The Guardian's picture editors have selected a series of powerful images from around the world, capturing significant events on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Equatorial Guinea: Papal Mass
Catholics gathered before Pope Leo XIV led mass at the Malabo Stadium in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. The photograph by Luca Zennaro shows a large crowd of worshippers assembled for the historic event.
Gaza: Funeral for Drone Strike Victim
In Khan Younis, Gaza, a funeral was held at Nasser Hospital for Yahya Abu Shelhub, a 23-year-old Palestinian killed in a drone strike carried out by Israeli forces. The image by Abed Rahim Khatib captures the somber ceremony.
Lebanon: Memorial for Journalist
In Baysarieh, Lebanon, a giant poster hangs from a building showing Amal Khalil, a journalist who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The photograph by Mohammed Zaatari highlights the tribute.
Strait of Hormuz: Iranian Forces Board Ship
A screen grab taken from video footage released by Iran's Revolutionary Guards shows a naval unit boarding a ship. Iranian forces targeted three container vessels on Wednesday, as captured in this image from IRIB TV.
Amsterdam: World Press Photo Exhibition
Carol Guzy's photo, titled "Separated by ICE," hangs in an exhibition at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. The image, which won World Press Photo's photo of the year for 2026, is shown in a photograph by Robin van Lonkhuijsen.
Ukraine: Aftermath of Drone Strike
In Dnipro, Ukraine, an apartment building shows the scars of a Russian drone strike. The Reuters photograph documents the damage to residential infrastructure.
Japan: Wildfires in Iwate
Smoke rises from wildfires in a mountainous part of Iwate prefecture, near Ōtsuchi, Japan. The image by KYODO/Reuters captures the scale of the blaze.
Australia: Anzac Day Ceremony
In Sydney, Australia, Corporal Ryan Casey plays the last post at an Anzac Day ceremony prior to a match at the Leichhardt Oval. The photograph by Cameron Spencer shows the solemn military tribute.
Denmark: Train Collision
The aftermath of a collision between two commuter trains 19 miles north-west of Copenhagen in Isterødvejen, Denmark. At least 18 people were injured in the incident, as depicted in this Reuters photograph by Steven Knap.
Germany: Protest Against Exiled Prince
In Berlin, Germany, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last shah, is stained with red liquid thrown at him by an unidentified activist after a press conference. The image by Liesa Johannssen captures the dramatic moment.
South Korea: Samsung Employees Protest
Tens of thousands of Samsung employees took part in a sit-in protest about pay outside the company's electronics campus in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The photograph by Chung Sung-Jun shows the massive demonstration.
India: Women-Only Polling Station
In Chennai, India, a voter casts her ballot at a women-only polling station during the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly elections. The image by R Satish Babu highlights the unique voting arrangement.
Brazil: Saint George's Day Celebrations
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, people light candles for Saint George's Day (São Jorge) celebrations in the Quintino neighbourhood. The photograph by Pablo Porciúncula captures the religious observance.
London: Westminster Abbey Repairs
A view of Westminster Abbey's nave from a suspended scaffolding platform. Repairs are being undertaken to the building, which dates back to 1065, as shown in this image by Jordan Pettitt.
Japan: Disneyland Cosplay
In Urayasu, Japan, guests dressed in costumes inspired by the Mandalorian and Grogu characters pose at Tokyo Disneyland. The photograph by Franck Robichon adds a touch of lightheartedness to the day's news.
