Vatican News

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Alistair Dutton recounts Pope Francis’ great humor as well as his strong advocacy for social, environmental and ecological justice. Read all  

Israeli President Isaac Herzog offers a message of condolence on the death of Pope Francis, recalling his “deep faith and boundless compassion.” Read all  

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich remembers Pope Francis and his legacy, particularly regarding the Synod of Bishops. Read all  

Spanish writer Javier Cercas, who has written a book on the Pope’s visit to Mongolia, reflects on the Pope’s humanity and legacy. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

On Tuesday evening, Cardinal Pietro Parolin leads the Rosary at Saint Mary Major, the second Rosary prayed in memory of Pope Francis at the Basilica. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all  

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. Read all