Latest news with #ApostolicChamber
India.com
25-04-2025
- General
- India.com
From Club Bouncer To Bishop Of Rome: Lesser- Known Fact About Pope Francis Life
photoDetails english 2891184 Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, according to an announcement from Vatican News. Before his papacy, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, born in Argentina, held a variety of jobs, including working as a nightclub bouncer. Updated:Apr 25, 2025, 06:56 PM IST 1 / 15 Just a day after delivering his Easter greetings, Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Vatican News shared the announcement, stating, "Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta." 2 / 15 After being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia on February 18 and battling a prolonged illness, Pope Francis passed away early in the morning on April 21. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, confirmed the news of his death, saying, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. 3 / 15 At 7:35 on April 23, 2025, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church, teaching us to live the Gospel's values with faith, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend Pope Francis' soul to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God." 4 / 15 Learn more about Pope Francis's early life and extraordinary journey—from working as a nightclub bouncer to becoming the first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. 5 / 15 Early Life and Family Before adopting the name Francis, Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as the first child of Mario Jose Bergoglio and Regina Maria Sivori. His father, Mario, was an Italian accountant, and his mother was the daughter of Italian immigrants. He had four siblings. 6 / 15 On December 13, 1969, he was ordained as a priest within the Jesuit order and later became the provincial superior of the order in Argentina during the country's brutal dictatorship in the 1970s. 7 / 15 From Nightclub Bouncer to Priest Yes, you read that correctly! Before becoming Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio held several humble jobs, including working as a nightclub bouncer, janitor, and chemical technician. 8 / 15 Long before becoming the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis worked various jobs. In 2013, he recalled his time sweeping floors, working in a chemical lab, teaching at a high school, and even handling unruly patrons at nightclubs. Although Pope Francis didn't share much about his time as a bouncer or how it shaped his leadership of the Church, he did mention that his later experiences teaching literature and psychology helped him "bring people back into the church," as reported by L'Osservatore Romano. 9 / 15 He also studied chemistry and earned a technical diploma before becoming a priest. What inspired his spiritual journey? Pope Francis once revealed that a transformative confession with a priest he had never met before led him to discover his calling to the priesthood. 10 / 15 A Pope of Many Firsts Pope Francis was a figure of many firsts: the first pope from the Americas, the first Jesuit pope, and the first to adopt the name Francis, in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who was known for his devotion to the poor and marginalized. 11 / 15 Before his election to the papacy in 2013, he served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires under his given name, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio. His choice of the name 'Francis' symbolized a commitment to humility, compassion, and service. 12 / 15 Pope Francis was also the first non-European pope in centuries, following in the footsteps of Syria's Gregory III, who served from 731 to 741. 13 / 15 The World Mourns Pope Francis's Passing Pope Francis' final public address was on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, just a day before his death. In his Easter message, he renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 14 / 15 In tribute to Pope Francis, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation ordering flags to be flown at half-staff, as reported by AFP. Trump is also expected to attend the funeral. Additionally, India's Ministry of Home Affairs announced a three-day period of state mourning in honor of the Pope's passing. 15 / 15 Argentina's football association suspended all matches on Monday to honor Pope Francis, a lifelong supporter of the San Lorenzo club. A minute's silence will be observed at all football games throughout the week.
Irish Post
24-04-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Thousands view Pope Francis lying in state at St Peter's Basilica
THOUSANDS of people have made their way to St Peter's Basilica to view the body of Pope Francis as it lies in state. The 88-year-old died at his home Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican on Easter Monday (April 21) after a stroke and subsequent heart failure. Yesterday his body was taken from the Vatican apartment where he had lived since his papacy began in 2013, and brought to St Peter's Basilica where it will lie in state until Friday evening. Mourners walk next to the coffin as they pay their respects to late Pope Francis inside St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (PIcs: Getty) At 8pm tomorrow Irish Cardinal Kevin Farrell will preside over the rite of the closing of the coffin, the Vatican has confirmed. Born in Dublin, Cardinal Farrell is a key figure in the papal succession due to his to position as camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. His responsibilities include confirming the pope's death, overseeing certain rites connected to the papal funeral, preparing for the conclave, and administering the affairs of the Holy See during the 'sede vacante', the period between popes. Pope Francis' funeral Mass will take place outside the Basilica at 9am on Saturday, April 26. Pope Francis will lie in state in St Peter's Basilica until tomorrow night It will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who is the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and is expected to attract thousands of mourners to Vatican City. Following the funeral Pope Francis will be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in line with his wishes. 'I wish that my final earthly journey conclude precisely in this ancient Marian shrine, where I go to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey to faithfully entrust my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and to give thanks for her gentle and maternal care," the Pope confirmed in his final testament. The Pope died of a stroke, the Vatican announced hours after the death on April 21, 2025 'I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side nave between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the aforementioned Papal Basilica, as indicated in the enclosed plan," he added. 'The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, and bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.' Cardinal Farrell will preside over the burial rites, the Vatican has confirmed. See More: Coffin, Funeral, Pope Francis, St Peter's Basilica
USA Today
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Pope Francis' death mourned by King Charles, Whoopi Goldberg: It's a 'devastating loss'
Pope Francis' death mourned by King Charles, Whoopi Goldberg: It's a 'devastating loss' Show Caption Hide Caption Pope Francis dies at 88 years old one day after Easter Sunday Pope Francis, the first pope born outside of Europe in over a millennia, has died. King Charles III and Queen Camilla are mourning the death of Pope Francis. Charles said he and the queen were "deeply saddened" by the pope's death, but their "heavy hearts were somewhat eased" knowing "His Holiness was able to share an Easter greeting with the Church and the world he served with such devotion throughout his life and ministry," he wrote in a statement on social media. Francis died Easter Monday at 88, the Vatican announced. "His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others," Charles added. "His belief that care for Creation is an existential expression of faith in God resounded with so many across the world. "Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many," the statement continued. "The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over the years and we were greatly moved to have been able to visit him earlier this month." Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the pope's death from the Casa Santa Marta on April 21, according to Vatican News: "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God." The pope's death comes one day after a frail but determined Francis greeted thousands in St. Peter's Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile − and just weeks after an extended hospital stay in which he battled bilateral pneumonia and other health issues. Recently, the royal couple paid the Pope a visit during a trip to Italy. Charles, 76, who is himself recovering from cancer, meaning his workload has to be carefully managed, wrote privately to the pope when Francis was taken ill, a source previously told Reuters. The pair met during Charles' visits to Rome in 2017 and 2019 before he became king. As British monarch, Charles heads the Church of England, which split from the Catholic Church in 1534. A palace spokesperson said at the time that his and Camilla's trip would symbolize a significant step forward in relations between the two and mark celebrations for the 2025 Catholic Holy Year. "We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve," Charles wrote in the ending to his statement, "and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful father of Jesus Christ." Tributes to the Pope pour in after death: Whoopi Goldberg, Russell Crowe, more News of the pontiff's death prompted more outpourings of mourning from worshipers and grievers around the world. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, wrote on her Instagram stories, "No better example of total humility in kindness and compassion. Thank you for leading us not just with words but with your unwavering service to humanity." Donatella Versace also weighed in, writing on Instagram, "Rest in peace his holiness" alongside a photo of the Pope. Gloria Estefan wrote in her own Instagram tribute: "Rest in peace and power, Pope Francis, you opened hearts and minds (and) were fearless in your guidance. Thank you for putting love first until your last moments on this earth." Actor Russell Crowe also paid tribute, writing on X: "A beautiful day in Rome, but, a sad day for the faithful. RIP Francis," alongside a photo of the city. Antonio Banderas, Eva Longoria, more stars share photos with the pope Whoopi Goldberg also offered condolences online, writing on Instagram: "He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and non-believer (sic). He felt more like Pope John the 23rd, who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances (sic) with your love of humanity & Laughter." Katie Couric also took to the social media app to post a photo of herself alongside the Pope with the caption, "Rest in Peace dear Pope Francis." Antonio Banderas shared a photo of himself shaking hands with the pontiff, captioning the Instagram post: "Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people." Eva Longoria, sharing a photo to Instagram showing herself and the pontiff with bowed heads, called the religious leader "an ally to many of us," and thanked him for "speaking up for the marginalized." "Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered," she wrote. Sylvester Stallone, who also shared a photo of himself alongside the pope, wrote on Instagram: "A wonderful, wonderful man! Rest in peace holy father!" Contributing: Cybele Mayes-Osterman, John Bacon and Susan Miller, USA TODAY; Michael Holden, Reuters This story was updated to add new information.
Indianapolis Star
22-04-2025
- General
- Indianapolis Star
'He touched a lot of lives.' Indianapolis Archbishop elevated by Pope Francis reflects on loss
A day after the world learned of Pope Francis' death at 88 years old, Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson shared stories and reflected on the legacy of the Holy Father. 'He touched a lot of lives, especially in these 12 years of his pontificate, when he really spoke out especially for the poor and the marginalized, migrants (and) refugees. Just all those things (society) so often forgets and pushes aside,' Thompson said. 'He really captured the imagination of a lot of people.' His death came as a shock to the world. After months of being in the hospital, it appeared that Pope Francis' health had significantly improved by Easter Sunday. He made an appearance at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City after the Vatican celebrated Easter Mass, to bless tens of thousands awaiting his arrival. Monday morning, his death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. Pope Francis suffered a stroke and heart failure. Although Archbishop Thompson was saddened by the death of Pope Francis, he found his death on Easter Monday a bit poetic. "He dies at the time of resurrection, he suffered with Christ and now he rises with Christ. Now he lives eternally with the risen Lord who gives victory for us over sin and death," Thompson said. "What a powerful thing, that his last (action) was to give that blessing and then to die in the night. I think that's how Pope Francis would have wanted to go." Archbishop Thompson and Pope Francis When asked if Pope Francis had affected the lives of Catholics living in Indiana, Archbishop Thompson laughed and joked, 'For better or for worse, you got me.' Thompson was appointed as the Archbishop of Indianapolis by Pope Francis on June 13, 2017, after the Pope elevated the then-Archbishop of Indianapolis, Joseph W. Tobin, to a Cardinal. Cardinal Tobin was then installed in Newark, New Jersey. 'He had a contagious smile,' Thompson said. Throughout his life, Thompson met with Pope Francis on three occasions, but the most meaningful meeting was when Thompson received his pallium from the Holy Father after being made an Archbishop. The pallium is a white woolen cloth hanging around an Archbishop's neck. 'It was very powerful. I remember thinking that the pallium represents my responsibilities of communion with the bishops of my province, which is all of Indiana,' Thompson said. 'Throughout that liturgy, I was thinking about the weight I was carrying in this new role, but then I saw him with his. An Archbishop only wears his pallium in his province, so (for me) in the state of Indiana.' 'The Holy Father wears his around the world because his province is the whole world. And I remember thinking… if he can still be smiling (while) carrying the weight of the world, I can wear mine in the state of Indiana.' Pope Francis' impact on the Church While the Church follows the teaching of Jesus Christ, the Pope is meant to lead the Church regarding its morals, teachings and decisions regarding Church doctrine. Although it's too early to define the true extent of Pope Francis' legacy on the Church, Thompson highlighted the Pope's push on religious leaders in the Church to be a 'missionary option for the poor 'and for Bishops to be a part of their communities. 'He reminded us to be with our people. It's not about going to other places and doing other things, but to make sure that we don't leave our own people unattended,' Thompson said. 'He talked about a missionary option that we are to go out and be missionaries, not to worry about being clean and neat, even when the messiness, the muck of life.' Thompson believed that the Pope's Magna Carta for the church could be found in the first book he wrote, 'Evangelii Gaudium' or the Joy of the Gospel. Specifically, the idea that all members of the church, including bishops, priests and followers of Christ, should engage in prayerful listening, discernment and discussion surrounding the future of the Church. 'Not only as a church, but I think he really saw that as the world needed. We're such a polarized world, there's so much divisiveness and we can't even dialog with each other,' he said. 'Pope Francis realized that people need to be brought back together to have a dialogue and to mend relationships.' Beyond his teachings, Thompson believes Pope Francis' legacy will be felt in the future of the church, as Pope Francis appointed 110 cardinal electors who will participate in the conclave. The conclave is the process in which Cardinals from around the world meet in the Vatican City to elect the next Pope. Out of the 140 cardinals eligible to vote, 80% were appointed by Pope Francis. Mass and funeral for Pope Francis To honor the legacy of Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis will host a Mass for Pope Francis on Thursday at noon at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral at 1347 North Meridian Street. The church will be able to sit 800 people inside the cathedral and Archbishop Thompson will be leading mass. Francis' funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. in Vatican City on Saturday at St. Peter's Basilica or 4 p.m. Eastern time.
Irish Post
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
The Dublin-born cardinal at the heart of Vatican affairs
CARDINAL Kevin Farrell (aged 77) is a key figure in the papal succession owing to his 2019 appointment as camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber. The responsibilities of the camerlengo—or chamberlain—include confirming the pope's death, overseeing certain rites connected to the papal funeral, preparing for the conclave, and administering the affairs of the Holy See during the sede vacante, the period between pontificates. Born Kevin Joseph Farrell in Drimnagh, Dublin, into a staunch nationalist family, he was raised speaking Irish. His parents instilled the language from an early age, and today Cardinal Farrell speaks Irish, English, Italian and Spanish fluently. When the Dublin-born cardinal met with Pope Francis, the pair often switched seamlessly into Spanish—a shared tongue from Farrell's early missionary work in Mexico and the Pope's upbringing in Argentina. It was Cardinal Farrell who made the official announcement of Pope Francis's death—delivered in Italian—shortly after the pontiff passed away in April 2025. Ordained in 1978 for the Legionaries of Christ, Farrell initially served in Mexico before transferring to the Archdiocese of Washington in 1984. There, he held various roles including director of the Spanish Catholic Centre and secretary for financial affairs. In 2001, he was appointed an auxiliary bishop of Washington, later serving as moderator of the curia and vicar general. Farrell was appointed Bishop of Dallas in 2007, where he served for nearly a decade. In 2016, Pope Francis named him the first prefect of the newly created Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life. He was elevated to the College of Cardinals later that year. He has since taken on further roles, including President of the Supreme Court of Vatican City in 2024. In his role as camerlengo, Farrell is now overseeing the Church's administrative affairs during the current sede vacante. Farrell has at times faced criticism for what have been seen as conservative decisions—among them, his 2018 refusal to approve former Irish president Mary McAleese as a speaker at a Vatican event on women's leadership. The incident drew international attention and prompted organisers to relocate the event outside Vatican grounds. Farrell's older brother, Bishop Brian Farrell, also rose to prominence within the Vatican. Born in 1944, Brian was ordained in 1969 and entered the Holy See's Secretariat of State in 1981. He became head of the English-language desk in 1999, and in 2002 was appointed secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity—a role he held until retiring in February 2024. He also served as vice-president of the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews. In Ireland, Brian Farrell was known for his opposition to the 1985 legislation that allowed the sale of condoms without a prescription, reflecting his conservative stance on social issues at the time. Together, the Farrell brothers—raised in a modest Dublin household—have become two of the most senior Irish clerics ever to serve in the Vatican. The cardinals from Britain and Ireland Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the only Irish-born prelate in the College of Cardinals. Uniquely in history, there are currently four English-born cardinals: Vincent Nichols Born in Liverpool in 1945, Cardinal Nichols has served as the Archbishop of Westminster since 2009 and was elevated to the cardinalate in 2014. He currently serves as the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales. Arthur Roche Born in Yorkshire in 1950, Cardinal Roche is the Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. He was made a cardinal in 2022 and is considered a significant figure in the Vatican, particularly for his role in overseeing liturgical matters. Timothy Radcliffe Born in London in 1945, Cardinal Radcliffe is a Dominican friar and former Master of the Order of Preachers. He was elevated to the cardinalate in 2024 and is known for his theological writings and contributions to interfaith dialogue. Michael Fitzgerald Born in Walsall of Irish ancestry in 1937, Cardinal Fitzgerald is a member of the Missionaries of Africa and a leading expert on inter-religious relations, particularly Christian-Muslim dialogue. He was made a cardinal in 2019 but, at 87, is no longer eligible to vote in a papal conclave. Nonetheless, he remains the highest-ranking British citizen in the Roman Curia. Although trying to choose who will be next pope is almost impossible, it would be safe to say that of the five cardinals born in these islands, only Farrell and Roche are seen as possible candidates for the papacy. But they would both be regarded as very much outside bets. Photograph: Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell with Pope Francis in Lisbon in 2023 (Photo by Vatican Media via) See More: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Papal Succession, Pope Francis, Vatican
