Vatican

Culture news

In pictures: Pope Francis and his love for 'the beautiful game'

Pope Francis had a lifelong passion for football, from supporting San Lorenzo and organising peace-promoting matches to inviting legends like Messi and Maradona to the Vatican.

23/04/2025

Europe News

Pope Francis' steadfast support for migrants defines his legacy

Pope Francis, who himself came from a family of immigrants, has consistently urged for humane treatment of migrants.

23/04/2025

Vatican

Which world leaders will attend Pope Francis' funeral?

US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy are among the various world leaders who will attend the funeral in Rome on Saturday.

23/04/2025

Vatican

Mourners gather as Pope Francis lies in state at St Peter's Basilica

Follow our live feed as the faithful pay their respects to the late pontiff of the Catholic Church at the heart of Vatican City.

23/04/2025

Europe News

Pope Francis' funeral set at Rome's Basilica of St Mary Major

Last November, Pope Francis reformed the rites to be used for his funeral, simplifying them to emphasise his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican.

23/04/2025

Culture news

How Pope Francis championed contemporary arts and culture

From Biennale visits to calls for restitution, the late Pope Francis left an indelible mark on contemporary art and cultural ethics.

22/04/2025

Vatican

Mourners await the Pope's funeral and future of the Catholic Church

Cardinals gathered at the Vatican have announced Saturday at 10am as the day and time for Pope Francis' funeral.

22/04/2025

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Apostolic Palace sealed after Pope Francis' death

Following the death of Pope Francis, Vatican officials sealed his residences at Casa Santa Marta and the Apostolic Palace, following procedures observed after the death of a pontiff.

22/04/2025

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First images of Pope Francis released following his death

The Vatican has shared the first images of late Pope Francis, showing him lying in a wooden coffin, dressed in red liturgical garments and wearing his bishop’s mitre.

22/04/2025

Culture news

Martin Scorsese on the death of Pope Francis: 'He radiated goodness'

Director Martin Scorsese met Pope Francis several times, including for the premiere of his 2016 film 'Silence' and before announcing his forthcoming film about Jesus. “The loss for me runs deep - I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth,” he said.

22/04/2025

Vatican

Who is Kevin Farrell, the cardinal running the Vatican between popes?

The 77-year-old Irish-born priest is currently serving as camerlengo, a position which makes him acting head of the Holy See.

22/04/2025

Europe News

Vatican says Pope Francis' funeral will take place on Saturday

Pope Francis' final will states that he will be buried at St. Mary Major basilica, outside the Vatican and home to his favourite icon of the Virgin Mary.

22/04/2025

Europe News

Pope Francis died from stroke followed by heart failure

The late pope's passing was announced earlier on Monday morning with bells tolling in Catholic churches from Latin America to Asia and across Rome as the news spread around the world.

22/04/2025

Vatican

Rosary prayer for late Pope Francis in St Peter’s Square

The rosary ended with a long round of applause followed by people chanting “long live Pope Francis”.

21/04/2025

Europe News

The reaction of the Pope's 'neighbours' to the news of his death

Amid tears and shock, word about Pope Francis' death spread quickly in the Borgo Pio neighbourhood on Monday morning. Here is how they reacted.

21/04/2025

Health news

What is double pneumonia and how did it impact Pope Francis' health?

Pope Francis, who had part of his lung removed as a young man, recently spent several weeks hospital due to a respiratory infection.

21/04/2025

Vatican

New papal burial rites established at Pope Francis' request

Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis has chosen not to be buried in the Vatican Grottoes but in the Roman Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he frequently prayed.

21/04/2025

Europe News

Who are the possible contenders to replace Pope Francis?

Francis did many things differently from his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Who could replace him after this year's conclave?

21/04/2025

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One last blessing: Watch Pope Francis’ final Vatican appearance

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died aged 88, known for his humility, advocacy for the poor, and efforts to modernise the Catholic Church.

21/04/2025

Green News

Pope Francis remembered as 'unflinching' champion of climate action

Pope Francis's legacy includes efforts to open the eyes of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics to the dangers of climate change.

21/04/2025

Europe News

What happens next in the Vatican?

'Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta,' the Vatican said in a statement posted on X.

21/04/2025

Vatican

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 1936-2025

"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta," the Vatican said in a statement posted on X.

21/04/2025

Europe News

Pope Francis dies at 88, the Vatican says

The pontiff had recently had a lengthy stay in a Rome hospital suffering from double pneumonia.

21/04/2025

Europe News

Pope holds brief meeting with JD Vance on Easter Sunday

The Vice President of the United States, who converted to Catholicism a few years ago, met the Pope at the Vatican. The pontiff had repeatedly criticised the US' tough anti-immigration policies.

20/04/2025

Vatican

The faithful start off Easter celebrations around the world

Thousands of people gathered in the Vatican's St. Peter's Basilica to witness the Easter week mass on Holy Thursday.

17/04/2025

Vatican

Pope Francis makes surprise visit to St Peter's Square for Palm Sunday

Pope Francis made another surprise visit to St Peter's Square at the end of the Palm Sunday Mass, one day after making an unannounced visit to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

13/04/2025