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Pope Francis’ mortal remains carried to St. Peter’s Basilica
The mortal remains of Pope Francis have been transferred from the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica, where his body will lie in state so the faithful may pay their respects until his funeral on Saturday.
Cardinal Parolin leads the Rosary at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
On Tuesday evening Cardinal Parolin leads the Rosary at Saint Mary Major, the second Rosary prayed in memory of Pope Francis at the Basilica.
Cardinal Re: We thank God for the gift of Pope Francis’ ministry
In Saint Peter’s Square, the Rosary on Tuesday evening was offered in suffrage for Pope Francis, who returned to the House of the Father on Easter Monday. Leading the Marian prayer was the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who praised Francis as a pilgrim of hope. Hundreds of faithful gathered in the square in a moving atmosphere of reverence.
What happens after the Pope dies?
The death of a Pope marks the beginning of a series of events that lead to the eventual start of a conclave and election of a new Successor of St. Peter. We lay out in detail the events that lead to the election of a new Pope.
General Congregations begin in the Vatican
The first General Congregation of the College of Cardinals takes place in the Vatican, marking the beginning of a period of prayer, reflection, and preparation following the death of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis' final hours and gratitude for returning to the Square
Among the final words of the late Pope Francis was a "thank you" to his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, for encouraging him to take one last ride in the popemobile on Sunday after the Urbi et Orbi. He rested in the afternoon, had a quiet dinner, and then at dawn suddenly fell ill and died.
Pope Francis’ body to lie in state until funeral on Saturday morning
The body of the late Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday morning.
Cardinal Farrell officially ascertains death of Pope Francis
Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell presides over the rite of the ascertainment of death and the placement of the late Pope Francis' body in the coffin, which took place on Monday evening in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta.
Seals placed on doors of Santa Marta papal residence
On the evening of Pope Francis’ death, a rite confirmed his passing and the placing of his body in the coffin took place in the chapel of his Vatican residence.
Pope Francis: Death is not end of everything, but a new beginning
We publish the preface that the late Pope Francis wrote on February 7 for the book in Italian by Cardinal Angelo Scola, Archbishop Emeritus of Milan, titled “Awaiting a New Beginning. Reflections on Old Age.” The volume, published by the Vatican Publishing House (LEV), will be available in bookstores starting Thursday, April 24.
Cardinal Gambetti: Pope Francis, pilgrim of hope
An evening Rosary was held in St. Peter’s Square in suffrage for Pope Francis, who passed away this morning. Leading the Marian prayer was the Archpriest of Saint Peter's Basilica and Vicar General for Vatican City, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.
Pope Francis: A compassionate voice for Africa lives on
Pope Francis had a big heart for Africa and Africans. He leaves behind a legacy of commitment to Africa’s quest for peace, social justice, and integral development. To crown it all, the Pope’s solidarity with African refugees and migrants, the poor, and the marginalised will live on.
Pope's death due to stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse
The Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, releases the official medical report on the death of Pope Francis, which was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography.
Rome mourns Pope Francis in Solemn Mass of Suffrage
A solemn Mass for Pope Francis on the day of his death is celebrated at the Basilica of St John Lateran in Rome. In his homily, Cardinal Baldo Reina upholds the late Pope’s legacy of mercy, peace, and service, and encourages the faithful to carry forward his example with hope in the Resurrection.
Pope Francis' spiritual testament
Pope Francis' spiritual testament, dated 29 June 2022, has been published, giving indications for his burial in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
Messages of condolence flood in from all corners of the globe
The messages coming in from world leaders and religious authorities following the death of Pope Francis demonstrate the universality of the Pope of the peripheries, who strove to be close to all as he headed the See of Peter.
Twelve years of new paths, processes, and open doors
Following the announcement his passing away on Easter Monday, we offer an overview of the highlights of Pope Francis' pontificate, his journeys, reforms, writings, work for peace and human fraternity, and outreach to the poor and migrants.
Cardinal Farrell to preside at rite of ascertainment of Pope Francis’ death
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of the ascertainment of death of Pope Francis and placement of his body in the coffin on Monday evening.
The Pope of Mercy
Our Editorial Director, Andrea Tornielli, reflects on the late Pope Francis' insistence on mercy, which became an underlying theme of his 12-year-long pontificate.
Pope Francis led the way to building a synodal Church for everyone
In the wake of Pope Francis’ death, we explore his desire to engage all Catholics so that every person feels welcomed and loved by the Church, and how the Synods he convoked guided the Church’s focus on various topics, culminating in the Synod on Synodality.