat controversy surfaced over the weekend.
Christian News
Pakistan Christian To Appeal Death Sentence
A Christian man sentenced to death for blasphemy against Islam in the eastern Pakistani town of Jaranwala will appeal the verdict, Worthy News learned Easter Monday.
Worthy Insights
Churches with Record Easter Attendance Report U.S. Is ‘on the Cusp of Spiritual Awakening’
From small congregations to megachurches, churches across the U.S. saw record Easter attendance Sunday -- the latest sign of what some see as a growing spiritual awakening. The reports coincide with a new Barna survey showing that belief in Jesus is on the rise in the United States, with 66 percent of adults saying they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today -- a 12-point increase since 2022 and the highest recorded level in the poll since 2012.
Christian Leaders Mourn Pope Francis; Prayers Urged
U.S. evangelist Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the Evangelical aid organization Samaritan's Purse, urged Christians to pray for the Catholic Church following Pope Francis's death.
China Vows Retaliation Against U.S.-Led Trade Isolation Efforts
China on Monday warned it will retaliate against countries that align with the U.S. in ways that harm Beijing’s interests, as the escalating trade war between the world’s two largest economies increasingly entangles other nations. Beijing specifically cautioned against trade agreements with Washington that come at China’s expense, vowing countermeasures in response.
U.S. Slashes Syria Troop Count, Intensifies Anti-ISIS Focus
The United States will reduce its military presence in Syria to fewer than 1,000 troops in the coming months, Pentagon officials said Friday, as it consolidates forces to reflect the evolving mission to defeat ISIS.
Russia and Iran Seal 20-Year Strategic Pact to Deepen Military and Diplomatic Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed into law the ratification of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Iran, solidifying long-term military and diplomatic ties between the two allies, according to Russian state media.
US Vice President Mourns Passing Pope Francis At 88
U.S. Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic and the last known foreign leader to have met Pope Francis before his death, has expressed sadness about the pontiff's passing at the age of 88.
Pope Francis Dies At Age 88 (Update)
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican confirmed Monday.
UK Court: Trans Women Not Legally Women; Harry Potter Author Happy
"Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling celebrated Easter by welcoming a British Supreme Court ruling that trans women are not legally considered women under British law.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Netanyahu Vows Total Victory Over Hamas, Rejects Civil War Fears
At a memorial ceremony, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s determination to achieve all objectives in the war against Hamas and dismissed fears of internal unrest, declaring, “There will be no civil war—there will be no civil war.”
Inside the United States
House Panel Seeks DOJ Charges Against Cuomo
A House Republican panel is recommending criminal charges against former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, alleging the Democrat made false statements to Congress during his testimony on the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump Backs Hegseth After Report of Another Signal Chat With Family
President Donald Trump continues to stand behind Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth after another Signal chat controversy surfaced over the weekend.
Christian News
Pakistan Christian To Appeal Death Sentence
A Christian man sentenced to death for blasphemy against Islam in the eastern Pakistani town of Jaranwala will appeal the verdict, Worthy News learned Easter Monday.
Worthy Insights
Churches with Record Easter Attendance Report U.S. Is ‘on the Cusp of Spiritual Awakening’
From small congregations to megachurches, churches across the U.S. saw record Easter attendance Sunday -- the latest sign of what some see as a growing spiritual awakening. The reports coincide with a new Barna survey showing that belief in Jesus is on the rise in the United States, with 66 percent of adults saying they have made a personal commitment to Jesus that is still important in their life today -- a 12-point increase since 2022 and the highest recorded level in the poll since 2012.