Pope Leo XIV embarks on an 11-day visit to Africa, covering Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea starting today (April 13), marking his first major foreign tour. Also, Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, is in China. He is expected to hold talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and China’s top legislator Zhao Leji
Good morning.
You are reading Firstpost’s FirstUp edition for April 13, 2026.
Spain PM Pedro Sanchez is in China. He began his visit to Beijing on Saturday (April 11) and will continue till Wednesday (April 15). This will mark Sanchez’s fourth visit to China in four years.
Also, Pope Leo XIV will commence his first African tour starting today, marking his longest trip as pope.
Let’s take a closer look at today’s biggest stories.
Spain PM Pedro Sanchez in China
Sanchez has started his China visit. The Spanish prime minister is expected to hold talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and China’s top legislator Zhao Leji, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed on Wednesday (April 15).
He last visited Beijing in April 2025, and before that, in September 2024 and March 2023.
Mao Ninga, a spokesperson, said, “China is willing to work with Spain to take Prime Minister Sanchez’s visit to China as an opportunity to further deepen strategic mutual trust, intensify exchanges and cooperation, strengthen multilateral coordination, and push bilateral relations to new heights.”
Pope Leo heads to Africa
Pope Leo XIV embarks on an 11-day visit to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea starting today (April 13). From peace efforts to human rights, the US-born Pontiff is expected to address a myriad of issues.
During his trip, he will cover over 18,000 kilometres across the African continent. Pope will deliver 11 speeches and visit a dozen locations, all on April 23.
This will be Pope’s third foreign trip, outside Italy, after Turkey and Lebanon last year, followed by Monaco in March.
Exiled Shah’s son to meet Swedish politicians
The Swedish Parliament has officially invited Prince Reza Pahlavi, son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, former Shah of Iran, to speak in the Swedish Parliament today (April 13).
Pahlavi has lived in exile in the United States since 1979, the year the Iranian revolution toppled his father from power.
South Korea Prez to hold summit with Polish PM
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to hold a summit meeting with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk today. Defence industry cooperation and global security are expected to be on the agenda, according to media reports.
The visit comes amid deepening defence ties between the nations. Two leaders are planning to discuss ways to strengthen strategic partnerships across sectors.
Canada holds three federal by-elections
Today, federal byelections will be held in Canada–two in Toronto-area ridings and one Montreal-area riding.
Carney’s Liberals now hold 171 seats in the House of Commons.
If the Liberals secure two of the three byelections, they will hold 173 seats, rising to 174 if they win all three, which would be enough to pass legislation without relying on the Speaker or any other party for support.
Thai New Year Songkran
The Thai New Year is from today (April 13) to 15, and at its core, Songkran is a celebration of beginnings. It transforms Thailand into a high-energy celebration of water and renewal.
The festival is well known for its citywide water fights. Songkran is a time to leave the past year behind, let go of bad luck, welcome fresh beginnings, and honour elders and family members.
With inputs from agencies
First Published:
April 13, 2026, 06:00 IST
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