Latest news with #CatholicHolyYear
The Herald Scotland
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Pope Leo XIV urges peace in address at St. Peter's Square; updates
"In today's dramatic context of a third world war fought piecemeal ... I too appeal to the powerful of the world by repeating these ever-relevant words: never again war," Leo said in Italian. Leo said he welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. He said he hoped that through the upcoming negotiations "a lasting agreement may soon be reached." Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine aimed at ending the three-year war. Leo appealed for negotiations to reach an "authentic, just and lasting peace, adding that he carries in his heart the "suffering of the beloved people of Ukraine." How Pope Leo XIV may lead church: Can he navigate an increasingly vocal Catholic right in US? The pope also said he was "profoundly saddened" by the war in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid and release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. And he pleaded for an end to the fighting in Gaza. "I am deeply pained by what is happening," he said. "Let the fighting cease immediately, let humanitarian aid be provided to the exhausted civilian population, and may all hostages be released." Leo concluded with an appeal to Mary Queen of Peace, "so that she may present it to the Lord Jesus and obtain for us the miracle of peace." Pope Francis, who called a church in Gaza almost every night throughout the war, had repeatedly pushed for peace. 'Extremely joyful day' for US Catholics: Leo XIV becomes first pope from US Bands from around the world were visiting Rome for the ongoing Catholic Holy Year. Leo greeted them "with affection" and thanked them for their performances, the Vatican said. Minutes before the pope's address, marching bands serenaded the crowd with American-themed music such as "YMCA," "Gonna Fly Now," the theme from the film Rocky, and selections by John Philip Sousa, composer of "Stars and Stripes Forever." Dennis Gilligan and wife Maureen from Boston were visiting Rome for their anniversary. He said he had passed up an opportunity to see Pope John Paul II when he visited Boston in 1979. "I regretted it all my life," he said. "This was very moving." Contributing: Reuters
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Secret ancient papal palace where Popes lived before the Vatican is unearthed in Rome
The grand basilica was designed in the 4th century AD HOLY PAD Secret ancient papal palace where Popes lived before the Vatican is unearthed in Rome Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed ruins from a hidden ancient palace which housed popes for centuries before the Vatican was established. The discoveries give a rare glimpse into the dangers faced by the papacy in Rome's medieval times. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of the first residence of popes Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture 5 Defensive walls were excavated in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, the square outside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture 5 These walls date as far back as the 9th century AD Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture Archaeologists stumbled upon complex architecture beneath the square outside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome while making renovations for Jubilee 2025 (the Catholic Holy Year). They unearthed large walled structures made of volcanic rock bricks, known as tuff, that date back to the 9th through the 13th centuries AD. Some of these bricks had been reused from earlier buildings, and signs of restoration were visible in some of the walls. This structure is believed to be part of the Patriarchio - the ancient palace which served as the popes' official residence from the 4th century until the early 14th century. This monumental basilica was designed by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century after the famous Edict of Milan (313 AD) legalised Christianity in the Roman Empire. The palace complex was expanded and renovated during the Middle Ages, according to the Italian Ministry of Culture. These walled structures are said to have acted as a defensive barrier, shielding the papacy from power struggles among Rome's aristocratic families and raids by Saracens. The Italian ministry said: 'The construction of the structure just described took place during a long period in which Rome was the object of the raids of the Saracens, and inside it there were continuous struggles, sometimes violent, between the aristocratic families." 'Saracens' was the term used for various Arab groups that launched coastal raids in Italy during the 9th and 10th centuries and later clashed with European armies during the Crusades. 'Hence the hypothesis that this mighty wall, also due to its shape, had the function of a defensive wall around the complex of the Basilica and the annexed buildings," the ministry explained. New Pope Leo XIV accused of 'looking the other way' over sex abuse allegations against priests in Chicago & Peru It said this discovery is 'of extraordinary importance' to Rome's history, as these are the most extensive archaeological excavations of the square to have taken place. Gennaro Sangiuliano, the Italian Minister of Culture, said: 'The discoveries of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano are yet another demonstration of the richness of the territory of Rome, an inexhaustible mine of archaeological treasures.' Sangiuliano added: 'Every single stone speaks to us and tells its story: thanks to these important finds, archaeologists will be able to know more about our past. The Vatican officially became the permanent papal seat in 1377. This was after Pope Gregory XI moved the papacy back to Rome from Avignon, France, where it had been located for nearly 70 years. From thereon, a defensive structure was no longer necessary and the area was abandoned. This discovery coincides with Cardinal Robert Prevost's election as the new leader of the Catholic Church - making him the first-ever American pope. The new pope stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on Thursday to greet cheering crowds. Prevost was born in Chicago in 1955 to immigrant parents of French, Italian and Spanish descent. After graduating from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with a degree in maths, the future pontiff joined the Order of St Augustine, taking his vows in 1978. Ordained as a priest in 1982, he joined a mission in Peru where he spent many years leading a seminary. While he is seen as more traditional than Francis, he is not the conservative hardliner that some in the church had hoped for after his predecessor's efforts to make the faith more progressive. 5 Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost) made his first trip outside the Vatican on Saturday Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Secret ancient papal palace where Popes lived before the Vatican is unearthed in Rome
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed ruins from a hidden ancient palace which housed popes for centuries before the Vatican was established. The discoveries give a rare glimpse into the dangers faced by the papacy in Rome's medieval times. Advertisement 5 Archaeologists have uncovered the ruins of the first residence of popes Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture 5 Defensive walls were excavated in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, the square outside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture 5 These walls date as far back as the 9th century AD Credit: Italian Ministry of Culture Archaeologists stumbled upon complex architecture beneath the square outside the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome while making renovations for Jubilee 2025 (the Catholic Holy Year). They unearthed large walled structures made of volcanic rock bricks, known as tuff, that date back to the 9th through the 13th centuries AD. Some of these bricks had been reused from earlier buildings, and signs of restoration were visible in some of the walls. This structure is believed to be part of the Patriarchio - the ancient palace which served as the popes' official residence from the 4th century until the early 14th century. Advertisement Read more on the papacy This monumental basilica was designed by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century after the famous Edict of Milan (313 AD) legalised Christianity in the Roman Empire. The palace complex was expanded and renovated during the Middle Ages, according to the Italian Ministry of Culture. These walled structures are said to have acted as a defensive barrier, shielding the papacy from power struggles among Rome's aristocratic families and raids by Saracens. The Italian ministry said: 'The construction of the structure just described took place during a long period in which Rome was the object of the raids of the Saracens, and inside it there were continuous struggles, sometimes violent, between the aristocratic families." Advertisement Most read in The Sun Latest Exclusive 'Saracens' was the term used for various Arab groups that launched coastal raids in Italy during the 9th and 10th centuries and later clashed with European armies during the Crusades. 'Hence the hypothesis that this mighty wall, also due to its shape, had the function of a defensive wall around the complex of the Basilica and the annexed buildings," the ministry explained. New Pope Leo XIV accused of 'looking the other way' over sex abuse allegations against priests in Chicago & Peru It said this discovery is 'of extraordinary importance' to Rome's history, as these are the most extensive archaeological excavations of the square to have taken place. Gennaro Sangiuliano, the Italian Minister of Culture, said: 'The discoveries of Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano are yet another demonstration of the richness of the territory of Rome, an inexhaustible mine of archaeological treasures.' Advertisement Sangiuliano added: 'Every single stone speaks to us and tells its story: thanks to these important finds, archaeologists will be able to know more about our past. The Vatican officially became the permanent papal seat in 1377. This was after Pope Gregory XI moved the papacy back to Rome from Avignon, France, where it had been located for nearly 70 years. From thereon, a defensive structure was no longer necessary and the area was abandoned. Advertisement This discovery coincides with The Prevost was After graduating from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with a degree in maths, the future pontiff joined the Order of St Augustine, taking his vows in 1978. Advertisement Ordained as a priest in 1982, he joined a mission in Peru where he spent many years leading a seminary. While he is seen as more traditional than Francis, he is not the conservative hardliner that some in the church had hoped for after his predecessor's efforts to make the faith more progressive. 5 Pope Leo XIV (formerly Robert Francis Prevost) made his first trip outside the Vatican on Saturday Credit: Getty 5 The pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica after being elected by the conclave Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Advertisement
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.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
As Pope Francis lies in state, Catholics gather in Rome to say goodbye
By Angelo Amante and Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Maria Pia Caruso travelled to Rome from her hometown in northern Italy after she learned Pope Francis had died at age 88, to say a final goodbye to a pontiff she believes brought important changes to the global Catholic Church. Caruso entered St. Peter's Square with her husband at 7 a.m., to make sure they had a seat to watch the solemn procession bringing the pope's body to St. Peter's Basilica, where it will lie in state for three days. "This pope has been really important," said Caruso, speaking with her husband, Roberto Vallone. "(Francis) has changed many things ... let's hope that his successor continues with these changes and there is no going back." Catholic faithful - already expected in Rome in large numbers for the Easter holiday and the ongoing Catholic Holy Year - will be allowed to pay their final respects to the pope through Friday evening. The funeral, which will bring U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders to Rome, will take place on Saturday morning. Italian authorities expect some 200,000 people to attend. "This is the first time I have come to pay my respects to a pope," said Maria Russo, an Italian volunteer at Rome's Bambino Gesu children's hospital. She said she had met Francis during a weekly papal audience in St. Peter's Square last year, and had gifted him a red clown nose, something medical personnel wear to cheer their patients. The moving of the pope's body occurred under a hot spring sun in Rome. Crowds were watching from the large esplanade in St. Peter's Square in front of the basilica, while bells gently tolled a male choir sang chants. Some pilgrims had also travelled to Rome for the expected ceremony for Francis to proclaim the Church's first saint from the millennial generation, which was to have been held on Sunday, but has now been postponed indefinitely. U.S. pilgrim Sylvia Cantu Stewart said she had come to see Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia at age 15 in 2006, become a saint. "Our plans have changed, and we feel that it's a God (plan) that we're here," she said, saying she felt "blessed" by the coincidence. Francis, birth name Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was originally from Argentina and was the first Catholic pontiff from the Western hemisphere. Some of his Argentinian compatriots were also in the crowd in front of the Basilica. Francis left his homeland in 2013 to become the head of the Church and never returned to visit. "In recent years he has not had such a close relationship with Argentina," said Argentine Sofia Solari. "But we, my family, understand him. Even if there are many in Argentina who are not so happy because he has (stayed) away."
