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Vatican News
Correspondent gives update from St. Peter's Square
Our correspondent Deborah Castellano Lubov gives us an overview of the atmosphere here at the Vatican following the translation of Pope Francis' body from Casa Santa Marta into St. Peter's Basilica, as the faithful line up to pay their respects to the Holy Father, and a look ahead to the funeral on Saturday morning.
Cardinal Reina leads Rosary at the Basilica of St Mary Major
On Wednesday evening Cardinal Baldassare Reina leads the Rosary at Saint Mary Major, the third Rosary prayed in memory of Pope Francis at the papal Basilica.
Second General Congregation of Cardinals held in the Vatican
Cardinals present in Rome gather for the second General Congregation and approve the programme for the Novemdiales, the ancient nine-day period of mourning for the late Pope Francis.
Novemdiales: Cardinals set schedule for nine days of mourning
Pope Francis' funeral Mass will mark the beginning of an ancient tradition of holding nine consecutive days of mourning, which will be marked by Eucharistic celebrations held in suffrage for the late Pope.
Pope Francis: A Joyful Easter even when all is not well
The news of the death of Pope Francis came like a sharp wave to break our celebration of the resurrection of Christ on Easter Monday. Death during a festivity tends to ruin it, yet our hearts cannot but pour out words of thanksgiving to God for the life of an ancestor in faith.
Alistair Dutton: Pope’s greatest legacy was ‘his authencity and love for the poorest’
Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Alistair Dutton recounts Pope Francis’ great humor as well as his strong advocacy for social, environmental and ecological justice.
Israeli President remembers Pope Francis' deep faith and compassion
Israeli President Isaac Herzog offers a message of condolence on the death of Pope Francis, recalling his "deep faith and boundless compassion."
Cardinal Hollerich: Pope Francis was a father, a living example
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich remembers Pope Francis and his legacy, particularly regarding the Synod of Bishops.
Cercas: First and foremost, Pope Francis was a priest
Spanish writer Javier Cercas, who has written a book on the Pope's visit to Mongolia, reflects on the Pope’s humanity and legacy.
South Sudanese Cardinal Ameyu: ' We have lost a great man, our advocate'
The Archbishop of Juba in South Sudan mourns the passing of Pope Francis and reflects on how he was the only voice in the international arena that continued to appeal for peace and dialogue in the suffering nation.
Sr. Norma Pimentel remembers Pope Francis' 'I love you'
In an interview with Vatican News, Sr. Norma Pimentel remembers a dear friend, the late Pope Francis, and his heartfelt words to encourage her efforts to help vulnerable people at the border of the United States, and to reassure everyone of God's immense love for them.
Cardinal Bo: 'Pope Francis had profound respect for people of Asia'
In an interview in the wake of Pope Francis' death, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Myanmar remembers the late Pope “as a loving and compassionate shepherd” whose “voice became our echo,” whose "heart understood our grief," and whose "presence brought healing." The Cardinal, who served as the leader of Asia’s Bishops for two terms, recalls the late Pope’s "profound affection" for the people of Asia, and his "love for" the suffering people of Myanmar.
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.