Latest news with #EasterSundayMass
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
JD Vance explains why meeting Pope Francis hours before his death was 'a sign from God'
EXCLUSIVE: Washington, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance reflected on his meeting with Pope Francis, just hours before the Holy Father passed away, telling Fox News Digital it was a "great honor" and a "sign from God" to cherish life. Vance sat for an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday. Vance Was One Of Pope Francis' Last Visitors The vice president told Fox News Digital that he met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday but "didn't plan to see the Holy Father because he was ill." "But we were invited to come and visit with him before he went and did his Easter mass appearance," Vance explained. "I was one of, if not the very last world leader to actually meet with the pope," Vance said. "I took one of my relatively junior staffers, who is a devout Catholic, and I looked back at him when he was about to meet the pope, and he was crying—it sort of drives home how important this, not just this man, but this institution is to over a billion people worldwide." Read On The Fox News App "There are 1.5 billion practicing Catholics in the world, so that was a very big moment," Vance said. Photo Gallery: Pope Francis Through The Years Vance told Fox News Digital that he had a "very gracious meeting" with the pope on Easter Sunday. "The pope was very kind—he was obviously very frail," Vance said. "We didn't spend a lot of time together. It was mostly exchanging pleasantries, but he gave a few gifts—he gave my kids Easter baskets, and there was just this very sweet moment." During the meeting, the pope gave 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. "I definitely cherish it," Vance said. Following their meeting, the vice president went to Easter Sunday Mass in Rome at the Tomb of St. Paul with his family, before getting on a plane to India. "I was very excited about that trip—my wife's parents are from India and I'd never been there," said Vance. "And about an hour after we landed, a staffer came over and said, 'Sir, the pope died.'" "I obviously felt very sad, and my thought went immediately to the pope, but also to all these Catholics who love him," Vance said. "But then it kind of hit me—oh my God—I was one of the last people to talk to him," Vance said. "I just take it as a great honor and a sign from God to remember that you never know when your last day on this Earth is."Original article source: JD Vance explains why meeting Pope Francis hours before his death was 'a sign from God'
Fox News
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
JD Vance explains why meeting Pope Francis hours before his death was 'a sign from God'
EXCLUSIVE: Washington, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance reflected on his meeting with Pope Francis, just hours before the Holy Father passed away, telling Fox News Digital it was a "great honor" and a "sign from God" to cherish life. Vance sat for an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Wednesday. The vice president told Fox News Digital that he met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday but "didn't plan to see the Holy Father because he was ill." "But we were invited to come and visit with him before he went and did his Easter mass appearance," Vance explained. "I was one of, if not the very last world leader to actually meet with the pope," Vance said. "I took one of my relatively junior staffers, who is a devout Catholic, and I looked back at him when he was about to meet the pope, and he was crying—it sort of drives home how important this, not just this man, but this institution is to over a billion people worldwide." "There are 1.5 billion practicing Catholics in the world, so that was a very big moment," Vance said. Vance told Fox News Digital that he had a "very gracious meeting" with the pope on Easter Sunday. "The pope was very kind—he was obviously very frail," Vance said. "We didn't spend a lot of time together. It was mostly exchanging pleasantries, but he gave a few gifts—he gave my kids Easter baskets, and there was just this very sweet moment." During the meeting, the pope gave 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. "I definitely cherish it," Vance said. Following their meeting, the vice president went to Easter Sunday Mass in Rome at the Tomb of St. Paul with his family, before getting on a plane to India. "I was very excited about that trip—my wife's parents are from India and I'd never been there," said Vance. "And about an hour after we landed, a staffer came over and said, 'Sir, the pope died.'" "I obviously felt very sad, and my thought went immediately to the pope, but also to all these Catholics who love him," Vance said. "But then it kind of hit me—oh my God—I was one of the last people to talk to him," Vance said. "I just take it as a great honor and a sign from God to remember that you never know when your last day on this Earth is."
Russia Today
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
‘I'd like to be pope'
US President Donald Trump has joked that he would like to become the next head of the Catholic Church when asked about potential successors to the late Pope Francis. 'I'd like to be pope. That would be my number one choice,' the president quipped, before adding that he had 'no preference' in the matter. Trump went on to say, 'We have a cardinal that happens to be out of a place called New York, who is very good.' He did not clarify whom he was referring to. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York since 2009, was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2012. Reporter: Who do you want to be the next Pope?Trump: 'I'd like to be Pope. That'd be my number one choice.'🤡 Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, a day after greeting worshippers during Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Square. Trump attended the pontiff's funeral alongside other world leaders at the Vatican. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis was elected pope in March 2013, becoming the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church. A conclave of 135 cardinals is set to convene at the Vatican on May 7 to elect his successor.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Leitrim Priest in Rome describes sense of ‘mixed emotions' following ‘bittersweet' death of Pope Francis
Father Gerry Comiskey, who a priest in the Diocese of Kilmore and a native of County Leitrim, has been in Rome since January on a study programme at the Pontifical North American College. Fr Comiskey participated in the Easter ceremonies at St Peter's Basilica over the weekend and was in the city when the news emerged that Pope Francis had passed away. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook The death of Pope Francis was announced on Easter Monday morning and The pontiff's funeral will take place at the Vatican on Saturday morning. The Vatican said he died following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure at 7.35am on Monday. Fr Comiskey is staying in Rome until Tuesday and will attend the Pope Lying in State on Thursday and Friday, while he will also attend the funeral on Saturday. The Pope will lie in state inside the church until his burial at St Mary Major in Rome, also on Saturday. Speaking of Pope Francis' last appearance on Sunday, Fr Comiskey said there was great excitement but also a sense of sympathy as he appeared to be in a frail state. 'He did attend Easter Sunday Mass – the most important day in the Church's calendar and there was a crowd of around 35,000-40,000 people in St Peter's Square. 'There was great jubilation when he appeared, the moment he spoke the few words, we all recognised that his voice was very weak and he himself was frail. 'There was actually sympathy for the man. 'I think there is a profound message for us – he was there for the great Alleluia– he wanted to hear the resurrection becoming proclaimed again for one last time. 'Then quietly God called him to the Father's house on Monday morning. 'I think that is profound and mysterious. It teaches us a lesson. The Pope wanted us to believe more definitely in Jesus Christ. He wanted us to be enthusiastic and committed. 'His passing on Easter Monday is just a mystery that we should ponder,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey said due to the Pope's ill health, there is mixed emotions in Rome following his passing. 'I think there is very mixed emotions. 'There is great sadness because he was a much loved Pope and much loved Holy Father. But, there is a quiet acceptance that death had to come to him at some stage. 'The Catholic Church is like a great big family and when there is a death in the family, there is of course great sadness but if a grandparent or great grandparent is very elderly or feeble, finding it hard to breath, there is certain relief that their sufferings are over and in the case of the Pope that he does not have to suffer anymore. 'It is bittersweet. 'It is the most beautiful season – these 50 days of Easter. 'At home in the Northwest of Ireland, my ancestors loved to hear of someone dying in the days of Easter Week - they felt that paradise was surely a place of welcomes,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey met Pope Francis in 2017 and seen him earlier this year when he first arrived in Rome. Fr Comiskey said the Pope was known for his humble and kind nature, which he displayed right until the end of his life. Reflecting on Holy Thursday, Fr Comiskey said, 'On Holy Thursday, there was 1,800 priests concelebrating the Chrism Mass and we quietly were hoping that the Pope would come and see us that day, but instead he went to the prison to visit the prisoners and that was an amazing gesture for an old sick man. 'It really was the measure of the man,' said Fr Comiskey. Fr Comiskey has heard many stories of Pope Francis and said he was 'a wonderful example of humility.' 'Even when he came into St Peter's Square, he came in on a small car, he never wanted to be driven in a Merc. 'One day during my studies here, I went to visit a Contemplative Order of Nuns – an enclosed order – there is 27 of them in the community. 'They told us that the Pope had visited them three times – once he came announced, but the other two times he came back unannounced. 'His secretary and himself just arrived and said we have come to pray, say Mass and to have a meal with you. 'He did not stand on ceremony or sending messengers out saying prepare the way, he would just drop in like any parish priest,' said Fr Comiskey.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
From Nostradamus to Malachy: Ancient prophecies hint at who could succeed Pope Francis
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died early on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, aged 88. The Vatican confirmed his passing was due to 'irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse' following a stroke. He had fallen into a coma hours earlier. Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the formal announcement from Vatican TV, 'Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.' Francis was the first pope from the Americas , chosen in 2013, and widely admired for his humility, social outreach, and attempts at internal Church reform. 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now His death comes after a year marked by repeated health issues, including an abdominal hernia, bronchitis, and two hospitalisations—one as recently as February, when he remained under care for five weeks. He had also experienced two public falls and persistent respiratory problems. Just a day before his death, he had appeared at the Vatican for Easter Sunday Mass, delivering his traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' benediction from the balcony above St Peter's Square. Live Events Nostradamus and the death of the 'Old Pontiff' What might have remained a solemn religious event took on an additional layer of intrigue. The death of Pope Francis appears to match a prophecy from 1555 by Michel de Nostredame—better known as Nostradamus. In his book Les Prophéties, he wrote: 'Through the death of a very old Pontiff A Roman of good age will be elected Of him it will be said that he weakens his seat But long will he sit and in mordant activity.' Stargazers and amateur scholars had long speculated that the 'very old Pontiff' might refer to Francis, especially after his declining health in recent years. The reference to a 'Roman of good age' has now drawn attention to the upcoming papal conclave. Peter the Roman and the final Pope? Speculation hasn't ended with Nostradamus. A separate 900-year-old text, known as the Prophecy of the Popes and attributed to Saint Malachy, predicts a final pope called 'Peter the Roman.' According to the prophecy's last passage: 'In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church, there will reign Peter the Roman, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations, after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End.' Some had previously linked Pope Francis to this cryptic figure due to his birth name—Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone—and his Italian roots. Others now believe the next pontiff could fulfil the prophecy. While experts have questioned the authenticity of the Prophecy of the Popes, it continues to fuel speculation, particularly as the Church prepares for its next leader. What happens next? According to Vatican protocol, the College of Cardinals will not convene for a conclave until at least 15 days after the Pope's death. During this time, his body will lie in state at St Peter's Basilica for public viewing and prayers. In a rare move, Pope Francis will be buried not in the traditional Vatican grottoes but at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome's Esquilino district. He had often visited the site in private prayer. The coming conclave will be closely watched. Attention is already turning to possible successors, with rumours circulating about potential candidates from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The search for the new Pope, especially amid apocalyptic prophecies, has given the transition an even more charged atmosphere. 2025: A year of ominous predictions Francis' death also coincides with broader predictions made by Nostradamus for 2025. Among them: a new plague, conflict between European powers and England, and catastrophic natural disasters in Brazil. In one of his more chilling quatrains, he warned: 'A great pestilence from the past returns, No enemy more deadly under the skies.' He also wrote of a celestial 'fireball' and increased global instability. While many dismiss these as vague or coincidental, others see eerie parallels in today's unrest and ecological concerns. The death of a world religious leader only deepens the atmosphere of uncertainty. Whether seen through the lens of prophecy or faith, Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the modern papacy. He championed the poor, engaged in interfaith dialogue, and took bold stances on climate change and migration. He often defied tradition, choosing simplicity over splendour, and directness over diplomacy. Now, as the world mourns and the Church prepares for its next chapter, eyes are on Rome—not just for the funeral rites, but for what comes next in a time that already feels steeped in history.
