By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Centuries of experience dealing with the death, or occasional resignation, of a pope has left the Catholic Church with thorough instructions detailing who has responsibility for planning the funeral, preparing for the election of a new pope and taking care of essential business in the meantime. […]
Timeline: Highlights of a historic pontificate
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service Here is a timeline of some significant events in Pope Francis’ 12-year pontificate: 2013, March 13: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected pope on the second day of the conclave, becoming the first pope from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European elected in almost […]
Passing of Pope Francis is a first in tradition of opening Holy Doors
By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — With his death April 21, Pope Francis marked yet another first in the history of the Catholic Church: he became the first pope to open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica without living to close it. The pope opened the Holy Door Dec. 24, 2024, […]
Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis put on hold; memorial Mass scheduled
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — With the death of Pope Francis, the April 27 canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis was postponed and the Mass scheduled for that day will be a memorial Mass, the Vatican said. “Following the death of the Supreme Pontiff Francis, notice is hereby given that the Eucharistic […]
‘They are faces, not numbers’: A legacy of justice and mercy for migrants
By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News ROME — Not long after Pope Francis’ election in 2013, media pundits and faithful wondered and speculated what countries he would visit as pope. Naturally, many assumed the newly elected pontiff would make Brazil his first official visit given that World Youth Day, a global event that has always […]
Pope was steadfast in defending every life as sacred
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — In his efforts to promote a holistic defense of human life, Pope Francis frequently denounced a “throwaway culture” where anyone not considered “useful” was seen as disposable — including the unborn and the aged. But in connecting the sacredness of the life of the unborn and […]