Vatican Prepares for Conclave, WH Says Hegseth Safe, IRS Commissioner Removed: AM Update 4/22

Pope Francis passes away from stroke and heart failure, setting the stage for a historic conclave to choose his successor. The White House pushes back on reports of dysfunction in the Defense Department as Secretary Hegseth faces renewed scrutiny over leaked Signal chats and internal Pentagon shakeups. Gary Shapley removed as acting IRS Commissioner days after taking the job, amid behind-the-scenes infighting at Treasury and pushback over his surprise appointment.