PR in the Philippines

Donald Trump increased his support among voters without a college degree, rising from approximately 50% in 2020 to 56% in 2024, with over 50 million working-class individuals casting their votes for him in 2024. These voters played a crucial role in his election victory. Despite the common perception that Trump primarily serves the interests of the wealthy, there's an opportunity for him to reshape the American economy by better balancing the interests of the markets and the workforce. While this shift might unsettle some on Wall Street, it's a change that is critically needed. “I’m proud to be the President for the workers, not the outsourcers—the President who stands up for Main Street, not Wall Street,” Trump stated when announcing tariffs. Echoing this, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent commented, “It’s Main Street’s turn—to hire, to invest, and to restore the American Dream.” This message is striking a chord with working people and shifting political dynamics in the nation. Although the United Auto Workers endorsed Kamala Harris, its President Shawn Fain remarked on March 27: “We are ecstatic to see an administration finally address the unfair trade laws in this country. These laws have devastated the American working class. They’ve destroyed communities in this country, in virtually every state, for decades.” For too long, the bipartisan commitment to free trade failed to acknowledge the human cost of imports, particularly the loss of well-paying jobs. Those impacted have been waiting for someone to address their concerns. Having long held the belief that economic growth since the 1980s has often come at the expense of workers, I recognize the pressing need to tackle deindustrialization and the stagnation of the working class. Decades of neoliberal policies have resulted in communities struggling, disconnected from prosperity, and frequently overlooked by powerful institutions. Only decisive action can alter this reality. When I founded the Council for Inclusive Capitalism in 2019, following discussions with Pope Francis at the Vatican, our purpose was clear: to use the power of markets and businesses to reform capitalism for the benefit of all. A key focus has been the challenges faced by the working class—those left behind by decades of globalization and capital market growth that didn't reach significant portions of the American population. During this period, companies like Bank of America and PayPal, under the leadership of Dan Schulman, have set a positive example by raising wages, promoting equal pay, and improving financial security. These forward-thinking businesses understand that equitable gainsharing is both a market imperative and a moral duty for inclusive economic growth. While President Trump's tariff policies represent a clear departure from the established order, tariffs alone won't revitalize the American working class. A complementary set of policies that support growth and workers is essential. I propose four recommendations for President Trump to demonstrate his dedication to working people more effectively: 1. Stop Collecting Tax from the Lowest Paid Workers: Currently, the United States begins taxing working families at an annual income of just $21,900 for a head of household, even though the national poverty level for a family of four is $32,150. This is illogical. The Trump Administration should enact legislation to set a zero federal tax rate for families earning less than the federal poverty level. This would decrease reliance on the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit because people would retain more of their earnings. Although working families may not receive those related refunds, this policy could enhance the dignity of work, reduce dependence on government assistance, and improve the lives of millions of families. 2. Provide Workers the Skills they Need: Investing in education, retraining, and apprenticeships is the most effective way to protect workers from the effects of globalization and automation. Portable training accounts, which follow workers across different jobs, would provide stability in a dynamic economy. I encourage President Trump to invest in education and skills training. 3. Give Workers an Investment Where they Work: It’s time to make employee ownership more accessible. By addressing regulatory and litigation concerns surrounding Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), the administration can create share ownership opportunities for workers in both private and public companies. 4. Embrace worker-centric AI: The World Economic Forum’s insights highlight opportunities in areas such as agriculture, food processing, nursing, and software development—not just traditional manufacturing. It also underscores the increasing need for AI and data specialists. The White House, leveraging Vice President JD Vance’s tech background, should use this opportunity to develop a national AI strategy that includes workers. Recently, over 250 CEOs signed a call for computer science and AI to become mandatory graduation requirements nationwide. They cite research indicating that a single AI course increases wages by 8% across all students. The letter asserts that universal AI education could unlock $660 billion in annual economic value and points out that only 12 states currently mandate the subject. It also notes that countries like China, South Korea, and Singapore already require computer science or AI training for every student. These proposals provide a plan for restoring the American Dream. By acting quickly and decisively, the administration—along with its business partners—can transform our economic system to benefit all members of society who work hard to achieve their goals. The views expressed here are those of Lynn Forester de Rothschild, not any organization.

Robert Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV was unexpected. Having spent 12 years with him in Rome and being a classmate at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago from 1977 to 1982, the announcement of “Robertus Franciscus Prevost” from St. Peter’s Basilica felt surreal. I've always known him as "Bob." We studied together and served our communities. This announcement changes everything, placing him among the successors of Peter, whose 2,000-year history we studied in preparation for priesthood. What does Pope Leo XIV offer the Church? He is shaped by his experiences in Chicago, particularly on the South Side, where the Church has fought racial injustice while also grappling with racism within its own ranks. He's also a product of the Augustinian order, known for its spirituality and outreach to the poor. His studies at Catholic Theological Union, a seminary that embraced the reforms of Vatican II by integrating seminarians with the outside world, also shaped him. This was inspired by Gaudium et Spes, which emphasized the importance of addressing the joys, hopes, griefs, and anxieties of all people, especially the poor and afflicted. Studying in the city alongside women religious and lay people underscored the need to implement the Council's vision for the Church. Pope Leo XIV is not just a U.S. Pope. He has dedicated much of his life to serving the international church, particularly in the Global South. As a missionary in northern Peru and later as Prior General of the Augustinian order, he brings international experience to his new role. While he holds a degree in Canon Law, his time in Latin America has taught him that the Church is defined not just by law but by the faith of the people – Pope Francis’ “Santo Pueblo y Fiel” – that has been passed down through generations. Pope Leo will likely be sensitive to popular religious expressions of faith as a form of inculturation of the Gospel. Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, with its missiology professors and international student body, prepared him for his cross-cultural ministry. Pope Leo will follow the path outlined by Pope Francis. The Church must listen to everyone, especially those on the margins, to effectively proclaim the Gospel. Teaching must be demonstrated through action, and outreach to the poor, women, and the non-European/North American Church will be a priority. Addressing sensitive issues such as LGBTQ individuals, the invasion of Ukraine, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will also be key concerns. As a classmate, fellow priest, and Christian, I celebrate Robert Prevost's election as Pope. God's grace is evident in the election of a Pope from an unexpected place: Chicago! ```

` tags. During a tense Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs between the Knicks and Celtics, my sons were enthusiastically cheering, their voices reaching the intensity of jet engines. As I tried to follow the score and find my AirPods to block out the noise, a commercial interrupted Jalen Brunson's play. The AT&T ad showed people in various scenic locations connecting with loved ones, ending with the message: Call your mom. This immediately triggered a feeling of unease. I wish I could, but my mother, Shelby, passed away in an accident 18 years ago. My grief is now the age of an adult, capable of voting and enlisting. It's been a constant presence, influencing my decisions even when I thought I was in control. Like an 18-year-old, my grief is sometimes calm and collected, other times impulsive and demanding. It’s complex, opinionated, and vocal. Time doesn't eliminate grief; it expands it. The pain doesn't disappear but lingers, waiting to resurface. This isn't a failure to heal; it's the nature of love and loss over time. Grief no longer overwhelms me daily. It's more like a constant humidity, affecting my perspective even when I'm unaware. It's deeply ingrained in my weltanschauung, influencing how I watch basketball with my sons and how a commercial can suddenly disorient me. My grief is quieter, but it can still strike unexpectedly, even after others believe I should have "moved on." This is normal. Neuroscientist Mary-Frances O’Connor's research indicates that even long after a loss, people continue to "search" for the deceased, expecting their return. This is rooted in biology; grief activates the brain regions associated with attachment and reward. We are driven to seek those we've lost, even when we know they're gone. This explains why years later, a scent, a commercial, or a familiar gesture can trigger the pain anew. Absence, it seems, remains a form of presence, and the brain struggles to differentiate. Grief is not linear. Yet, support systems are dwindling precisely when they are needed most. In Texas, the 988 suicide and crisis hotline is facing a crisis, resulting in many unanswered calls due to overwhelmed centers. Nationally, the situation is equally concerning, with the Trump administration’s decision to cut funding jeopardizing school-based mental health programs, leaving students without vital support. Rural states, already lacking mental health resources, face dire consequences, such as reduced trauma-informed care for Native American students in Nebraska and fewer resources for at-risk youth in Texas. A recent August 2024 poll showed that 84% of Americans believe school staff are essential in spotting early warning signs, yet support is being cut. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to reduce its workforce, impacting mental health services and causing longer wait times for appointments. The thought of enduring that initial pain and trauma without support is frightening. Mental health professionals and organizations are doing important work, but beyond recent budget cuts, there is a lack of national policies that address the reality of loss, such as expanded bereavement leave, sustained mental health funding, and public recognition of collective trauma. Grassroots efforts like the COVID Grief Network honor the many Americans who died from COVID-19, but there is no federally recognized national memorial. While Evermore is researching bereavement experiences, the U.S. lacks a universal national bereavement leave policy. This lack of recognition reflects a societal discomfort with prolonged mourning. Connecting with others who have experienced profound loss creates an immediate understanding. Embracing this truth would make navigating difficult experiences easier. In the past eight years, I’ve connected thousands of grievers across countries for events timed to holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, helping them reclaim agency during sensitive times. We need more spaces for these connections to honor grief without pressure to move on. Grief is a journey that requires support, both individually and collectively, not a problem to be solved. I've matured alongside my grief, developing coping mechanisms. I often describe myself as "living with loss" rather than "grieving." Yet, there are moments when it suddenly resurfaces, disrupting the sense of closure. As I'm pulled back to reality by my sons cheering during a game, I continue to learn to live with the ever-evolving presence of grief, much like a teenager finding their way.

Greetings from Los Angeles, where the Milken Global Conference recently concluded. For those unfamiliar, Milken is a significant event for business and finance leaders—a chance to leave Manhattan and network with industry leaders and policymakers in Beverly Hills. It's not primarily a climate conference. This year, sessions featuring U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang attracted large audiences. However, the real value for many lies in the private discussions—an opportunity for information gathering and deal-making. For me, Milken provides insights into how key figures in business and finance view energy, climate, and related topics. While climate change may not be the top priority as CEOs deal with tariffs and evolving policies, it remains important on the corporate agenda. This is evident not only in the public panel discussions at the Milken conference but also in private conversations among executives in meeting rooms, restaurants, and hallways. The situation is complex. Companies are navigating increasing climate regulations globally while facing a U.S. government that is less receptive to these concerns. They are trying to protect their operations from climate change risks while also managing their finances during uncertain economic times. “Since the election, I’ve had countless conversations and haven’t encountered a single company abandoning its net-zero target,” said Nili Gilbert, vice chair at Carbon Direct, a carbon management investment firm, during a Milken panel discussion. “However, they are actively discussing their strategies for achieving those targets.” My observations from Milken will inform my future reporting, but I want to highlight a few key takeaways: Physical risk Much of the public discussion regarding business and climate has centered on emissions reduction. However, companies are now also considering the physical risks that climate change poses to their operations. This shift is driven by both that require climate risk assessments and recent climate-related disasters that have highlighted these risks. Many companies prefer not to directly address climate risk due to PR concerns. However, a closer look at their sustainability initiatives reveals the connection. For example, an agriculture company might help farmers in its supply chain conserve water, or a fashion company might diversify its sourcing of materials. “Mapping these impacts and hazards is crucial,” said Melissa Fifield, who leads the BMO Climate Institute, during a panel I moderated on water and climate. “It has a significant impact on many companies.” Investment speed Climate action requires substantial investment. The trillions needed for mitigation and adaptation will come in the form of infrastructure, venture capital, or private equity investments. However, current political and economic uncertainty is making companies and investors hesitant to make large investments, causing them to prioritize cash conservation. “These asset owners… want to focus on climate and infrastructure,” said Mark Berryman, partner at Capricorn Investment Group, an impact investing fund, during a Milken panel. But “they may just kind of tighten their belt in general, even if it was not a climate focused investment,” AI, on the other hand, presents a promising area for investment. As before, the growing demand for data centers is driving investment in clean energy. Financial innovation Innovation often refers to new technologies, but financial innovation is equally important for bringing clean energy solutions to market. Throughout the conference, it was encouraging to hear leaders in climate and finance discuss innovative ways for companies to raise capital for climate projects. This includes ongoing discussions about carbon markets and , where public or philanthropic funds are combined with profit-driven investments. It also includes emerging approaches like private credit, where investors outside traditional banks lend directly to companies. Ultimately, financial innovation is crucial for the energy transition, and these issues need to be resolved. To get this story in your inbox, subscribe to the TIME CO2 Leadership Report newsletter . ```

Following a swift, two-day conclave, Robert Prevost, the first American to hold the position, has been elected as Pope Leo XIV to succeed Pope Francis. He made his first public appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening. While his stance on critical issues remains uncertain due to his reserved nature, Pope Leo assumes leadership of the Catholic Church during a period marked by significant global challenges. These include geopolitical conflicts spanning Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, as well as pressing global issues such as migration, human rights, and the climate crisis. World leaders, including Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are hopeful that Pope Leo will emulate Pope Francis' strong climate advocacy, which earned him considerable recognition. Pope Leo has also been invited to attend the upcoming COP30 U.N. climate conference in Brazil. Although Pope Leo's dedication to environmental activism is not widely known, some indicators suggest a potential willingness to prioritize climate action. Last year, during a Rome seminar focused on the global impacts of the climate crisis, Prevost emphasized the need to move "from words to action," according to a report by the Vatican's official news outlet. Vatican News quoted him as saying that “‘Dominion over nature’—the task which God gave humanity—should not become ‘tyrannical.’ It must be a ‘relationship of reciprocity’ with the environment." Following this week's announcement, several influential global figures expressed optimism that Pope Leo would continue Pope Francis's commitment to addressing climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated, "Our world is in need of the strongest voices for peace, social justice, human dignity and compassion. I look forward to building on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See – nurtured most recently by Pope Francis – to advance solidarity, foster reconciliation, and build a just and sustainable world for all.” An invitation to the annual U.N. climate summit was quickly extended to the new Pope. Ana Toni, CEO of the COP30 summit, stated in a that "The COP30 Presidency hopes to welcome Pope Leo XIV in Belém in November to help us reach a climate agreement that will mark a turning point in the creation of a more prosperous, safer, fairer, and sustainable future." In a posted on Thursday, Brazil’s Lula da Silva voiced his hope that Pope Leo would follow in his predecessor's footsteps on multiple fronts, including climate. Brazil, with one of the world's largest Catholic populations, is already experiencing the effects of the climate crisis. “I hope that he will continue the legacy of Pope Francis, whose main virtues were the incessant search for peace and social justice, the defense of the environment, dialogue with all peoples and all religions, and respect for the diversity of human beings.”

A federal judge on Friday mandated the immediate release of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish doctoral candidate at Tufts University. Öztürk had been held in immigration detention for six weeks. The judge deemed her arrest and continued detention unlawful and expressed significant constitutional concerns. Judge William K. Sessions III of the U.S. District Court in Vermont concluded that Öztürk, who was detained in March after co-writing a pro-Palestinian opinion piece in her university's newspaper, was targeted for her speech, violating her First Amendment and due process rights. The ruling strongly criticizes the Trump administration’s utilization of and against foreign students accused of disagreeing with U.S. foreign policy. “There is no evidence here… absent consideration of the op-ed,” Sessions stated in court, indicating the government's case relied entirely on her protected speech. “Her continued detention cannot stand.” Öztürk, who appeared virtually from an ICE facility in Louisiana, was ordered released without travel restrictions, allowing her to return to her Massachusetts home. The ruling was announced while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was holding a briefing with reporters. When questioned about the decision, Leavitt implied Sessions had overstepped his authority. “We’ve made quite clear that lower level judges should not be dictating the foreign policy of the United States,” Leavitt said. Later on Friday, Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, announced the Administration is “actively looking at” suspending habeas corpus, the right to challenge government detention, during invasion or insurrection. Habeas corpus has been suspended only four times since the Constitution's ratification: during the Civil War, in South Carolina during Reconstruction to fight the Ku Klux Klan, in the Philippines during a 1905 insurrection, and in Hawaii after the Pearl Harbor bombing in 1941. “The Constitution is clear, and that, of course, is the supreme law of the land, that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus can be suspended in time of invasion,” Miller stated, shortly after a New York federal judge determined that the Trump administration had not provided evidence of a foreign invasion to justify using the Alien Enemies Act for deportations. Sessions’ order in the Öztürk case arrives amid growing examination of President Donald Trump’s policy of revoking student visas based on perceived political threats. Since returning to office, to act aggressively against foreign nationals whom the Administration alleges are undermining American interests, particularly those critical of Israel and involved in campus protests against the war in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who revoked Öztürk’s visa, stated her presence in the U.S. contradicted American foreign policy interests, suggesting she was aligned with groups hostile to Jewish students. A State Department memo referenced her co-authored op-ed and alleged connections to a student organization temporarily suspended by Tufts. “We gave you a visa to come and study and get a degree, not to become a social activist that tears up our university campuses,” Rubio told reporters. “If we’ve given you a visa and then you decide to do that, we’re going to take it away.” The administration has presented no evidence of criminal activity or direct support for a terrorist group, and immigration authorities have not charged her with any crime. However, the Department of Homeland Security has argued that visa holders like Öztürk can be expelled at the discretion of the executive branch. Judge Sessions strongly opposed this view, cautioning that the government’s actions could discourage speech by “millions and millions” of noncitizens living, studying, and working in the United States. Öztürk’s detention triggered national protest and widespread outrage after surrounding her on a Somerville, Mass., sidewalk in March and forcing her into an unmarked vehicle. Since then, she has been held over 1,300 miles away in Louisiana, where her lawyers report her health has significantly declined. They stated she has chronic asthma and has experienced repeated attacks in detention—including one during Friday’s hearing. “I believe the world is a more beautiful and peaceful place when we listen to each other and allow different perspectives to be in the room,” Öztürk said in a statement read by her attorney in early April. “Writing is one of the most peaceful ways of addressing systemic inequality. Efforts to target me because of my op-ed in the Tufts Daily calling for the equal dignity and humanity of all people will not deter me from my commitment to advocate for the rights of youth and children.” The ruling is the second time in recent weeks that a Vermont federal judge has ordered the release of an international student involved in the Trump administration’s visa crackdown. Last month, Judge Geoffrey Crawford ordered the release of Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian graduate student at Columbia University detained for participating in campus protests. The administration has maintained that such revocations are within the executive branch’s authority. “We absolutely believe the President and the Department of Homeland Security are well within their legal rights to deport illegal immigrants,” Leavitt said Friday. “As for visa revocations, the Secretary of State has the right to do that as well. It is a privilege, not a right to come to this country on a visa.” However, Öztürk, 30, was legally in the U.S. on a student visa when apprehended. Legal experts suggest her case could set a precedent regarding whether visa holders have constitutional rights in immigration custody and whether political expression can lawfully initiate removal proceedings. While Judge Sessions’s ruling only concerns her release from detention, the Trump administration’s broader deportation case against Öztürk is expected to proceed in immigration court.

Pope Leo XIV has assumed leadership of the Catholic Church, commencing his pontificate with a mass in the Sistine Chapel. During the service, he described his election as both a challenge and a gift. Addressing the College of Cardinals, Leo stated that he was called to embrace this challenge and be blessed with this mission. He expressed confidence that he could rely on everyone to join him as they continue their journey as a church, a community, friends of Jesus, and believers, to spread the good news and the Gospel. Although the Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has already led his first service for the cardinals, the formal papal inauguration Mass is scheduled for over a week from now. While there are no specific rules governing the time between the end of a conclave and the inauguration Mass, this year's service will occur after a longer interval than the previous one. For instance, when Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, his inauguration took place only six days later. The selection of Pope Leo, 69, who was born in Illinois and holds dual citizenship from the U.S. and Peru, where he dedicated many years as a missionary, has been met with enthusiasm worldwide. The first American Pope previously headed the church’s Dicastery for Bishops and voiced his intention to examine the . Here's what we currently know about Pope Leo's inauguration Mass. When is the inauguration Mass? The inauguration Mass is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, at 10 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square. In the lead-up to the inauguration, Leo has a packed schedule as he acquaints himself with his papal duties, including meetings with cardinals and the press, as well as prayer sessions. What happens during the inauguration Mass? Global leaders are expected to gather on May 18 for the papal inauguration Mass, which signifies the official start of the Pope’s term. Pope Francis’ 2013 inauguration included attendees such as —the second Catholic President in U.S. history, after John F. Kennedy—and former Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez. The extensive service typically commences with a visit to St. Peter’s tomb inside the Basilica. Deacons collect two items: the fisherman’s ring and the pallium, a liturgical vestment worn by the Pope. During , he joined nine other Catholic Church leaders at the Basilica for prayer. This was followed by a procession into St. Peter’s Square, accompanied by the chant “Laudes Regiae”—also known as “Christus vincit,” which is Latin for “Christ is King/Christ conquers.” After his own rendition of this procession, the Pope will likely receive the pallium and ring as symbols of his assumption of the papacy. The papal inauguration Mass will then begin. Although there is no set duration, Francis’ lasted approximately two hours.

Marina Silva's accomplishments appear almost miraculous. Since returning as Brazil's environment and climate minister in 2023, the nation has swiftly reversed deforestation through strict enforcement of environmental regulations neglected by her predecessor. Recent data from last fall indicates Amazon deforestation reached its lowest point in a decade, nearly halving in 2023 alone compared to the previous year. "When we assumed office, deforestation was escalating uncontrollably," she stated on April 30. "We needed to rebuild institutions, command and control organizations, and increase public funding." However, during our meeting in Brasília, she cautioned against complacency. The Amazon rainforest is dangerously close to a tipping point that could drastically alter the rainforest and the entire planet. Once this point is reached, the Amazon will lose its ability to sustain itself, transforming into savannah, causing biodiversity loss and a massive carbon dioxide release. To prevent this, leaders must adopt new strategies to halt legal deforestation and boost reforestation efforts while maintaining current enforcement. Moreover, saving the Amazon requires global action to reduce fossil fuel emissions. "Even if we eliminate deforestation, climate change and continued fossil fuel emissions will still destroy the forest," she warned. For Silva, who grew up in the Amazonian state of Acre as part of a rubber-tapping family, this represents the next phase in her lifelong dedication to Amazon protection. It also marks a crucial moment for Brazil as it leads the climate movement, hosting the annual U.N. climate conference, COP30, in November. "We're at the edge of the climate crisis, nearing a critical shift," she emphasized. "The window to stay below the 1.5-degree limit is now extremely narrow." Even a seasoned climate expert would find it difficult to keep track of all the climate-related activities happening in Brazil in preparation for COP30. Brazilian President Lula has prioritized climate action, engaging ministers across the government. Silva has transformed her ministry into a central hub for these efforts. During my visit, the government announced a $2 billion program to reforest up to 1 million hectares of degraded Amazon land. Additionally, Silva has intensified her collaboration with the finance ministry on a $125 billion fund to protect tropical forests worldwide. Besides the rainforest initiatives, the government has introduced a carbon price for domestic industries and is exploring ways to harmonize similar policies with other nations. Silva hopes these efforts will converge at COP30, making it a turning point for implementing climate initiatives globally. She envisions COP30 as a "global ethical stocktake," where Lula and U.N. Secretary General will engage various stakeholders—from philosophers to Indigenous people to political leaders—to develop a plan for implementing climate solutions. "We can't keep postponing action," she insisted. "We need to implement." This year's climate negotiations will undoubtedly face numerous challenges, particularly the U.S.'s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Silva openly criticized the Trump Administration's decisions, including exiting the Paris Agreement and halting the National Climate Assessment, stating that they created a significant gap in necessary climate action: "Things have become more difficult, especially with the decisions of the Trump Administration." My Brasília visit coincided with a key BRICS meeting, where emerging market countries cooperate as a counterweight to U.S. and European influence. I saw the Chinese foreign minister and other country delegations at my hotel. However, Silva stressed that the actions of other countries cannot compensate for the U.S.'s inaction. "We can't deny the realities of geopolitics or climate," she stated. "The vacuum created by the U.S. remains the U.S.'s responsibility." She cited geopolitical challenges when addressing criticisms of Lula's climate leadership. Despite his focus on the issue, some environmental activists argue that he is not acting quickly enough. A primary concern is new oil exploration in the Amazon. Silva responded by highlighting the current high oil demand and strained supply. The U.S.'s stance has created a global perception that fossil fuels will remain relevant for some time. She advocates for a well-managed transition. "I support a fair, planned transition for everyone," she explained. "It's not a magical solution." COP30, under Brazil's leadership, offers a suitable starting point for implementing such a transition. This story is supported by a partnership with and Journalism Funding Partners. TIME is solely responsible for the content.

Before the morning rush at a military base, LeAnne Withrow would discreetly enter the women's restroom, usually around 2 or 3 a.m., to ensure she was alone. Withrow came out as a transgender woman in 2016, a year before Donald Trump's initial attempt to ban transgender people from the military. Her goal was simply to serve, support her fellow soldiers, and return home, not to become a symbol. "I've made a conscious effort, especially early in my transition, to avoid causing problems," Withrow told TIME, reflecting on the past nine years. "I just wanted to ensure I wouldn't inconvenience anyone." However, a recent directive issued by Trump in January—mandating that all federal employees use facilities corresponding to their sex assigned at birth—has placed Withrow at the heart of a growing legal and political controversy. In response to this mandate, the Department of Defense and other agencies have prohibited transgender employees from using restrooms aligning with their gender identity. Withrow, feeling like she’s "walking on eggshells," has filed a complaint with the Army National Guard Bureau of Equal Opportunity Office regarding this policy change. "I'm now concerned about choosing a restroom," says Withrow, who enlisted in the military in 2010 and is now a civilian employee of the Illinois National Guard. "Life can be very dangerous for transgender individuals." Just a day after the class action complaint was filed, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump's policy could remain in effect while multiple lawsuits against it are being litigated in lower courts, mirroring a similar decision from his previous term. Emboldened by this decision, the Pentagon announced plans to remove at least 1,000 openly transgender troops from the military. Others have been given 30 days to self-identify as transgender, with the Defense Department threatening to review medical records to identify those who do not come forward. "This will permanently and irreparably alter the careers and lives of many," Withrow states. "Even if overturned later, their chance to serve might be lost forever." Before transitioning from a staff sergeant in the National Guard, Withrow was among the approximately 4,420 transgender military members, representing 0.2% of the total military personnel. While Withrow can keep her civilian job, she is worried that this situation will influence how future legal challenges to anti-transgender policies will unfold. In January, the Administration threatened to cut federal funding to hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to transgender youth, and at least one university which a transgender athlete to participate on the women’s swimming team in 2022. Later this year, the Supreme Court will rule on , a case challenging Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Justices will also hear a case on the constitutionality of . A recent Department of Health and Human Services report, which advocates say as a treatment for gender dysphoria, was released this May. Withrow hopes to continue serving military families without facing discrimination. "I want to support soldiers, families, and veterans—and then go home at the end of the day. Somewhere in between, I'll probably need to use the restroom."

` tags. On May 8th, amidst a crowd of global pilgrims, I stood in St. Peter’s Square as the new Pope was chosen. The unforgettable roar that followed the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel resonated deeply. The ground trembled as the basilica bells rang, announcing the unexpected election of the new Vicar of Jesus Christ. A nearby nun questioned, "Who is it?" Confident in my knowledge, I replied, "It's Robert! He's American, one of us." The cardinals had selected a Midwesterner as the successor to Saint Peter. As the St. Peter's bells chimed and the balcony curtains opened, we recognized it as the start of a new epoch for both the Church and, in some ways, America. For the first time, the most well-known American isn't a president, celebrity, or tech mogul, but the Pope. This signifies more than just a Catholic achievement; it marks a cultural turning point for the United States. In a culture that often links American influence to power, wealth, or fame, our primary global representative is now a modest man promoting love, justice, and compassion. News of an American Pope sparked excitement back in the U.S., along with attempts to claim him as aligned with various agendas. Politicians quickly voiced support, each with their own angle. Progressive Democrats emphasized his social justice, immigrant rights, and anti-poverty advocacy, while Conservative Republicans highlighted his traditional Catholic views on abortion and religious freedom, seeking spiritual validation. (Although, some MAGA supporters appear ready to already .) This struggle to claim the Pope politically seemed unavoidable. However, this misses the true essence of Pope Leo XIV. Like any good priest, he will offer comfort and challenges to all, regardless of political affiliations. Vatican insiders suggest Pope Leo XIV could be to what Paul VI was to John XXIII, or Benedict XVI to John Paul II. He's viewed as capable of bringing structure, discipline, and concrete reforms to solidify his predecessor's prophetic vision. Pope Francis spent the last decade igniting an evangelical passion within the Church, emphasizing the marginalized, mercy, and care for the less fortunate. Despite the grand historical comparisons, the everyday nature of this moment is striking. After the white smoke cleared and the crowds dispersed, I did something ordinary: I texted an old contact from a decade ago—who is now the Pope. I sent the message, feeling a mix of disbelief and pride. Almost instantly, the message failed to deliver. Of course. Father Bob had exchanged his iPhone for the Fisherman's Ring, and his private number was likely deactivated by the Vatican soon after Habemus Papam. I chuckled at the thought of texting the Pope, but the impulse reveals much: Americans are accustomed to being able to reach their leaders easily, and momentarily, I forgot that my fellow citizen on the balcony was now a universal shepherd with a completely different existence. Yet, the mere fact that the new Pope was in my contacts list highlights his accessibility and American identity. For an American Catholic like myself, this hint of shared background is both appealing and reassuring. It reminds us that the papacy isn't just an abstract concept; it's held by a person who now happens to be one of us. Pope Leo's election immediately makes Vatican rituals feel somewhat more familiar to Americans—and possibly makes the concept of holiness feel a bit more within reach. Beyond the novelty and pride, many are looking to this new Pope with a deeper hope: could this be a time for moral and institutional revival in America? It’s no secret that our country has faced serious divisions lately. We’ve weathered difficult political battles, a crisis of truth and civility, even an insurrection and the continued temptation of authoritarian politics. Trust in institutions is at a historic low; even faith communities are fractured by conflict. In short, Americans are yearning for healing—a return to integrity in our public sphere and compassion within our communities. In this context, the first American pope feels like a fortunate development. Who better than an American, grounded in the principles of liberty under God, to remind the world that faith and freedom go hand in hand against isolation and loneliness? Don’t be surprised if he soon uses his moral platform to gently, but firmly, push back against the alluring promises of authoritarian leaders—whether they’re on the global stage or lurking in our domestic politics. His voice, coming from an American who cannot be easily dismissed as “anti-American,” might uniquely awaken the conscience of our nation. At the very least, his example of servant leadership—prioritizing the poor, engaging in dialogue with opponents, and rejecting worldly power—offers a much-needed alternative to the cynical power struggles we’ve become used to. Without dwelling too much on the divisiveness of the recent past, it’s safe to say that America’s image was often associated with aggressive nationalism and a personality cult. How fitting, then, that as we move forward, the global spotlight turns to an American known for quiet service and spiritual depth. Pope Leo XIV’s rise doesn’t erase our nation’s problems, but it does offer a new vision of what American leadership can represent. It suggests that America’s most significant contribution might not be its entertainment or weapons, but its potential for idealism and moral vision.