Big Newsmakers In 2025 Included Pope Leo XIV, Karen Read, And Elon Musk

In January 2025, former "first buddy" Elon Musk caught heat on the first day of Donald Trump's second term after he made a gesture that some thought resembled a Nazi salute. In April, Pope Francis died, ending a 12 year papacy. His replacement stunned the world. After a two-day conclave, Cardinal Robert Prevost from Chicago became the first ever American pope. He is now known as Pope Leo XIV. In the summer, Karen Read emerged victorious after a two-month trial.