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New York Post
24-04-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Inside the Vatican conclave battle to elect a more ‘traditional' — but not necessarily conservative — pope
As cardinals flock to Rome for the papal conclave to decide the next pope, a movement is underway to bring in a successor who will be more traditional than Pope Francis. A common belief among people of influence in the Vatican is that Francis, who died on Easter Monday, was beloved by the public — but a little too improvisational for the more buttoned-up leadership faction of the Catholic faith. 'They want calm and for the Vatican to cause as little heartburn as possible,' David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, told The Post. Advertisement 'Pope Francis tended to cause heartburn. Many of the cardinals want someone who is less disruptive, more moderate, and will result in them having less grief at home. They want someone who can run a tighter ship.' Buenos Aires-born Francis, the first pope from the Americas, made many provocative declarations: from criticizing capitalism to calls for greater acceptance for divorcees and gay people by the church, as well as his support of migrants. 8 With the recent passing of Pope Francis, campaigns are under way at the Vatican for a cardinal to be elevated to pope. AP Advertisement 8 Pope Francis hugs and consoles a young boy whose father died an atheist. AP 8 Pope Francis made a habit of kissing and washing the feet of people who are disenfranchised from society. ABACA/ His off-the-cuff tone — such as telling congregants that they weren't expected to reproduce 'like rabbits' because of a ban on contraception — sometimes sparked controversy. 'The cardinals in this enclave are likely to want a return to a more orderly pattern of church governance after 12 years of what has become a very untraditional autocracy,' George Weigel, a Catholic theologian at the Public Policy Center in Washington DC, told The Post. Advertisement But that doesn't necessarily mean a more 'conservative' pope. 'I dislike these 'liberal' or 'conservative' categories. The real question is whether the next Pope has the capacity to teach and embody the fullness of Catholic faith in a compelling way,' Weigel said. 'At present, there is broad agreement on a compromise candidate — someone who will preserve the bishops' autonomy in leading their dioceses worldwide, rather than reducing them to mere prefects,' said Roberto Regoli, a professor of Church History at Pontifical Gregorian University. 8 Cardinal Robert Sarah hails from Guinea and opposed the left-leaning Francis. AP Advertisement Names being bandied about include Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's 70-year-old Secretary of State who has global diplomatic experience, and the Netherlands' Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, 71 — who opposes blessings for same-sex couples, gender therapy and the ordination of women, making him favored by conservatives. Another is Cardinal Robert Sarah, 79. Hailing from Guinea in West Africa, who maintains a strong stance on upholding the traditional Latin mass that Francis had made moves to limit. Anthony DeStefano, author of 'The Miracle Book: A Simple Guide to Asking for the Impossible,' told The Post that 'friends in the hierarchy' have shared an overall vibe: 'There's a growing sense that the church needs to catch its breath and restore some of its balance and stability.' 8 Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk opposes blessings for same-sex couples, gender therapy and the ordination of women, AFP via Getty Images 8 Cardinal Pietro Parolin has global diplomatic experience. AP A global feast of factors have to be considered among voters. Luis Badilla, a veteran Vatican analyst and the former director of Il Sismografo, listed ongoing wars between nations as well as 'the hemorrhage of faithful, nuns, and priests … a revised Catholic sexual morality, relations with China, the Church's financial health … the Tridentine Latin Mass' and more. But traditionally-minded voters may have their work cut out for them when it comes to lobbying during the conclave — in which 10 Americans will be among those casting their votes (as many times as needed until a two-thirds supermajority is reached). This includes Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City, Cardinals Robert W. McElroy and Wilton Gregory of Washington, and Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago. 'The problem is that there aren't as many conservative candidates in the College of Cardinals [as there had once been],' said Gibson. 'Pope Francis has appointed about 80% of the cardinal electors.' Advertisement There is talk the next pope might come from Asia or Africa, where Catholicism is on the rise. In addition to Sarah, one contender is Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the 77-year-old archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka — who was described to The Post as being 'perfectly aligned with Benedict XVI.' Nevertheless, Weigel, author of 'The Next Pope,' has his doubts: 'Asian and African cardinals are going to play a considerable role in this conclave, more than ever before, but I think the odds are very long on an Asian or African pope.' 8 Pope Francis was considered the people's pope, though conservatives thought he went too far. Getty Images Advertisement 8 Following his weekly general audience at St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis lets loose a dove. VATICAN MEDIA/AFP via Getty Images 'The next Pope will almost certainly be European — both the cardinal and episcopal contingents from Europe remain the most clear-sighted in understanding the phase the church is undergoing, since Europe's churches are the most wounded and in steepest decline,' Badilla said. He added that 'American cardinals will have no realistic chance of electing one of their own … but they can still exert significant influence.' One big challenge for the more traditional faction is the unexpected death of Cardinal George Pell from Australia in 2023. Advertisement 'He was frenemies with Pope Francis, who brought him in to straighten out the finances,' said Gibson. 'Pell was almost the campaign manager for the conservatives. Now they don't have a really strong, savvy politico inside the conclave.' Whoever's name leads to the white smoke that billows from the Sistine Chapel, signaling there is a new Holy Father, Regoli said one thing is clear: 'By resolving the question of succession, the cardinals not only choose the next Pope but also render judgment on the legacy of his predecessor.'
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pope Francis Made Final Appearance Hours Before His Death
Originally appeared on E! Online was a man of the people. The 266th pope (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) made one final appearance April 20 to commemorate Easter Sunday at the Vatican, hours before he died on the morning of April 21 at the age of 88. Francis blessed an estimated crowd of over 35,000 people at St. Peter's Square, reciting the customary Urbi et Orbi blessing (Latin for "to the city and the world") after skipping Easter mass, which was delegated to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the Associated Press reported. The Buenos Aires-born leader greeted the crowd by saying, "Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter," appearing on the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica for around 20 minutes before surprising those who had gathered for his planned appearance with a ride around the square in the popemobile. The ride served as his first in the open-topped popemobile since his 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia, and he made sure to occasionally stop to bless babies, according to the AP. More from E! Online Kentucky Gala Organizer Speaks Out After Auction Names Taylor Swift 2026 Tour Tickets The Last of Us Kills Off Major Character in Shocking Season 2 Episode Why Sister Wives' Kody Brown Worries About the State of His Marriage to Robyn Brown During his final public appearance, per CNN reports, Francis had difficulty speaking for long periods and appeared not to be able to lift his arms. The microphone he spoke into and papers he read from during his Easter blessing were held by those around him. The crowd's chants of "viva il papa!" (long live the pope) came hours after he'd briefly met with United States Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Rome with his family. "I know you have not been feeling great but it's good to see you in better health,' Vance told the pope, per AP. 'Thank you for seeing me." The following morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced to the world that His Holy Father had died in the wake of his health struggles. "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," he said in a statement obtained by NBC News. "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and the marginalized." Following the news of his passing, leaders from around the world expressed their condolences, including King Charles III. "My wife and I were most deeply saddened to learn of the death of Pope Francis," Charles said on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla. "Our heavy hearts have been somewhat eased, however, to know that 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." "His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion," the king continued, "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. 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 monarch finished by reflecting on his final meeting with Francis, which was less than two weeks prior on April 9. "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 in the month," Charles shared. "We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people around the world who, inspired by his life, will be mourning the devastating loss of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ." Keep reading for a look at Pope Francis' final public appearances... (E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) February 2025February 2025March 2025April 2025April 2025
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Vatican's statement in full as Pope Francis dies hours after poignant Easter homily
The Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, broke the news of Pope Francis' death inside the Vatican just hours after the Pontiff wished crowds a happy Easter The death of Pope Francis I was announced on the morning of Easter Monday 2025 in an emotional statement. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke at the Casa Santa Marta inside the Vatican to announce the sad news that the 88-year-old pope had died. "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," he said. "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 His Church. "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. '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." As Camerlengo, Cardinal Farrell now takes on an important role as the Catholic Church undergoes a fundamental change, and the 1.4 billion Catholics around the world wait to find out who will be their next leader. The Camerlengo is the cardinal who acts as the Pope's financial secretary and treasurer, and is the person who destroys the papal seal - the pope's ring - upon his death. He will have already cut the ring in half with shears in front of witnesses to symbolise the end of the late Pope's authority and ensure his seal cannot be used to forge documents. He will keep hold of the late pope's last will until it is released to the College of Cardinals. Cardinal Farrell will also be responsible for conducting Francis' funeral and will be involved in the preparations of the conclave, the body of cardinals that are locked in together until a new pope is elected by ballot. Pope Francis' funeral will be carried out in the next few days, but unlike in centuries past, the late pontiff's burial will be vastly scaled back. In his final years, the Buenos Aires-born head of the Catholic Church revised his funeral rites, scrapping the centuries-old tradition of having his body placed on an elevated bier in St. Peter's Basilica to be viewed by members of the public. Instead, Pope Francis' body will be placed in view at the Basilica in a simple coffin, where dignitaries and some of the faithful may pay their final respects. And rather than the traditional three coffins made of cypress, lead and oak to contain his body, Francis will be laid to rest in a single, simple coffin. According to master of liturgical ceremonies, Monsignor Diego Ravelli, this stripping back of more elaborate customs was intended 'to emphasise even more that the Roman Pontiff's funeral is that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world.'
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Pope Francis' very unusual funeral plans and every rule he tore up for his own service
Pope Francis, who has passed away at the age of 88, made sure to have his funeral plans finalised as he reached his final years, and his choices reflect the humble approach that defined his outward looking papacy Before his death at the age of 88, Pope Francis made his final wishes for his funeral clear. The Vatican has confirmed the Argentine pontiff died at 7.30am on Easter Monday - two months on following his treatment for bronchitis at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Cardinal Ferrell revealed the sad news at the Casa Santa Marta, close to St Peter's Basilica. He said: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35am, 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 favour 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." READ MORE: It comes after an announcement from the pope's spokesperson, who shared how his respiratory tract infection had sparked a 'complex clinical picture' that had left him requiring further hospital treatment. When he was discharged from hospital in March, he was ordered to rest at his residence for two months. In his final years, the Buenos Aires-born head of the Catholic Church appeared to be looking ahead beyond his papacy, consecrating 21 new cardinals in what was regarded by some as a move to secure his legacy. This planning also included details for his funeral, the relative simplicity of which will come as no surprise to those who followed Francis' teachings. In November 2024, as per Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, it was announced that Pope Francis had revised his funeral rites, simplifying the rituals to emphasise his role as a humble bishop. Outlining these new reforms, master of liturgical ceremonies, Monsignor Diego Ravelli, explained that the Vatican would be eliminating the usual requirement that the pope's body be placed on an elevated bier in St. Peter's Basilica to be viewed by members of the public. Instead, Pope Francis' body will be placed in view at the Basilica in a simple coffin, where dignitaries and some of the faithful may pay their final respects. The burial itself will no longer require the three coffins crafted of cypress, lead, and oak, as is the papal tradition. According to Ravelli, this stripping back of more elaborate customs is intended 'to emphasise even more that the Roman Pontiff's funeral is that of a shepherd and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world.' This follows a pattern that Catholics have seen since the beginning of Pope Francis' papacy in March 2013, when he opted against residing in lavish state apartments in the Apostolic Palace, instead making a home for himself in a guest house on the Vatican grounds. On the night he was elected, the then-new pontiff even rode the bus back to his hotel with the rest of the cardinals, as opposed to being driven in the papal car. The next morning, he insisted on paying the hotel bill. Long before entering the Vatican, during his days as an archbishop in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis earned the nickname 'Slum Bishop' on account of his frequent visits to the most rundown, crime-ridden barrios. In a decision that would later set the tone of his papacy, Francis opted against moving into the archbishop's official residence, instead remaining in his modest flat where he cooked his own meals and travelled about by public transport. Even in death, Pope Francis continues to adhere to his vision of a church that took an outward view, not necessarily adhering to the expectations of previous popes. In a notable break from tradition, Pope Francis, whose funeral will take place in St Peter's Square, won't be buried in the grottoes beneath St. Peter's Basilica, where the majority of his predecessors lie. Instead, Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, signifying his devotion to an icon of the Virgin Mary that can be found there - the holy Salus populi Romani (Salvation of the people of Rome). Discussing his funeral plans with Mexican Televisa broadcaster N+, the Pope opened up about how, after every trip, he would visit the Basilica, where he would pray before an image of Mary, cradling her baby son, Jesus Christ. He revealed: 'It's my great devotion. The place is already prepared.' Pope Francis previously oversaw the funeral of his predecessor, Benedict XVI, who passed away in December 2022 after abdicating.
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Pope Francis' health battles in full from life-changing surgery to devoted final days
Pope Francis, who has passed away at the age of 88, endured a number of health issues in his later years but remained as fiercely opinionated as ever on subjects such as Donald Trump's immigration policies and the Russian invasion of Ukraine Pope Francis suffered from several health complaints but remained vocal on the issues that defined his papacy, even as his body failed him. The leader of the Catholic Church, who is remembered for his more tolerant approach to religion, has passed away at the age of 88 after having suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis. The Vatican has confirmed the Argentine pontiff, whose 12-year papacy began in March 2013, died two months after his treatment for bronchitis at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced the sad news that the Pope passed away at around 7.30am on Easter Monday. The 88-year-old was admitted for treatment for bronchitis on February 14, a fter he had difficulties breathing during one of his meetings. As a result of his hospitalisation, the pontiff's events were subsequently cancelled. Since he was taken to the hospital, the Vatican released regular updates on his condition. The Holy See's announcement comes after a spokesperson shared that the pope's respiratory tract infection had sparked a 'complex clinical picture', meaning that further hospital treatment would be required. Before his death, it was revealed that blood tests showed that Pope Francis was also in the early stages of "initial, mild, kidney failure," but he remained alert and in good spirits. READ MORE: Just yesterday, the Pope wished thousands of worshippers a "Happy Easter" as he appeared in a wheelchair at the Vatican's St Peter's Square. Addressing the cheering crowd, he said: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter." His traditional Easter address was delivered by a clergy member. Interestingly, it was during a health crisis that Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was inspired to dedicate his life to his faith. After leaving school, the Buenos Aires-born pontiff qualified as a chemical technician and began working in the food processing industry. However, his true vocation came calling at the age of 21 after a serious bout of pleurisy - inflammation around the lungs, which causes sharp chest pain - left him requiring surgery to have part of one of his lungs removed. Pope Francis later recalled that his calling first became apparent after he stopped off at church on his way to join friends for a holiday celebration. He recalled: 'It surprised me, caught me with my guard down. After entering the Jesuit novitiate in 1958, Pope Francis studied humanities, philosophy and theology in Chile and Argentina. He was then ordained as a priest in 1969, rising to become archbishop and then cardinal. In his final years, Pope Francis dealt with a series of growing health issues, which meant he was forced to cancel or postpone engagements. Colon surgery followed a bout of sciatica, and he also began using a wheelchair on account of his knee problems. Even as his health worsened, however, Pope Francis continued to speak out on issues that were his passion, condemning US President Donald Trump 's plans for the mass deportation of migrants, with the warning that it would 'end badly'. Francis had been scheduled to deliver Mass on Sunday, February 23, in St. Peter's Basilica, where deacons were ordained as part of the Vatican's yearlong Holy Year commemoration. Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the organiser of the Holy Year, held the Mass in his place, offering a special prayer for Francis from the altar before delivering the homily prepared by the Pope. A pre-written message prepared for Francis to read before the congregation said he was "confidently continuing my hospitalisation at the Gemelli Hospital, carrying on with the necessary treatment; and rest is also part of the therapy!" Asking believers for their prayers, Pope Francis also noted the upcoming anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which he described as "a painful and shameful occasion for the whole of humanity." He continued: "While I renew my closeness to the tormented Ukrainian people, I invite you to remember the victims of all armed conflicts and to pray for the gift of peace in Palestine, in Israel and throughout the Middle East, in Myanmar, in Kivu and in Sudan." On February 23, as well wishes flooded in from all over the world, a message was posted from the Pope's social media accounts, which read: "I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!" Tragically, for the first time since becoming pope in 2013, Pope Francis had missed the majority of events this week, including Saturday's Easter vigil at St Peter's Basilica. He had delegated his duties but during a brief appearance, he gave sweets to children. When he was released from the hospital in March, doctors had said he would need rest at home for at least two months. It's expected that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place in St Peter's Square. His body will lie at St Peter's Basilica, allowing dignitaries and some of the faithful to pay their final respects. In what will be one final signature break with papal tradition for the often divisive pope, Pope Francis previously disclosed plans to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, not the Vatican - a signifier of his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
