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Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Italy's ring of steel for Pope Francis funeral: NATO jets, snipers, missile launchers and 8,000 cops readied for huge security operation as global elite including Trump and Prince William head to the Vatican
As thousands of mourners flood St Peter's Square following the death of Pope Francis, Italian authorities are quietly executing one of the most complex and secretive security operations in Vatican history. With as many as 170 foreign delegations - including those of Donald Trump and Prince William – expected to descend on the Vatican for Saturday's funeral, along with crowds of up to 200,000 people, those overseeing the event are preparing for a hyper-vigilant few days. At the centre of the operation a shadowy military unit trained in drone warfare, typically deployed in conflict zones, now mobilised to keep a silent watch over the skies of the Eternal City. According to Corriere della Serra, anti-drone weaponry are being deployed, a no-fly zone patrolled by NATO AWACS surveillance jets will be put in place, as well as sophisticated anti-drone jamming systems. Snipers will be placed strategically on nearby roofs and barriers have already been erected inside and outside the basilica in an attempt to control the grieving crowds. Speaking to NBC, Rome's police chief, Marcello Fulvi, said around 8,000 security agents would also be in place for the funeral, including 2,000 uniformed police officers patrolling St. Peter's and the boulevard leading up to it and another 1,400 plainclothes officers in the streets. Though Italian officials have not formally raised the terror threat level, insiders confirm it has been unofficially elevated, prompting sweeping measures across Rome and the Vatican. Airspace has been locked down, with a blanket ban on all aircraft – from commercial planes to hobbyist drones – to prevent any airborne threats during Saturday's historic farewell to the late pontiff. But this is no ordinary papal funeral. Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, will not be buried beneath St Peter's Basilica like his predecessors - a profound break with centuries of tradition. Instead, his final resting place will be the Basilica of St Mary Major, perched on the Esquiline Hill near the bustling Termini station - a route that throws Rome's security services into uncharted territory. The logistical challenge of guarding a funeral procession that stretches well beyond Vatican walls has triggered a massive mobilisation of Italy's security forces. Sources suggest that thousands of officers - including undercover units - are already in place, and more are expected to be deployed in the days ahead. Elite police and military units, the Swiss Guard, the Vatican Gendarmerie, and a complex network of surveillance teams are all involved. Major intersections have become choke points, swarming with uniformed and plainclothes officers, while the River Tiber is being closely monitored as an additional potential vulnerability. Italy's official terror threat level remains at Level 2 - medium/high, but authorities are treating this moment with the gravity of a state emergency. Given that more than 20,000 mourners formed eight-hour queues at the Vatican as they wait to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis today alone, it's easy to see why. Tens-of-thousands of people are currently queuing in three lines, but mourners say the queues are moving 'fairly quickly' with people ushering out after paying their respects St. Peter's Basilica was opened to the public this morning so the faithful can say their final goodbyes to Francis as he lies in state for the next three days. Thousands of people have already flooded the central aisle of the basilica, some crying and others taking a moment for prayer as they pass the pontiff's open coffin. Worshippers recalled waiting five hours just to enter St. Peter's and said they then had to queue for another hour once inside the basilica, NBC News reports. Tens-of-thousands of people are currently queuing in three lines, but mourners say the queues are moving 'fairly quickly' as people usher out after paying their respects. One woman told the news outlet that her final goodbye was brief, sharing how she just simply blew a kiss towards the pontiff's open casket. But Vatican sources told Sky News that the queue is currently taking eight hours to get through, meaning St. Peter's could close at midnight before mourners in the back may get a chance to pay their respects. The timeframe for pilgrims to visit the pope's body may be extended until beyond midnight today due to the large number of visitors, the Vatican said in a statement. The basilica will reopen at 7am tomorrow and remain open until at least midnight to allow as many people as possible to file past. The final day of lying in state will end at 7pm so that St. Peter's can be prepared for Francis' funeral mass on Saturday. The body of Pope Francis lies in state after being transferred into St Peter's Basilica on April 23, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican Over the coming days, tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through the basilica to see Francis lie in state and at least 200,000 people are expected to attend the outdoor funeral service on Saturday. The pope's body was moved this morning to St. Peter's Basilica for three days of public mourning for an Argentine pontiff remembered for his humble style, concern for the poor and insistent prayers for peace. Crowds of the ordinary faithful made their way slowly to the 16th-century basilica's main altar today, where Francis' simple open wooden casket was perched on a slight ramp, as four Swiss Guards stood at attention. Many people paying their respects had come to Rome to celebrate Easter, on a spring vacation or other personal business, only to be met with the news of Francis' death on Easter Monday. Out of devotion to the Argentine pope and his message of inclusion, they joined the procession of mourners that wended through the Holy Door and down the central aisle of the basilica. Francis was laid out in red robes, clasping a rosary and wearing a bishop's mitre, the traditional pointed headdress. Mourners waited hours to reach the casket - which sat behind a cordon - some holding their cell phones aloft as they neared him to snap photos in what has become a modern ritual. 'It gave me chills,' said Ivenes Bianco, as she left the basilica. She was in Rome from the southern city of Brindisi for medical care, and had come to pay her respects. 'He was important to me because he encouraged co-existence. He brought many people together,' she added. Cardinals, meanwhile, met in private to finalise preparations for Saturday's funeral and plan the conclave to elect Francis' successor. Francis died on Monday at age 88, capping a 12-year pontificate characterised by his concern for the poor and message of inclusion, but also some criticism from conservatives who sometimes felt alienated by his progressive bent. The public mourning period began at 11am (10am BST) today after the pontiff's casket was transported from his residence at Casa Santa Marta to the basilica this morning. Mourners, including nuns and the ordinary faithful, wept as the coffin of the late pontiff was moved through the huge crowd in a solemn processional. As the coffin crossed St. Peter's Square, the crowd broke into repeated applause - a traditional Italian sign of respect at such events. Red-hatted cardinals, priests, candle-carrying friars and helmeted Swiss Guards walked slowly into the vast, sunlit esplanade as a male choir chanted psalms and prayers in Latin while the great bells of the basilica tolled. The body of the 88-year-old pope, who died in his rooms at the Santa Marta guesthouse after suffering a stroke on Easter Monday, was held aloft on a wooden platform by 14 white-gloved, black-suited pallbearers.
The Guardian
23-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Barriers at the basilica: the logistical challenges of Pope Francis's funeral
Despite Pope Francis's desire for a simple and comparatively low-key send-off, those tasked with organising and delivering the funeral of the 266th Bishop of Rome still face a vast array of logistical, technological and security challenges. With as many as 170 foreign delegations – including those of the US president, Donald Trump, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prince William – expected to descend on the Vatican for Saturday's funeral, along with crowds of up to 200,000 people, those overseeing the event are in for a hyper-vigilant few days. The security operation will be further complicated by the fact that the Liberation Day public holiday, which marks Italy's freeing from fascism and Nazi occupation at the end of the second world war, falls on Friday, bringing with it a host of separate events and demonstrations. Italy's interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, said the authorities were working on the basis that between 150 and 170 foreign delegations would attend the outdoor funeral in St Peter's Square, along with tens of thousands of the faithful. Barriers have already been installed inside and outside the basilica to control the crowds, security checks have been increased and staff have been distributing bottles of water due to the warm weather. According to Corriere della Serra, state-of-the-art defence and security mechanisms are being deployed across Rome and in the skies above the capital, including anti-drone weaponry, a no-fly zone patrolled by fighter jets, and sophisticated jamming technologies. Anti-terrorism and anti-sabotage units are also already on the ground. The basilica and the surrounding area are being patrolled by more than 2,000 police officers between now and the end of the conclave that is expected to take place early next month to choose Francis's successor. They will be supported by 400 traffic police officers who will help manage the movement of the diplomatic convoys. Saturday's funeral will conclude with the late pontiff's coffin being taken, in procession, from St Peter's basilica to the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome's Esquilino neighbourhood, where Francis will be buried. But the security operation will not end with that final journey. Once Francis has been laid to rest, attention will swiftly turn to the conclave. Should an Italian cardinal be chosen as the 277th leader of the Roman Catholic church, police are bracing for even greater numbers of the faithful to head for the Vatican. Sign up to Headlines Europe A digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day after newsletter promotion About 50,000 people attended the funeral of Francis's predecessor, Pope Benedict, which was also held in St Peter's Square, in January 2023. The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Abbey in September 2022 was attended by about 500 foreign dignitaries, including the then US president, Joe Biden. More than 10,000 police officers were on patrol for the event, which was described as the UK police's largest-ever single deployment, as well as the biggest international event for foreign dignitaries coordinated by the Foreign Office. More than 3,000 other officers from almost every force in the country were drafted in to help police in London. Armed police, motorbike escort riders, officers carrying out patrols on horseback, dog teams and the marine unit were among the specialist teams deployed. Rooftop snipers were also in place while the late queen's cortege was moving, accompanied by a helicopter escort anywhere outside the capital.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
JD Vance sparks fury by breaking Vatican protocol...can you see what he did wrong?
A photo of JD Vance from his visit to Vatican City has sparked outrage after viewers spotted a huge breach of protocol. The seemingly innocuous snap showed the Catholic Vice President holding his son inside the Sistine Chapel over Easter weekend. However, photography and the use of electronic photography is strictly prohibited inside the holy site, according to the Vatican Museum's website. The image soon sparked a backlash, with many online branding it disrespectful. 'For anyone who still says JD is a "good guy," Taking this pic is basically like giving God the finger,' one person wrote on X. 'It's prohibited to preserve the amazing art and sanctity of the space. (I'm not Catholic, and even I know this. You'd think the #VP would, too.' 'I guess JD Vance thought the Sistine Chapel's strict no-photography rule was just a humble suggestion for Easter weekend, huh?' another added. 'Taking pictures in Sistine Chapel is strictly prohibited,' a third person fumed. 'JD Vance behaves like a hobo it's highly disrespectful. US administration act like 4 yrs old boys in a playground believing that they deserve all toys.' The photograph was taken by official White House photographer Emily Higgins. There is also precedent for other prominent figures being pictured inside the 552-year-old chapel, including former First Lady Michelle Obama. Vance was in Italy for a meeting with the late Pope Francis. They had an awkward exchange at the Vatican on Easter Sunday after the 88-year-old Pontiff slammed the Trump administration's treatment of illegal migrants. It came just one day after Vance, an adult Catholic convert, appeared to have been snubbed by the Pope and was initially forced to meet with the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the foreign minister, Archbishop Peter Gallagher. The vice president and the Holy Father did later meet for a 'brief' exchange which lasted lasted a few minutes. The Pope offered the Catholic vice president three big chocolate Easter eggs for Vance's three young children, who did not attend, as well as a Vatican tie and rosaries. Vance and the Pontiff's stances over migration and the Trump administration´s plans to deport migrants en masse clashed sharply. Francis made caring for migrants a hallmark of his papacy. 'I know you have not been feeling great but it's good to see you in better health,' Vance told the Pope. 'Thank you for seeing me.' The Holy Father passed away the next day from a cerebral stroke, prompting worldwide mourning. Francis died some 90 minutes after he was awoken by his alarm clock on Monday. The Pontiff, who died today aged 88 at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican, 'passed away peacefully', according to his doctors. He reportedly woke up when his alarm went off at 6am, fell ill at 7am and died from a stroke at 7.35am, according to Corriere della Serra.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Pope Francis 'cause of death' is revealed: How pontiff, 88, passed away peacefully after astonishing final act of Easter devotion saw him tour massive crowds for almost an hour
Pope Francis died some 90 minutes after he was awoken by his alarm clock this morning, Italian media reports. The Pontiff, who died today aged 88 at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican, 'passed away peacefully', according to his doctors. He reportedly woke up when his alarm went off at 6am, fell ill at 7am and died from a stroke around 7.30am, according to Corriere della Serra. Still, the exact details surrounding his death are uncertain. It is understood he did not succumb to the recent bout of double pneumonia he had been hospitalised with earlier this year. La Repubblica and La Stampa claimed that Francis died due to a 'cerebral hemorrhage', possibly a stroke, which was said to be unrelated to the respiratory problems and pneumonia he suffered in February. The Holy See's press service announced only the Pontiff's death shortly after he passed away, writing in tribute that he had dedicated his 'entire life' to serving God and the church. His body will now lie in state in St Peter's Basilica for three days, and then he will be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. His body could lie in state as soon as Wednesday, according to Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office. The death of the Argentine pontiff, leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013, came less than a month after having been released from hospital following a 38-day battle with double pneumonia. In a final act of devotion, Pope Francis had greeted thousands of faithful in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday in what turned out to be his last public appearance before his death. Surprisingly, the Pope was not wearing a nasal cannula hooked up to oxygen when he was driven through the crowd of 35,000 faithful yesterday, having worn it for many of his appearances since he was discharged. For about 50 minutes, the pontiff's vehicle slowly moved through the masses in 21C heat, but Italian media now speculate that doctors would have advised against him bathing in the crowd as he was likely immunocompromised. Earlier, he had appeared on the Vatican balcony and told crowds, 'Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter', before an aide read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing and speech, which called for an end to wars in Ukraine and Gaza. For about 50 minutes, the pontiff's vehicle slowly moved through the masses, but Italian media now speculate that doctors would have advised against him bathing in the crowd as he was likely immunocompromised following his pneumonia battle The Pope was sitting in a wheelchair as he waved to the crowd from the main balcony of St Peter's basilica while an aid delivered his Urbi et Orbi message Just days before he told reporters he was 'living it as best I can' after he was plagued with health issues and reduced mobility caused in part by his advancing years and expanding waistline. The pontiff had kept up a busy schedule until his final weeks. In September 2024, he carried out a 12-day tour across south-east Asia and Oceania that included visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. When he was discharged from hospital last month, his doctors had said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence. The pontiff had presented 'two very critical episodes' where his 'life was in danger' while in hospital, according to one of the doctors who took care of him. But he appeared keen not to be confined to his rooms at the Casa Santa Maria. The late figure made surprise appearances at the end of Masses and visits to St Peter's Basilica, which gave faithful hope that his condition was improving. In the last week of his life, he appeared in public twice without the nasal cannula through which he has been receiving oxygen. Yesterday he met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance – a Catholic convert who was received into the church in 2019. 'The meeting, which lasted a few minutes, gave the opportunity to exchange greetings on Easter Sunday', the Vatican said. The Vatican said the meeting between the vice president and the Holy Father was 'brief' and lasted a few minutes. The Pope offered the Vice President three large chocolate Easter eggs for his three young children, who did not attend. The pair had tangled sharply over migration and the Trump administration's plans to deport migrants en masse. Francis has made caring for migrants a hallmark of his papacy. The meeting raised hopes that Francis could be making a recovery, after he turned away from giving Vance an audience on Friday, officially out of caution over his health situation, Corriere reports. Thousands of faithful gathered under hazy skies in the sprawling plaza decorated with brightly-coloured tulips yesterday, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pontiff on what turned out to be his last appearance before his death was announced today Pope Francis greets a little girl during the Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square a day before his death was announced by the Vatican The Pope was hoped to be making a steady recovery from double pneumonia after his release from hospital last month before Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced that he had died at 7.35am local time (5.35am GMT) today. '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 God, One and Tribune,' he said in a statement. Francis had only left hospital under 'protected discharge' on March 23 after suffering an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs earlier this year. But he resolutely toured through the crowd of 35,000 believers 'for 50 minutes at 21 degrees' on Sunday after delivering the Urbi et Orbi benediction with help from an aide. The Pontiff concluded the traditional address by wishing Catholics a 'Happy Easter' and calling for an end to conflicts around the world. The Conclave - where cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to choose a successor - will not happen for at least 15 days. The College of Cardinals will soon meet in Rome to choose a successor. The conclave follows precise rules - only cardinals aged under 80 are allowed to vote. Of the 252 living cardinals, 138 are under 80 and are therefore eligible to vote in the conclave. The ballot will not take place for at least 15 days, after nine days of official mourning. In the interim, a cardinal known as the camerlengo, or chamberlain, becomes interim chief with limited powers. A seagull flies in front of the central loggia at St Peter's square following the death of Pope Francis in the Vatican on April 21, 2025 Sunday's scheduled canonisation of the Church's first millennial saint has also since been postponed to a later date, the Vatican said on Monday. Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, was meant to have his sainthood rubber-stamped in a mass at the Holy See on April 27. 'Following the death of the Sovereign Pontiff Francis, we inform you that the Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis... has been postponed,' the Vatican said in a brief statement. Dubbed 'God's Influencer' or the 'Cyber Apostle', Acutis spent much of his short life spreading the Catholic faith online. Carlo was born in London to Italian parents on May 3, 1991, but mostly grew up in Milan. He spent holidays in the family's second home in Assisi, and eventually died in Monza, northern Italy. His family was wealthy and not religiously observant, but Carlo was imbued with ardent faith from a young age, attending mass every day. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said the news of Francis' death 'deeply saddens us, as we are saying goodbye to a great man and a great shepherd'. 'I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings, which never failed me, not even in times of trial and suffering.' 'The Pope and I had a more active relationship than was apparent,' she told Italian state broadcaster RAI, in a broken voice. 'It went well beyond our respective institutional roles,' she told Italian state broadcaster RAI. 'We've met many times, even just to exchange opinions. He was able to give comfort in very difficult moments, I have many memories of the Pope.' King Charles also shared a statement in tribute, saying Francis would 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'. 'Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,' the statement continued, adding: '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.' Worshippers gather by the Stone of Anointing, after the death of Pope Francis was announced, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City, April 21, 2025 French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country is largely Catholic, also shared his condolences in a post on X. 'From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him.' The bells at Paris's Notre-Dame cathedral rang out 88 times on Monday in honour of Pope Francis who died aged 88, an AFP reporter at the scene said. The '88 rings for 88 years of life' were to be followed by a full ringing of the cathedral's bells before a noon mass in Francis's honour, followed by another in early evening, according to the Notre-Dame press office.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How Pope Francis defied doctors into his final hours - as his cause of death is revealed. Pontiff 'was woken at 6am by alarm clock' and died at 7.35... 'but did not to succumb to pneumonia'
Pope Francis died some 90 minutes after he was awoken by his alarm clock this morning, Italian media reports. The Pontiff, who died today aged 88 at the Saint Martha residence in the Vatican, 'passed away peacefully', according to his doctors. He reportedly woke up when his alarm went off at 6am, fell ill at 7am and died from a stroke at 7.35am, according to Corriere della Serra. Still, the exact details surrounding his death are uncertain. It is understood he did not succumb to the recent bout of double pneumonia he had been hospitalised with earlier this year. The death of the Argentine pontiff, leader of the Catholic Church since March 2013, came less than a month after having been released from hospital following a 38-day battle with double pneumonia. In a final act of devotion, Pope Francis had greeted thousands of faithful in St Peter's Square on Easter Sunday in what turned out to be his last public appearance before his death. Surprisingly, the Pope was not wearing a nasal cannula hooked up to oxygen when he was driven through the crowd of 35,000 faithful yesterday, having worn it for many of his appearances since he was discharged. For about 50 minutes, the pontiff's vehicle slowly moved through the masses in 21C heat, but Italian media now speculate that doctors would have advised against him bathing in the crowd as he was likely immunocompromised. Earlier, he had appeared on the Vatican balcony and told crowds, 'Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter', before an aide read the rest of his annual Urbi et Orbi blessing and speech, which called for an end to wars in Ukraine and Gaza. La Repubblica and La Stampa claimed that Francis died due to a 'cerebral hemorrhage', possibly a stroke, which was said to be unrelated to the respiratory problems and pneumonia he suffered in February. The Holy See's press service announced only the Pontiff's death shortly after he passed away, writing in tribute that he had dedicated his 'entire life' to serving God and the church. His body will now lie in state in St Peter's Basilica for three days, and then he will be buried in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. His body could lie in state as soon as Wednesday, according to Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican press office. As the world mourns the loss of the Catholic leader, the battle to succeed Pope Francis, one for the very soul of the Catholic Church and its over a billion followers around the world, has likely begun behind closed doors. Whoever becomes the 267th Pope will dictate the direction of the Church for the next decade or more on the most pressing, and contentious, issues facing society. Pope Francis broke with the conservative stance of his two predecessors, John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and his papacy will be remembered for his liberalism on LGBTQ+ rights, his support for refugees, and his focus on climate change. In recent years Francis has done a great deal to shape the makeup of the ancient and secretive group that will appoint his successor, with about 80 per cent of the 138 Cardinals eligible to vote having been appointed by him, meaning there is a good chance the next Pope will be somebody loyal to Francis who takes a liberal approach to the Papacy. However this is far from certain as once the College of Cardinals convenes for the 'highly political' process known as the conclave, all bets could be off. While it may come down to a battle between conservative and liberal factions, there is certainly no unified block and many of the Cardinals appointed by Francis come from a wide range of countries that have starkly different views on issues such as the role of women in the Church and attitudes towards gay Catholics. Relationships and personalities will also be at play. Top contenders for the highly-sought after role include Peter Turkson, the former Bishop of the Cape Coast. If elected, he would be the first black Pope and would have the appeal of reaching out to Africa. Another top contender is Luis Antonio Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila, who has emerged as the frontrunner in the betting markets. He would have the appeal of being the first Asian Pope, the region with the fastest-growing Catholic population. He has opposed abortion rights in the Philippines but would be considered one of the more liberal candidates. He has complained that the Catholic church has been too harsh towards gay and divorced couples, and that this has hampered its evangelical work. Just days before the Pontiff's death, the ailing pope told reporters he was 'living it as best I can' after he was plagued with health issues and reduced mobility caused in part by his advancing years and expanding waistline. The pontiff had kept up a busy schedule until his final weeks. In September 2024, he carried out a 12-day tour across south-east Asia and Oceania that included visits to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Singapore. For about 50 minutes, the pontiff's vehicle slowly moved through the masses, but Italian media now speculate that doctors would have advised against him bathing in the crowd as he was likely immunocompromised following his pneumonia battle When he was discharged from hospital last month, his doctors had said he would need at least two months of rest at his residence. The pontiff had presented 'two very critical episodes' where his 'life was in danger' while in hospital, according to one of the doctors who took care of him. But he appeared keen not to be confined to his rooms at the Casa Santa Maria. The late figure made surprise appearances at the end of Masses and visits to St Peter's Basilica, which gave faithful hope that his condition was improving. In the last week of his life, he appeared in public twice without the nasal cannula through which he has been receiving oxygen. Yesterday he met briefly with US Vice President JD Vance – a Catholic convert who was received into the church in 2019. 'The meeting, which lasted a few minutes, gave the opportunity to exchange greetings on Easter Sunday', the Vatican said. The Vatican said the meeting between the vice president and the Holy Father was 'brief' and lasted a few minutes. The Pope offered the Vice President three large chocolate Easter eggs for his three young children, who did not attend. The pair had tangled sharply over migration and the Trump administration's plans to deport migrants en masse. Francis has made caring for migrants a hallmark of his papacy. The meeting raised hopes that Francis could be making a recovery, after he turned away from giving Vance an audience on Friday, officially out of caution over his health situation, Corriere reports. The Pope was hoped to be making a steady recovery from double pneumonia after his release from hospital last month before Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced that he had died at 7.35am local time (5.35am GMT) today. '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 God, One and Tribune,' he said in a statement. Francis had only left hospital under 'protected discharge' on March 23 after suffering an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs earlier this year. But he resolutely toured through the crowd of 35,000 believers 'for 50 minutes at 21 degrees' on Sunday after delivering the Urbi et Orbi benediction with help from an aide. The Pontiff concluded the traditional address by wishing Catholics a 'Happy Easter' and calling for an end to conflicts around the world. The Conclave - where cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to choose a successor - will not happen for at least 15 days. The College of Cardinals will soon meet in Rome to choose a successor. The conclave follows precise rules - only cardinals aged under 80 are allowed to vote. Of the 252 living cardinals, 138 are under 80 and are therefore eligible to vote in the conclave. The ballot will not take place for at least 15 days, after nine days of official mourning. In the interim, a cardinal known as the camerlengo, or chamberlain, becomes interim chief with limited powers. Pope Francis tours St. Peter's Square in his popemobile after bestowing the Urbi et Orbi blessing on Sunday Sunday's scheduled canonisation of the Church's first millennial saint has also since been postponed to a later date, the Vatican said on Monday. Carlo Acutis, who died of leukaemia in 2006 aged 15, was meant to have his sainthood rubber-stamped in a mass at the Holy See on April 27. 'Following the death of the Sovereign Pontiff Francis, we inform you that the Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis... has been postponed,' the Vatican said in a brief statement. Dubbed 'God's Influencer' or the 'Cyber Apostle', Acutis spent much of his short life spreading the Catholic faith online. Carlo was born in London to Italian parents on May 3, 1991, but mostly grew up in Milan. He spent holidays in the family's second home in Assisi, and eventually died in Monza, northern Italy. His family was wealthy and not religiously observant, but Carlo was imbued with ardent faith from a young age, attending mass every day. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni said the news of Francis' death 'deeply saddens us, as we are saying goodbye to a great man and a great shepherd'. 'I had the privilege of enjoying his friendship, his counsel and his teachings, which never failed me, not even in times of trial and suffering.' 'The Pope and I had a more active relationship than was apparent,' she told Italian state broadcaster RAI, in a broken voice. 'It went well beyond our respective institutional roles,' she told Italian state broadcaster RAI. 'We've met many times, even just to exchange opinions. He was able to give comfort in very difficult moments, I have many memories of the Pope.' King Charles also shared a statement in tribute, saying Francis would 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'. 'Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,' the statement continued, adding: '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.' French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country is largely Catholic, also shared his condolences in a post on X. 'From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest. For it to unite humans among themselves, and with nature. May this hope forever outlast him.' The bells at Paris's Notre-Dame cathedral rang out 88 times on Monday in honour of Pope Francis who died aged 88, an AFP reporter at the scene said. The '88 rings for 88 years of life' were to be followed by a full ringing of the cathedral's bells before a noon mass in Francis's honour, followed by another in early evening, according to the Notre-Dame press office.
