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Vatican News
Cardinals hold 4th General Congregation, prepare for ‘funeral of shepherd’
Cardinals present in Rome hold their fourth General Congregation on Friday morning, as the papal liturgist explains that Pope Francis’ funeral Mass will be that of “a shepherd, not a sovereign.”
Those who are “last” will be the last to say goodbye
Our Editorial Director, Andrea Tornielli, reflects on the initiative for several people from the margins of society to welcome Pope Francis' mortal remains to their permanent resting place at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.
Correspondent reports amid queues in St. Peter's Square
Correspondent Deborah Castellano Lubov reports amid the faithful queuing in St. Peter's Square to pay their respects to Pope Francis before his coffin will be sealed on Friday night. According to the Holy See Press Office, from 11 a.m. Wednesday through Thursday evening, at 7 p.m., more than 90,000 have paid their respects to the late Pope whose funeral will be Saturday, 26 April, in St. Peter's Square.
Rosary in memory of Pope Francis led by Cardinal Tagle
Filipino Cardinal Louis Antonio Gokim Tagle leads the fourth recitation of the Rosary in memory of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on Thursday evening, 24 April.
Symphony of Mercy: Thanksgiving for Pope Francis
A cry for peace and mercy for the world – this is what the great musical and religious event, Symphony of Mercy, will be about. It is scheduled to take place simultaneously on April 26 in Krakow, the Vatican, and six continents. The organizers received the blessing of the Holy Father already in February. Now, the Symphony will also serve as an act of thanksgiving for the pontificate of Pope Francis. "This will be a Symphony for you, our dear Holy Father Francis!" say the organizers.
Jesuit Superior General remembers late Pope Francis as ‘man of God’
Fr. Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, recalls the life and legacy of Pope Francis, recalling his brother Jesuit’s dedication to prayer and dialogue.
Fr. Romanelli: May Pope Francis’ plea for peace be heard
The parish priest of the Holy Family Church in Gaza City, details to Vatican News Pope Francis’ the final gesture of closeness toward the Christian community sheltered in the compound two days before his death, and recalls his incessant calls for peace in the Holy Land.
The Stories Will Not Leave the Man
The Footprints of Pope Francis
The US-based Jewish writer Jonathan Safran Foer reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis, who "reminded us of what we continually forget: goodness is not an idea but a practice."
Archbishop Kurtz: US Church saw in Pope Francis the face of God's mercy
In an interview with Vatican News, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, the former President of the US Bishops' Conference who accompanied the late Pope on his Apostolic Visit to the United States in 2015, says Americans "were yearning" for Pope Francis' message of mercy.
Pope’s tomb made of marble from the land of his Italian grandparents
The announcement that the tomb stone for Pope Francis comes from Liguria, deeply moved the entire community of Cogorno, a small village overlooking the sea where Pope Francis' family roots lie.
Mozambique: Catholic Faithful reflect on Pope Francis' legacy
Upon hearing about the death of Pope Francis, parishioners at the Cathedral of Beira in Mozambique gathered in the church to celebrate a Mass in honour of the Pontiff.
Cardinals hold third General Congregation, begin conversation about Church
The 113 Cardinals present in Rome hold their third General Congregation on Thursday morning, and announce who will deliver the two pre-conclave meditations.
Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening
Pope Francis’ coffin will be sealed during a liturgical rite held in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 26, at 8:00 PM.
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.