Articles in this Cluster
06-05-2025
The Catholic Church marked the end of a nine-day mourning period, known as Novemdiales, for Pope Francis, who died on April 21 after 12 years in the papacy. The final mass was held on Sunday, presided over by Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, and attended by hundreds of cardinals and laypeople. The conclave to select Pope Francis' successor is set to begin on May 7, where around 135 cardinal electors will isolate at the Vatican and cast ballots until a new pope is chosen with a two-thirds-plus-one majority. Cardinal Timothy Dolan discussed the upcoming conclave, stating that the ideal pope should be like Jesus, citing Pope Francis' humility and simplicity as qualities that made him effective.
06-05-2025
As 135 cardinals meet in Rome to decide the next pope, victims of clergy abuse question whether Pope Francis did enough to stop predators during his papacy. Alexa MacPherson, who was abused by priest Peter Kanchong from age three, believes the Church can do more to address child abuse. Despite acknowledging victims and reforming internal procedures, many survivors feel Pope Francis didn't go far enough. The Church has made some changes, such as revising the law on "pontifical secrecy" and requiring allegations to be referred up the hierarchy, but critics argue these measures don't go far enough and still allow for secrecy. MacPherson and her lawyer, Mitchell Garabedian, want the Church to reveal everything it knows and hold predators accountable in a regular court of law.
06-05-2025
The Catholic Church is preparing for a conclave to elect a new pope after the nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis ended on Monday. Cardinals from around the world are gathering at the Vatican, where they will vote to select the next leader of the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church. The conclave is set to begin on Wednesday, with the cardinals burning their ballots after each vote, producing black smoke if no candidate has been elected and white smoke when a new pope is chosen. The cardinals have different ideologies and viewpoints, with some, like Swedish Cardinal Anders Arborelius, supporting the policies of Pope Francis, including immigrants' rights and greater roles for women in the church, while others, like German Cardinal Gerhard Muller, have been critical of Francis' decisions, such as allowing priests to bless same-sex unions. The diversity of viewpoints could lead to a drawn-out conclave, although recent conclaves have typically been resolved within two to three days.
06-05-2025
Speculation and excitement are growing in Rome as cardinals prepare to choose the next pope in a papal conclave. Visitors to St Peter's Square are sharing their views on what they would like to see from the next pontiff, with some backing specific cardinals such as Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Pietro Parolin. Meanwhile, 133 cardinal electors are set to gather in the Sistine Chapel to make their decision, which will be made in secret with strict security measures in place to prevent leaks. The new pope will be one of the most powerful men in the world and will set the course for the Catholic Church for years to come, deciding whether to continue down the progressive path set by Pope Francis or take a different direction.
06-05-2025
Conservative Catholics gathered in Rome for "America Week," a fundraising event that coincided with the period of mourning following Pope Francis' death and the upcoming conclave to elect his successor. The event featured galas, pilgrimages, and networking opportunities, with attendees including American conservatives and European allies who share traditional values on marriage, faith, and family. The gatherings were sponsored by organizations such as the Louis IX Foundation and the NAPA Institute, which aim to advance conservative Catholic principles and influence the church's future. Attendees included politicians, activists, and philanthropists, such as Brian Burch, a former Trump nominee, and Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, a Spanish European Parliament member. The events reflected a growing alliance between conservative Catholics and right-wing politicians, with some attendees expressing support for Cardinal Peter Erdo of Hungary as a potential next pope. The week-long event was marked by a mix of devotion, activism, and socializing, with attendees strategizing and building relationships to further their long-term goals.
06-05-2025
One of Pope Francis's former popemobiles is being converted into a mobile health clinic to aid children in Gaza. The vehicle, used during his 2014 visit to Bethlehem, will be equipped with medical supplies, including rapid tests, vaccines, and oxygen, to provide frontline care in the war zone. The project is being overseen by Caritas Jerusalem, following a request from the late Pope, who described it as his "final wish for the children of Gaza." The clinic will be staffed by a team of doctors and will aim to reach children who lack access to healthcare due to the ongoing conflict, which has killed over 15,000 children and displaced nearly one million since October 2023.
06-05-2025
The Vatican is converting Pope Francis' popemobile into a mobile clinic to provide medical aid to children in the Gaza Strip, calling it the late pope's "final gift" to the war-torn territory. The clinic will be equipped with lifesaving supplies and staffed by medical professionals to help treat children in isolated areas. However, its deployment is uncertain due to Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. The Vatican said the clinic will be deployed once humanitarian access is restored. The move is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis' efforts to help vulnerable populations, having called for a ceasefire in Gaza and release of Israeli hostages before his death.
06-05-2025
Pope Francis' "pope-mobile" is being converted into a mobile children's clinic in Gaza according to his wishes before his passing. Caritas Jerusalem announced the project, stating that Francis directed the humanitarian organization to "turn his pope-mobile into a mobile health station for the children in Gaza." The vehicle will be staffed by a driver and medical doctors and equipped with diagnosis, examination, and treatment equipment. The initiative aims to provide primary healthcare to children in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is critical, especially for the nearly one million displaced children.
