Our 2025 World Year in Review for Kids is here! Follow along as we discuss 10 things that happened in the world last year.
1) Pope Francis Died at Age 88
One of the biggest global stories in 2025 was the death of Pope Francis. He died on April 21, 2025, at age 88. Many people around the world felt sad because he spoke about kindness, peace, and helping others.
Pope Francis led the Catholic Church for more than a decade. Leaders from many countries attended memorial events. After Pope Francis died, the Church held a conclave (a special election). In May 2025, cardinals chose Pope Leo XIV, also known as Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost. He is the first American pope. Sarah Mullally was appointed the archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to hold the position.
New popes often guide the Church in new directions. Many people were excited to hear what Pope Leo XIV would focus on during his leadership.
Ask kids: How does leadership work in world religions, and how do communities honor important people?
2) The United States Started a New Presidential Term Under Donald Trump
In January 2025, Donald Trump began a new term as president and returned to the White House. This was a major political shift in the United States and also affected relationships with other countries.
A president helps lead the country and makes decisions about laws, the economy, and global partnerships. Presidential elections take place every four years.
Ask kids: What are three jobs a president has?
3) Tariffs Rose and a Global Trade War Grew
In 2025, the United States increased tariffs. Tariffs are extra taxes placed on goods imported from other countries. Some experts described this as part of a trade war because other countries can respond with tariffs of their own.
A trade war can affect store prices. Families may pay more for certain items, especially electronics or imported goods.
Ask kids: What are taxes, and why do we pay them?
4) The ISS Celebrated 25 Years of Humans Living in Space
NASA and international partners celebrated 25 years of continuous human presence on the International Space Station. The first crew began living there in November 2000, and by November 2025, the station reached its 25-year milestone.
Scientists use the ISS to study how bodies react to space, how plants grow without gravity, and how technology works far from Earth. The ISS also shows how countries can cooperate. Nearly 300 people from 26 countries have visited the ISS.
Ask kids: Would you want to live in space? Why or why not?
5) World Expo 2025 Opened in Osaka, Japan
One of the happiest global events of 2025 was World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. It opened in April and focused on the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Countries from around the world came together to share ideas for a better way of life. Their focus was on clean energy, safe water, and new health technology.
Think of it like a giant world science fair mixed with a cultural festival. Families visited exhibits, tried foods, and explored inventions.
Ask kids: What would you invent to help people in the future?
6) KPop Demon Hunters Became a Global Hit
In 2025, a surprising pop culture moment took over screens and music charts. KPop Demon Hunters. The animated film became Netflix’s most-watched film and inspired major fan communities worldwide. The soundtrack was also hugely successful.
Ask kids: Did you watch KPop Demon Hunters? If so, who is your favorite character and why?
7) Solar and Lunar Eclipse
In 2025, there were a total of four eclipses, two total lunar eclipses and two partial solar eclipses. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, blocking some of the Sun’s light. A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon moves into the Earth’s shadow. These eclipses were visible in different countries all over the world.
Eclipses bring science into real life. Schools used the eclipse as a reason to teach about space, shadows, and safe viewing.
Ask kids: Have you ever seen an eclipse?
8) FIFA World Cup
Sports were a major bright spot in 2025. Fans watched championships, races, tournaments, and finals across many countries.
One of the biggest sports events was the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, hosted in the United States. For the first time, the tournament included 32 teams and ran from June 14 to July 13, 2025. This was a global soccer event featuring top professional clubs promoted like a world championship for club teams.
Ask kids: What is your favorite sport, and who is your favorite team?
9) Colossal Squid Baby
On March 9, 2025, a research team recorded a baby colossal squid deep in the ocean near the South Sandwich Islands, using an underwater robot. It was the first confirmed video footage of a colossal squid living in its natural habitat. For decades, researchers mostly learned about colossal squids from animals that washed up dead or were caught accidentally. The footage helped researchers learn more about one of the ocean’s most mysterious animals.
Ask kids: If you could make a new science discovery, what would you want it to be?
10) “Blue Ghost” Lands on the Moon
In 2025, Firefly Aerospace, a space tech company based in the United States, made history by successfully landing its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the Moon. On March 2, 2025, Blue Ghost touched down near an area called Mare Crisium and began a two-week science mission for NASA. The lander carried 10 research instruments designed to test new tools and collect data that could help future astronauts.
NASA awarded the mission through a contract worth about $101 million, showing how private companies are now helping with space exploration.
Ask kids: If you had the opportunity to visit space, would you want to?
Teacher & Family Activities
1) Pick One Event Writing Prompt
Choose one event and write:
- What happened?
- Why did it matter?
- How did people respond?
2) Map the News
Print a map. Mark:
- Osaka (World Expo)
- Rome (Pope election)
- U.S. host cities for FIFA
- Countries involved in the ISS
3) Make a “Good News” Board
Have students add one positive story they saw or heard in 2025.
More ways to Keep Learning
As we look back on this 2025 year in review, one thing becomes clear: the world is changing every single day. Every year brings new challenges, discoveries, and moments that inspire us. Learning about them helps children understand how people and countries connect.
For more ways to teach your children and students about the world, check out Learn Bright lesson plans and videos!
