French newspapers spent the day analyzing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, focusing on his pro-immigration stance that puts him at odds with Trump supporters. Several cardinals revealed the conclave reached "near unanimity" quickly, suggesting a strong mandate.
Putin's Victory Day parade dominated midday coverage, with Xi Jinping's presence highlighting Russia-China solidarity against "Western hegemony." European nations announced using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's defense, with France specifically earmarking funds for maintaining Caesar cannons.
By evening, the diplomatic arena intensified with Macron signing the "Treaty of Nancy" with Poland's Tusk, establishing mutual defense obligations including potential nuclear cooperation. The day culminated with announcements that Macron, Starmer, Merz, and Tusk would travel to Kyiv Saturday for a "coalition of volunteers" summit seeking a 30-day ceasefire.