A Week in Review: February 21-27, 2025 (Curated by Subramoney Iyer)

Faith and Resilience: A Global Perspective

The week began with a poignant moment at the Vatican, where deacons gathered at St. Peter’s Basilica for a jubilee mass initially planned to be led by Pope Francis. However, the Pope’s unexpected hospitalization at Rome’s Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic shifted the focus, leaving the congregation to celebrate their faith without his presence. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation during a press conference in Kyiv, reinforcing his resolve to lead his country through the ongoing conflict with Russia. These moments underscore the resilience of faith and leadership in the face of uncertainty.

In contrast, the vibrant colors of a fashion show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Madrid provided a starkly different tone. Makeup artists worked tirelessly backstage to prepare models for the runway, highlighting the creativity and beauty that coexist with the world’s challenges. These contrasting scenes remind us of the diverse tapestry of human experience, where faith, politics, and culture intertwine.

Conflict and Protest: A Cry for Change

The week was also marked by unrest and rebellion. In Haiti, protesters took to the streets of Port-au-Prince to demand government action against escalating gang violence. A striking image captured a demonstratorsitting on the hood of a car, a symbol of both defiance and desperation. Across the Atlantic, in Berlin, police clashed with anti-far-right protesters who attempted to block a far-right demonstration just a day before the German national election. These events highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and the polarizing forces shaping global politics.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, former members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and police officers surrendered to M23 rebels in Goma, a stark reminder of the region’s enduring instability. Meanwhile, in Israel, mourners gathered to honor slain hostages Shiri Bibas and her two children, Ariel and Kfir, during their funeral procession in Rishon Lezion. These moments of sorrow and conflict serve as a reminder of the fragility of peace and the need for resolution.

Migration and Movement: Stories of Displacement

Migration remains a defining issue of our time, and this week was no exception. In Panama, migrants boarded a boat at the Caribbean coastal village of Miramar, bound for the Colombian border. Many of these individuals were part of a reverse migration flow, abandoning hopes of reaching the U.S. due to the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. This poignant scene captures the resilience and uncertainty faced by those seeking a better life elsewhere.

In a different context, freed Palestinian detainees were greeted with joy after being released from an Israeli prison following a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel. The emotional reunion in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, offered a rare moment of hope in a region long plagued by conflict. These stories of displacement and liberation remind us of the human cost of politics and the enduring search for safety and dignity.

Culture and Celebration: Moments of Joy

Amidst the gravity of global events, moments of joy and cultural expression provided a much-needed respite. In Guwahati, India, tribal youth performed the Jhumur dance during an event aimed at setting a world record. The vibrant costumes and synchronized movements celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the region. Similarly, at Papago Park in Phoenix, people gathered to watch the sunset over the iconic Hole in the Rock formation, a serene moment of connection with nature.

In the realm of sports, figure skater Sarah Everhardt of the U.S. dazzled during the gala exhibition at the ISU Four Continents Figure Skating Championships in Seoul, South Korea. Her performance, a blend of artistry and athleticism, showcased the beauty of competitive sports. These moments of cultural celebration and personal achievement remind us of the power of art and human endeavor to uplift and inspire.

Politics and Power: Shifting Landscapes

The world of politics was abuzz with activity. In Germany, Friedrich Merz, the candidate for the Christian Democratic Union party, shook hands with Markus Soeder, leader of the CSU and Minister-President of Bavaria, following the national election. This gesture of unity underscored the significance of coalition-building in the aftermath of the vote. In Berlin, protesters marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, illuminated in Ukrainian colors, to demand peace and justice.

Across the Atlantic, U.S. President Donald Trump met with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office, a meeting that drew significant attention given the two leaders’ influential roles on the global stage. Meanwhile, Elon Musk received a chainsaw from Argentina’s President Javier Milei at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a symbolic gesture that sparked curiosity and debate. These moments highlight the complex interplay of power, diplomacy, and rhetoric that shape our world.

Reflection and Renewal: The Human Spirit Endures

As the week came to a close, the world witnessed both sorrow and celebration. In Los Angeles, Conan O’Brien posed on the red carpet ahead of the 97th Academy Awards, a lighthearted moment in the glare of Hollywood’s spotlight. In Phoenix, a hummingbird sipped nectar from a flower before a spring training baseball game, a fleeting yet beautiful reminder of nature’s enduring grace. These images, though vastly different, share a common thread: the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit.

From the Vatican to Venezuela, from politics to sports, and from protest to celebration, this week’s images paint a powerful portrait of our interconnected world. They remind us that, even amidst conflict and uncertainty, there is always hope, always a reason to look forward. As the world continues to evolve, these moments captured by AP photographers offer a window into the shared human experience that binds us all.