Pope Leo XIV used his Palm Sunday homily (March 29–30, 2026) to condemn leaders who invoke Jesus to justify armed conflict, saying “God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.” His remarks came as the U.S.–Israeli campaign against Iran enters its second month and follow controversy over U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who led a Pentagon prayer invoking “overwhelming violence of action” against enemies. On the same weekend Israeli police barred the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to mark Palm Sunday, citing security concerns tied to Iranian missile strikes. The move provoked sharp criticism from Italy, France, Spain, the European Union and U.S. diplomats. After international backlash, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered authorities to grant the patriarch “full and immediate access” and said there was no malicious intent. The Latin Patriarchate described the initial denial as a “grave precedent.” The episode has spotlighted tensions over freedom of worship in Jerusalem’s Old City and raised renewed debate about the use of religious language by political and military leaders in the Iran war.

Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their next manager after parting company with interim coach Igor Tudor, sources report. The club sit 17th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone with seven games left, and have reportedly offered De Zerbi a long-term package — widely reported as a five-year contract with a substantial salary and a possible relegation release clause. De Zerbi, who left Marseille in February and previously managed Brighton, had said he preferred to wait until the summer but has performed a U‑turn amid heavy persuasion. The move has provoked protests from several Spurs supporter groups including Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane and Spurs Reach because of De Zerbi’s public defence of Mason Greenwood while at Marseille. Former players and pundits are split on whether his possession-based, high-risk style can deliver immediate survival. Tottenham aim to have a new coach in place before their next league game on April 12 against Sunderland; failure to avoid relegation would carry major sporting and financial consequences for the club.

Israel’s parliament approved on March 30, 2026, a contentious bill making death by hanging the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in West Bank military courts of lethal attacks, passing by 62 votes to 48. Championed by far‑right National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir and backed in the vote by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the law also allows Israeli criminal courts to impose death or life terms for killings said to aim at “negating the existence of the State of Israel.” The measure sets executions within 90 days of sentencing (with limited postponement), restricts clemency and lowers some procedural safeguards in military trials; it is not retroactive. Rights groups and Israeli opposition figures have called the law “discriminatory by design” and several organisations, led by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, filed petitions to the Supreme Court. International actors — including EU foreign ministers, the UN and human‑rights NGOs — condemned the move. European officials have warned the legislation could jeopardise parts of the EU‑Israel Association Agreement and prompt diplomatic measures.

Thieves made off with three paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne and Henri Matisse from the Fondazione Magnani Rocca, a private museum near Parma, Italy, in a raid on the night of March 22-23. Italian police and the Carabinieri’s Cultural Heritage Protection Unit said four masked burglars forced open an entrance, entered a first-floor gallery and grabbed Renoir’s Les Poissons, Cézanne’s Tasse et Plat de Cerises (Still Life with Cherries) and Matisse’s Odalisque on the Terrace before fleeing across the museum gardens and scaling a fence. Local media and the foundation said the operation took less than three minutes; the alarm was triggered and a fourth work was reportedly abandoned. The stolen works are valued at about €9 million (roughly $10 million), according to broadcasters. Authorities are examining CCTV and nearby surveillance footage; no arrests have been reported. The foundation described the theft as “structured and organised.” Investigators are treating the case alongside a recent surge in high‑profile European museum robberies, including last year’s Louvre jewels heist.

Mumbai Indians chased 221 to beat Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in the IPL opener on March 29-30, 2026. Rohit Sharma led the chase with a 38-ball 78, sharing a 148-run opening stand with Ryan Rickelton (81). Rohit’s knock also took him past Virat Kohli to become the highest run-scorer against a single IPL side, amassing 1,161 runs versus KKR. Shardul Thakur’s three wickets (3-39) and Jasprit Bumrah’s late control helped restrict KKR after Ajinkya Rahane’s 67 propelled them to 220-4. The match generated controversy when Rahane deflected questions about Australian signing Cameron Green’s absence from the bowling attack with “ask Cricket Australia.” CA later confirmed Green is managing a lower-back complaint, will abstain from bowling for around 10-12 days and that KKR had been informed. Mahela Jayawardene said Suryakumar Yadav’s use as an impact substitute was precautionary for a tight groin. Former India captain Anil Kumble praised Rohit’s “2.0” form, while the result snapped MI’s 13-year run of losing season openers.