Italian media coverage shifted dramatically at 8:00 AM with news of Pope Francis's death at age 88. The Vatican announced he died at 7:35 AM, with official causes later confirmed as stroke and cardiovascular collapse. Throughout the day, details emerged about his final wishes to be buried "in bare earth" with a simple inscription reading "Franciscus." His body will lie in state at St. Peter's Basilica starting Wednesday, with funeral plans set for Saturday and the conclave to elect his successor scheduled between May 5-10.
Early morning coverage had focused on Russia resuming attacks across Ukraine immediately after Putin's Easter truce expired. Multiple sources reported 3 missiles and 96 drones launched on Ukrainian cities, with Zelensky claiming Putin had already violated the ceasefire "3,000 times" during its nominal duration. Trump expressed hope for a peace agreement within the week, despite the renewed hostilities.