Vatican

How does a pope get his name?

In his autobiography "Hope," published in January 2025, Pope Francis, who died on April 21, describes the moment during the 2013 papal election when he found his name. During the…

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‘Habemus papam’ and the white smoke that announces a new pope

When a new pope is elected, there are two signs that mark that historic moment: the white smoke (“fumata bianca” in Italian) erupting from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel…

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UPDATED: Black smoke emerges once again from chimney as cardinals fail to agree on new pope

Black smoke appeared from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday, signalling that cardinals meeting in a secret conclave did not elect a new pope during…

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Conclave: the Vatican’s secret process for choosing a new pope

The next pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, the Catholic church’s most senior figures appointed by the pontiff, who will make their way to Rome in the…

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World waits for white smoke

Roman Catholic cardinals will begin the task on Wednesday of electing a new pope, locking themselves away from the world until they choose the man they hope can unite a…

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All set for Papal conclave

All of the 133 cardinals expected to take part in the secret conclave to elect a new pope have arrived in Rome, the Vatican said , with the race to…

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Pope Francis’s popemobile set to become health clinic for Gaza children

One of Pope Francis's popemobiles is being transformed into a mobile health clinic for children in the Gaza Strip, fulfilling one of his final wishes, the Vatican's official media outlet…

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Convicted cardinal Becciu skips conclave to elect new pope

An Italian cardinal who was convicted of embezzlement and fraud said on Tuesday he will not take part in the secret conclave to elect the new pope that will be…

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Over 70,000 have visited Pope Francis’s tomb so far

Over 70,000 mourners have already paid homage to Pope Francis by visiting his tomb in the Basilica of St Mary Major, Rome police said. The Argentine pontiff, who died aged…

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Conclave to elect new Pope to start on May 7

The Vatican announced Monday the conclave to elect the next pope will begin on Wednesday, May 7. “The conclave will take place in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, which remain[s] closed…

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Pope Francis’ Funeral: A Tribute to His Leadership and Vision

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presided over the solemn and moving celebration. He was joined by some 250 Cardinals, Patriarchs, Archbishops, Bishops, priests, and consecrated religious. US President Donald Trump, Ukraine…

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The official liturgical booklet for Pope Francis’ funeral Mass

The Vatican has released the official liturgical booklet for Pope Francis' funeral Mass, scheduled for April 26, 2025. The document outlines the full ceremony, including prayers, readings, and rituals, reflecting…

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What will happen at the funeral of Pope Francis

By Joanne M. Pierce, Professor Emerita of Religious Studies, College of the Holy Cross The 88-year-old pontiff had been well aware of his fragile state and advanced age. As early…

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Closing of Pope Francis’s coffin today at 8pm

A ceremony will be held at 20.00 on Friday in Saint Peter's Basilica for the closing of Pope Francis's coffin, the Vatican said.It said Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the…

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Where Pope Francis stood on Abortion, Islam, Capitalism and other key issues

Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church's teaching in areas such as the death penalty and nuclear weapons, upheld it in others such as abortion, and made inroads with Muslims and…

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Betting Markets Favor Cardinals Parolin and Tagle, but History Suggests Caution

As the Catholic Church prepares for the conclave to elect the 267th pope following the passing of Pope Francis, betting markets have identified Cardinal Pietro Parolin of Italy and Cardinal…

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Global Leaders to Convene for Pope Francis’ Funeral Amid Diplomatic Nuances

Preparations are underway for the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Basilica. The ceremony is expected to draw a significant international presence, with over…

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Scammers exploit Pope Francis’s death

Online scammers are using the death of Pope Francis in attempts to steal data and scam people, according to research by cybersecurity firm Check Point shared with POLITICO. Check Point…

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UPDATED: Pope Francis’ body to be taken to St Peter’s Basilica ahead of funeral

The body of Pope Francis, laid out in an open coffin, was carried in a solemn procession from his residence within the walls of the Vatican City to St. Peter's Basilica…

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Everything you need to know about visiting Rome and the Vatican following the death of Pope Francis

Travellers to Rome should expect closures, visitor restrictions and crowds at some of the city’s main attractions. Tourists who have booked to visit Rome in the coming weeks will experience…

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Trump and von der Leyen set to attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday

Pope Francis’ funeral will take place on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. CET, the Vatican said Tuesday in a statement. A slew of world leaders and foreign dignitaries are set…

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Pope Francis’ funeral to be held on Saturday, many world leaders expected

Pope Francis’ funeral will take place Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican officials announced Tuesday, following his sudden death on Monday at age 88 from a stroke and cardiac arrest.…

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Cardinals prepare to choose next Pope after Francis’s death

With the Vatican announcing Pope Francis’s death on Monday, attention now turns to who will succeed him. The secretive conclave of cardinals under 80, most appointed by Francis himself, will…

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UPDATED: Pope Francis has died

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died, the Vatican said in a video statement on Monday, ending an often turbulent reign marked by…

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UPDATED: Reactions to the death of Pope Francis

Following are reactions to the death of Pope Francis: ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI: Meloni mourned the departure of "a great man, a great shepherd". "I had the privilege of…

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Vatican Suspends Canonization Ceremony for Millennial Teen Carlo Acutis

The Vatican has announced the suspension of a highly anticipated canonization ceremony for Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old Italian boy who passed away from leukemia in 2006 and was poised to…

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Who might succeed Pope Francis?

An old Italian saying warns against putting faith, or money, in any presumed front-runner ahead of the conclave, the closed-door gathering of cardinals that picks the pontiff. It cautions: "He who enters a…

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Pope Francis: Key moments from his life

Here are some facts about Pope Francis, who has died at the age of 88. - Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, of…

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What next after the death of Pope Francis?

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, after 12 years as spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His death has set in motion the centuries-old process of…

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Pope Francis greets cheering Easter crowds from popemobile as he recovers from pneumonia

Pope Francis entered St. Peter's Square on Sunday in an open-air popemobile for the first time since surviving double pneumonia, greeting tens of thousands of Catholics after the Vatican's celebration…

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Sagrada Familia architect Gaudi on path to sainthood

He’s long been nicknamed “God’s architect” by those who point to his piety and the religious imagery woven through his soaring spires, colourful ceramics and undulating lines. Now it seems…

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The Pope’s recent appearance has intensified concerns regarding his health

Pope Francis, who is taking two months' rest as he recovers from double pneumonia, made an unannounced visit to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on Thursday dressed in black…

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Pope Francis may miss Holy Week celebrations due to health

The Catholic Church starts its busiest week of the year on Sunday (April 12) with the countdown to Easter, but Pope Francis remains out of public view after surviving double pneumonia…

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Pope Francis Gradually Resumes Duties Amid Ongoing Recovery from Pneumonia

Pope Francis has begun a measured return to his official responsibilities following a period of hospitalization and recovery from bilateral pneumonia, the Vatican Press Office announced. The 88-year-old pontiff, who…

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Pope Francis makes surprise first appearance at Vatican after hospital stay

Pope Francis made his first public appearance since being discharged from hospital two weeks ago after treatment for double pneumonia, entering St. Peter's Square at the Vatican in a wheelchair…

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Pope Francis discharged from hospital after 38 days in care

Pope Francis made his first public appearance on Sunday following 38 days in care, waving from the window of Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. The 88-year-old pontiff was discharged after a severe…

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Pope ‘absolutely not’ quitting

Pope Francis is "absolutely not" quitting due to his health, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.Speculation that the 88-year-old Argentine pontiff might be considering stepping down like his…

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Pope seen for the first time since going to hospital

The Vatican has released the first image of Pope Francis since he was admitted to hospital a month ago. The photo shows the pontiff sitting in a wheelchair in front…

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Pope Francis celebrates 12th anniversary in hospital

Pope Francis will on Thursday mark the 12th anniversary of his election as leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, but he will do so from Rome's Gemelli hospital where…

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Pope releases breathless audio message thanking those praying for him amid pneumonia battle

Pope Francis recorded and released an audio message yesterday thanking those who have been praying for his recovery, his voice breathless as he nears three weeks in hospital with pneumonia.…

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Pope Francis in stable condition, resumes some work

Pope Francis, who has been struggling to overcome double pneumonia for almost three weeks, remained in stable condition throughout the day on Wednesday and has not had any new breathing…

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Pope’s prognosis remains ‘guarded’

Pope Francis suffered “two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency” on Monday and had to be put back on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican Press Office said in a statement. The…

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Pope off mechanical ventilation entirely after overcoming risks

Pope Francis remained in stable condition and didn't need any mechanical ventilation on Sunday, the Vatican said. It was a sign that he had overcome the possible complications from a…

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Pope Francis showing further improvement, no longer has kidney issue

Pope Francis has shown a “further, slight improvement” in his medical condition, the Vatican said, in a sign of progress as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.Pope Francis, who is…

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Pope showing signs of recovery, resumed some work

Pope Francis is continuing his recovery from pneumonia in hospital and has resumed some work, the Vatican announced on Tuesday. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been hospitalized since February 14,…

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Pope Francis remains ‘critical’

Pope Francis remains in a "critical" condition, but "has not presented any further respiratory crises", the Vatican said in a statement on Sunday. He was still receiving high-flow oxygen therapy…

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Pope Francis ‘improving’ in hospital, Vatican says

Pope Francis is showing improvement, is alert and doing some work, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff began his eighth day in hospital battling pneumonia. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni…

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Pope Francis remains hospitalized, diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia

Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs and remains hospitalized in Rome after a respiratory tract infection, painting a "complex picture" of his health, the Vatican said. A follow-up CT…

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Pope Francis hospitalised

Pope Francis on Friday was hospitalised after he reportedly struggled to speak during one of his meetings in the morning. The pontiff has been suffering from bronchitis for more than…

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Pope Francis tells weekly audience he still has bronchitis

Pope Francis said on Wednesday he was still suffering from a bout of bronchitis and asked an aide to read prepared remarks for a weekly general audience at the Vatican…

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Concern over Pope’s health after halting homily due to shortness of breath

There is concern over the Pope's health after Argentine-born pontiff was forced on Sunday to interrupt his homily in St. Peter's Square during the Armed Forces Jubilee Sunday due to…

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Pope Francis using sling after injuring forearm in fall

Pope Francis injured his right forearm after a fall in his residence on Thursday but did not suffer any broken bones and continued on with his agenda for the day,…

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Pontiff writes of “evil committed by certain priests” in book

Pope Francis was handed a “large white box” full of documents on “abuse” and “dark dealings” in the Catholic Church over a decade ago when he took over from his…

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Pope names Italian sister as first woman to lead major Vatican office

Pope Francis on Monday named the first woman to lead a major Vatican department, appointing an Italian sister to take charge of the office that oversees the world's Catholic religious…

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Pope opens special ‘Holy Door’ for Catholic Jubilee at Rome prison

Pope Francis made a visit on Thursday to one of the largest prison complexes in Italy, opening a special "Holy Door" for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, in what the…

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Pope Francis to open Holy Door for Jubilee of Hope in 2025

Pope Francis will break open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 24. The city of Rome has invested more than 4.8 billion euros ($5 billion) in more…

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Suffering from heavy cold, Pope Francis to lead Sunday prayers from residence

Pope Francis, who has just turned 88 and has been suffering from a heavy cold, will lead the regular Sunday Angelus prayer from inside his residence as a precaution, the…

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