📚 English Speeches' Newsletter #98

Hello, English Speeches community!

Welcome to our 98th newsletter, your trusted source for enhancing your English skills through inspiring news, practical lessons, and real-world speeches. Each edition is designed to bring you closer to fluency and a deeper understanding of global events.

• English with News highlights the passing of Pope Francis, exploring key vocabulary like pontiff and inclusivity.
  

• Learn English offers a practical guide to mastering phrasal verbs and sounding more like a native speaker.
  

• English Speeches revisits Pope Francis’s historic address at the White House, providing a rich learning opportunity through formal and powerful language.

Join us as we continue growing your English skills while connecting with inspiring stories and lessons from around the world. Let’s keep learning together! 📚

ENGLISH WITH NEWS

Pope Francis Dies at 88: World Mourns a Humble Reformer

This week, the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. As the first Latin American and Jesuit pope, he led the Catholic Church for 12 years, championing social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity. His funeral in Vatican City drew over 250,000 mourners, including global leaders and ordinary citizens, reflecting his profound impact on people worldwide.

Key Words:

1. Pontiff (n.) – A term used to refer to the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

   • Example: The pontiff addressed the crowd with a message of peace and unity.
     

2. Requiem Mass (n.) – A Mass in the Catholic Church offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

   • Example: A solemn Requiem Mass was held in St. Peter's Basilica to honor the late Pope.
     

3. Inclusivity (n.) – The practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.

   • Example: Pope Francis was known for promoting inclusivity within the Church.

Pope Francis's legacy as a humble reformer and advocate for the marginalized continues to inspire millions. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the Church's history, prompting reflection on his contributions to global faith and social issues. (SOURCE)

LEARN ENGLISH

Phrasal Verbs: Speak English Like a Native Speaker

This week, we explore one of the most important aspects of sounding fluent in English: using phrasal verbs naturally. Phrasal verbs are short expressions made up of a verb and one or two small words (like up, out, in) that completely change the meaning of the original verb. Mastering them can make your conversations more casual, lively, and native-like.

Key Points:

• Understand Common Phrasal Verbs: Focus on everyday expressions like look up, bring up, and turn down to quickly boost your conversational skills.
  

• Practice in Context: Instead of memorizing lists, learn how phrasal verbs are used in real sentences and dialogues to remember them better.
  

• Use Phrasal Verbs Regularly: Try incorporating a few new phrasal verbs into your daily conversations to build confidence and fluency over time.

For a more detailed guide on how to effectively use phrasal verbs to sound like a native speaker, read the full article on our website.

ENGLISH SPEECHES

Pope Francis: Faith & Freedom

Learn English with Pope Francis. In memory of his enduring legacy, we revisit his historic address on the South Lawn of the White House in 2015. Speaking alongside President Obama, Pope Francis honours immigrant roots, champions religious liberty, and urges all nations to protect our common home through sustainable action. His message offers an opportunity to improve your listening skills while reflecting on themes of inclusion, stewardship, and hope.

Key Points for English Learners:

• Formal Language for Diplomatic Speeches: Pope Francis’s address is an excellent example of respectful, formal English often used in official and diplomatic settings.
  

• Powerful Vocabulary on Social Themes: The speech highlights words and phrases connected to human rights, environmental stewardship, and faith, enriching your vocabulary.
  

• Clear Pronunciation and Pacing: Pope Francis speaks slowly and clearly, making it ideal for English learners to practice listening comprehension and pronunciation.

Exploring speeches like this not only strengthens your English skills but also connects you with important global conversations about justice, faith, and humanity.

ENGLISH SPEECHES MEMBERSHIP

🚀 Do You Want to Learn English Faster?

Our new English Speeches Community is live—and now it’s time to choose how far you want to go. Whether you're starting with free resources or ready for full support and real progress, there’s a plan made for you.

🎯 Essential Plan – $9.99/month (30-day free trial)

✦ 100+ lessons | 200+ hours of learning | Full 2-year path

• Full access to our Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced courses
• Weekly live classes aligned with the curriculum
• Track your progress and stay consistent
• No credit card required. Cancel anytime.

👑 Premium Plan – $19.99/month (14-day free trial)

✦ Everything in Essential + Homework Support + Premium Tools
✦ 100+ lessons | 200+ hours | Full course from A1 to C1

• Submit homework and receive personalized feedback
• Unlock Premium Resources like “3,000 Phrasal Verbs” and “1,000 Must-Know Words”
• No credit card required. Cancel anytime.

💎 VIP Plan – $89.99/month (Limited Availability)

✦ Everything in Premium + Private Coaching
✦ Speak confidently with small-group practice and 1-on-1 help
✦ 100+ lessons | 200+ hours | Covers all English levels

• Small-group speaking sessions (2x/month)
• One private class every month
• Priority support and personalized feedback

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

You don’t need to be perfect today—you just need to move forward. Every small step you take in English, whether it’s learning a new word, practicing a sentence, or joining a conversation, builds real progress.

Consistency beats speed. Stay patient, stay focused, and trust that every little effort is leading you toward something much bigger. Keep going—your future self will thank you.

THAT’S A WRAP

We're grateful for your continued companionship on this language-learning voyage. Don't hesitate to share your thoughts, ideas, or inquiries. Together, we'll keep exploring, expanding, and expressing ourselves with confidence in the English language!

Keep learning and thriving,

Ricardo
Founder, English Speeches YouTube Channel