The morning news was dominated by India's airstrikes on Pakistan, reportedly targeting "terrorist infrastructure" following an attack on tourists in Kashmir. The situation escalated throughout the day, with Pakistani reports of casualties rising from 8 to 26, claims of shooting down five Indian fighter jets, and promises of retaliation. Spiegel published analysis on why nuclear war remains unlikely despite escalation.
Domestically, coverage focused on Friedrich Merz's first foreign trips as Chancellor. His Paris visit received significant attention, with reports of Macron's warm reception despite underlying tensions. By evening, Merz was in Warsaw, where Polish Prime Minister Tusk expressed opposition to Germany's border control plans.
In Vatican City, the papal conclave began with cardinals secluded in the Sistine Chapel. The first round of voting concluded with black smoke indicating no pope was elected. Interior Minister Dobrindt ordered immediate asylum rejections at all German borders.
