Articles in this Cluster
27-04-2025
Thousands of people lined the streets of Rome as Pope Francis was laid to rest after a Vatican funeral attended by hundreds of thousands of people and many heads of state. Pope Francis, the first South American pontiff, passed away on Monday aged 88, marking the end of a 12-year pontificate. The funeral mass was attended by over 400,000 people, including many foreign dignitaries, and was presided over by 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. The Pope's coffin was carried through Rome in a slow procession, with authorities estimating that 140,000 people lined the streets. Pope Francis was buried in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, near a beloved icon of the Virgin Mary. The city of Rome and Catholics around the world are now preparing for the next conclave, which will select the next Pope, expected to start as early as May 5 or 6.
27-04-2025
Pope Francis' funeral broke with tradition in several ways. He chose to be buried in a simple wooden coffin, rather than the traditional three nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and elm. The funeral also followed a recently updated rite that allows the public to view the pope's body in an open coffin, and requires the ascertainment of the pope's death to take place in a chapel rather than his room. Additionally, Francis chose to be buried outside the Vatican, in the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, rather than in the Vatican grottoes, and requested a simple tomb with only his name "Franciscus" inscribed on it.
27-04-2025
Pope Francis was remembered as a "pope of the people" during his funeral, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivering a homily that highlighted Francis' commitment to the marginalized and his call to "build bridges, not walls." Re praised Francis' pastoral style, saying he was a pope who knew how to communicate to the "least among us" and had an "open heart towards everyone." The cardinal referenced Francis' numerous trips, including to Lampedusa, Lesbos, and the US-Mexico border, where he showed concern for migrants and refugees. Re also noted Francis' conviction that the Church is a "home for all, a home with its doors always open." Francis was laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, in a simple underground tomb inscribed with his name, Franciscus.
27-04-2025
Thousands bid farewell to Pope Francis as he was laid to rest on April 26, 2025, in a funeral that drew a large crowd of world leaders, clergy, and devoted followers to St. Peter's Square. The funeral Mass, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, reflected the grandeur and traditions of the Vatican, despite Pope Francis' request for simplicity. An estimated 250,000 people attended the service, including kings, queens, presidents, and prime ministers from around 130 countries. After the Mass, the pope's coffin was taken in a procession through the streets of Rome to his final resting place, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, as per his last will and testament.
27-04-2025
Around 250,000 people attended Pope Francis' funeral service in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on April 26, 2025. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re and followed traditional papal funeral rites with some unique details chosen by Pope Francis. The funeral was attended by thousands of members of the public, as well as religious leaders and heads of state from around 130 countries, including US Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump. Pope Francis was buried at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, a site he had chosen, breaking with the tradition of being buried within the Vatican. The burial rites were led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. Following the funeral, a nine-day mourning period began, after which the eligible cardinals will gather for a papal conclave to select the next pope, likely in early May.
27-04-2025
The funeral of Pope Francis was attended by around 250,000 mourners, including numerous world leaders. The seating chart was arranged with official delegations to the right of the altar, with Argentina's President Javier Milei in the front row due to Pope Francis being from Argentina. The seating followed the French diplomatic alphabetical order, with reigning monarchs given priority. President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were seated in the front row next to Estonian President Alar Karis and King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy was seated across the aisle from Trump, and the two had a private meeting before the service. Other notable leaders in attendance included former US President Joe Biden, Britain's Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, and numerous other heads of state and monarchs from around 130 countries.
27-04-2025
Tens of thousands attended the funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square, with dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Britain's Prince William in attendance. The ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who described Francis as a "pope among the people" with an "open heart towards everyone." After the Mass, the pope's coffin was driven through Rome to his final resting place at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, with around 150,000 people lining the route. Prior to the funeral, Francis lay in state at St. Peter's Basilica, where thousands paid their respects. The late pope was known for his advocacy for the poor, migrants, and the environment, and his efforts to reform the church.
27-04-2025
The funeral of Pope Francis has begun in Vatican City, with thousands gathered from around the world. The Pope's coffin was transported in a procession through Rome from St. Peter's Basilica to his final resting place at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
27-04-2025
Pope Francis' coffin was transported from St. Peter's Basilica to his final resting place at Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in a spectacular procession through Rome.
27-04-2025
The funeral Mass of Pope Francis was held on April 26, 2025, at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. The hearse carrying Pope Francis' coffin was seen driving through Rome before arriving at the Vatican for the ceremony. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, former U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife Jill, France's President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife Olena, attended the funeral. The ceremony was attended by a large crowd of faithful and clergy.
27-04-2025
Pope Francis, who died on April 21, 2025, at 88, is remembered for his legacy of mercy, hope, and equality during his 12-year papacy. He was known as "the People's Pope" for his down-to-earth approach and connection with ordinary people. Pope Francis emphasized environmental protection, financial reform, and care for the impoverished and marginalized. He met with world leaders, including President Donald Trump and various heads of state, and implemented reforms at the Vatican Bank to ensure charitable business practices. Throughout his papacy, he preached a message of hope and mercy, and his actions reflected his commitment to serving others, including washing and kissing the feet of prisoners on Holy Thursday.
27-04-2025
Around 250,000 people attended Pope Francis's funeral, with tens of thousands packing St Peter's Square to bid farewell to the pontiff. The funeral service was attended by world leaders, cardinals, and scores of worshippers, and was marked by simplicity in keeping with Francis's wishes. The pontiff's coffin was carried through the streets of Rome to his final resting place at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he was buried in a private ceremony. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered the homily, praising Francis's life and service, and repeating his call to "build bridges, not walls". The funeral reflected Francis's priorities as pope, with prisoners and migrants ushering his body into the basilica.
27-04-2025
The next pope's direction is uncertain as cardinals meet for a conclave to elect a new pontiff following Pope Francis' tenure. While Francis implemented reforms, experts say he didn't change core Catholic doctrines, suggesting his successor may bring a fresh style and different priorities but is unlikely to alter 2,000 years of belief. Francis made changes such as lifting papal secrecy over child sex abuse and allowing blessings for same-sex couples, but maintained traditional stances on issues like abortion and women's ordination.
27-04-2025
The papal conclave is a secret gathering of cardinals under 80 who elect the next pope. There are currently around 135 cardinal electors from 71 countries, with 108 appointed by Pope Francis. The conclave must occur within 15-20 days after the pope's death. The cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel, take an oath of secrecy, and vote until a candidate receives two-thirds plus one vote. The voting process involves writing the chosen candidate's name on a ballot, depositing it into a chalice-urn, and burning the ballots to signal the outcome to the public. Black smoke indicates no winner, while white smoke and chiming bells signify a new pope. The process can last several days, with pauses for prayer and discussion. Once a new pope is chosen, he will accept the role, choose a papal name, and be introduced to the public with the phrase "Habemus papa" before delivering his first blessing.
27-04-2025
As the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor, conservative cardinals are politicking to sway the election, using the slogan "unity" to potentially roll back Francis' more inclusive vision. The term "unity" is seen as a code word by Francis' supporters, who worry it means reversing his openness to issues like ordaining women as deacons or allowing married men to become clergy. Cardinals are gathering for daily meetings behind Vatican walls, with some, like Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller, advocating for unity, while others, like Cardinal Michael Czerny, argue that diversity should be prioritized. The discussions will touch on deeply contested issues and the balance between unity and diversity will be crucial in determining the next pope's direction.
