Latest news with #HolyWednesday
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Spanish Holy Week procession footage misrepresented as Pope Francis funeral
'The Pope LOOKS LIKE he is literally having a SATANIC Ritual as a funeral,' read the caption on a Facebook video published on April 22, 2025. The post has been shared more than 1,800 times. The short clip shows a procession of people wearing robes and black hooded masks while holding illuminated staffs as they march to a drum inside a church. A red inverted cross with a rooster is embroidered on the outfits. The same video was also shared alongside similar claims in Spanish and on other platforms, including Instagram and X. Pope Francis died of a stroke and cardiac arrest on April 21, 2025, according to official records. He lay in state at Saint Peter's Basilica for three days of mourning before he was buried on April 26, 2025 (archived here). He was interred at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome after a funeral mass in St Peter's Square in the Vatican (archived here). However, claims that the video of robed figures shows the late pope's funeral are false. A reverse image search of keyframes from the false video found other videos of similar religious ceremonies. One of the results shows a similar scene of the same penitents in a video published on TikTok in 2024 by an account dedicated to the Holy Week processions in Cartagena (archived here). Holy Week, or Semana Santa, in Cartagena is a tradition that attracts hordes of tourists to the region for ten days of processions leading to Easter Sunday. The video caption in Spanish reads: 'Tercio del Arrepentimiento De San Pedro Miércoles Santo 2024', which translates to, 'Third of the Repentance of Saint Peter Holy Wednesday 2024'. A Google search of the Spanish caption led to a page about the San Pedro Apóstol Association, California Brotherhood in Cartagena, Spain, which shows and describes the same ceremonial attire seen in the video circulating online (archived here). Contacted by AFP Fact Check, the San Pedro Apostol Association said the video shows 'the departure of this Holy Wednesday's procession of our female contingent from the church of Santa María de Gracia in Cartagena'. Holy Wednesday was celebrated on April 16 this year, five days before Pope Francis died. 'Regarding the symbols, the inverted cross, also known as the cross of Saint Peter, represents humility, the feeling of not being worthy of being crucified like his master,' San Pedro Apostol wrote in an email. San Pedro Apostol said the rooster refers to Jesus' prophecy to Peter, in Matthew 26:34, which reads: 'Jesus said to him: 'Truly I tell you, this night before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times'.' 'These symbols refer to the life of Saint Peter, which, along with many others, we parade during Holy Week in Cartagena.' AFP also geolocated the 2024 TikTok video of the San Pedro Apostol Association's procession to Cartagena by matching a distinctive building that now houses a restaurant called 'Vinarte'. In 2019, according to Google Maps, it was the site of a clothing store called Love & Paradise (archived here and here). Cardinals will meet on May 7, 2025, in a secret conclave to elect the new pope, the Vatican announced on April 28, 2025 (archived here). AFP Fact Check has debunked other false claims related to the death of Pope Francis, including here and here.
AFP
02-05-2025
- AFP
Spanish Holy Week procession footage misrepresented as Pope Francis funeral
'The Pope LOOKS LIKE he is literally having a SATANIC Ritual as a funeral,' read the caption on a Facebook video published on April 22, 2025. The post has been shared more than 1,800 times. Image Screenshot of the false Facebook post, published on April 22, 2025 The short clip shows a procession of people wearing robes and black hooded masks while holding illuminated staffs as they march to a drum inside a church. A red inverted cross with a rooster is embroidered on the outfits. The same video was also shared alongside similar claims in Spanish and on other platforms, including Instagram and X. Pope Francis died of a stroke and cardiac arrest on April 21, 2025, according to official records. He lay in state at Saint Peter's Basilica for three days of mourning before he was buried on April 26, 2025 (archived here). He was interred at the Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome after a funeral mass in St Peter's Square in the Vatican (archived here). However, claims that the video of robed figures shows the late pope's funeral are false. Holy Week clip A reverse image search of keyframes from the false video found other videos of similar religious ceremonies. One of the results shows a similar scene of the same penitents in a video published on TikTok in 2024 by an account dedicated to the Holy Week processions in Cartagena (archived here). Holy Week, or Semana Santa, in Cartagena is a tradition that attracts hordes of tourists to the region for ten days of processions leading to Easter Sunday. The video caption in Spanish reads: 'Tercio del Arrepentimiento De San Pedro Miércoles Santo 2024', which translates to, 'Third of the Repentance of Saint Peter Holy Wednesday 2024'. A Google search of the Spanish caption led to a page about the San Pedro Apóstol Association, California Brotherhood in Cartagena, Spain, which shows and describes the same ceremonial attire seen in the video circulating online (archived here). Image Screenshot of the emblem on the video compared with the San Pedro Apostol Association website Contacted by AFP Fact Check, the San Pedro Apostol Association said the video shows 'the departure of this Holy Wednesday's procession of our female contingent from the church of Santa María de Gracia in Cartagena'. Holy Wednesday was celebrated on April 16 this year, five days before Pope Francis died. 'Regarding the symbols, the inverted cross, also known as the cross of Saint Peter, represents humility, the feeling of not being worthy of being crucified like his master,' San Pedro Apostol wrote in an email. San Pedro Apostol said the rooster refers to Jesus' prophecy to Peter, in Matthew 26:34, which reads: 'Jesus said to him: 'Truly I tell you, this night before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times'.' 'These symbols refer to the life of Saint Peter, which, along with many others, we parade during Holy Week in Cartagena.' AFP also geolocated the 2024 TikTok video of the San Pedro Apostol Association's procession to Cartagena by matching a distinctive building that now houses a restaurant called 'Vinarte'. In 2019, according to Google Maps, it was the site of a clothing store called Love & Paradise (archived here and here). Image Screenshots comparing the video (left) to the location as it was seen in 2019 on Google Maps Cardinals will meet on May 7, 2025, in a secret conclave to elect the new pope, the Vatican announced on April 28, 2025 (archived here). AFP Fact Check has debunked other false claims related to the death of Pope Francis, including here and here.
Filipino Times
19-04-2025
- Filipino Times
Filipinos repatriated from Kuwait, Cambodia, Israel during Holy Week
Despite the observance of Holy Week, the government continued to provide assistance to Filipino workers abroad who needed help coming back home. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) carried out a series of repatriation missions during the religious holiday. On Holy Tuesday, 20 Filipinos returned from Kuwait through a flight that landed at NAIA Terminal 1. These individuals were part of a repatriation program for distressed workers abroad. The following day, Holy Wednesday, financial aid was distributed to 21 Filipinos who arrived from Cambodia. These workers were also classified as distressed and in need of support upon return. By Maundy Thursday, another batch of 22 Filipinos arrived home from Israel via NAIA Terminal 3. Their return was also part of OWWA's continuing efforts to help overseas Filipinos in vulnerable situations. 'Sa gitna ng paggunita ng Mahal na Araw, patuloy ang pagbibigay ng tulong, malasakit, at proteksyon ng OWWA para sa kapakanan ng bawat OFW,' the agency said on their social media page. This shows that OWWA's services do not stop even during important national or religious events. Repatriation refers to bringing someone back to their home country, especially after experiencing problems abroad. OWWA ensures this is done safely and provides additional help like transportation and financial assistance when needed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
AP PHOTOS: Devout in the Philippines mark Holy Week with flagellations, processions and passion play
KALAYAAN, Philippines (AP) — Dozens of penitents whip their backs to atone for their sins during Good Friday rites in the streets of the southern Philippine town of Kalayaan, as Christians across this largely Catholic country commemorate the passion and sufferings of Jesus. Residents watch as costumed men parade the streets and flagellate themselves using whips made of wood. The ritual is frowned upon by the church. Luis Bautista, 27, says he does this so he can experience the hardships of Christ and also pray for the safety of his family. Penitent Jayve Lorenzo, who has been participating in flagellation rituals for 19 years, says he offers his vow during the holy week because of family problems and to pray for good health. The penitents, mostly residents, walk under the scorching heat and stop at stations to pray or take a water break. They can be seen dancing as they whip their backs shortly after prayers. Baby Ragaza leaves boiled eggs and water in front of her house for the penitents to take a break. She does this in memory of her late husband and to bring herself closer to God. 'I am just happy to help and ease their hardships.' she says. After going around town, the penitents hike to a small waterfall to wash the blood from their backs. Meanwhile, residents of nearby Paete, a town of 25,000 people, pushed life-size images of Christ and saints during an evening procession around small roads on Holy Wednesday. The following day, a play was performed at the town plaza under the scorching summer heat as part of Maundy Thursday rites. Rowell Ybanez, parish pastoral council moderator of Saint James the Apostle, said the lenten rituals in their town have been carried on for hundreds of year, attracting tourists to a town known for wood carvings. Ybanez said Paete is one of the most colorful towns in the Philippines 'because art and faith are intertwined in our town.' Various lenten rituals are practiced all over the Philippines. Some people even hang themselves from a cross, to strengthen their faith in God.
The Independent
18-04-2025
- The Independent
AP PHOTOS: Devout in the Philippines mark Holy Week with flagellations, processions and passion play
Dozens of penitents whip their backs to atone for their sins during Good Friday rites in the streets of the southern Philippine town of Kalayaan, as Christians across this largely Catholic country commemorate the passion and sufferings of Jesus. Residents watch as costumed men parade the streets and flagellate themselves using whips made of wood. The ritual is frowned upon by the church. Luis Bautista, 27, says he does this so he can experience the hardships of Christ and also pray for the safety of his family. Penitent Jayve Lorenzo, who has been participating in flagellation rituals for 19 years, says he offers his vow during the holy week because of family problems and to pray for good health. The penitents, mostly residents, walk under the scorching heat and stop at stations to pray or take a water break. They can be seen dancing as they whip their backs shortly after prayers. Baby Ragaza leaves boiled eggs and water in front of her house for the penitents to take a break. She does this in memory of her late husband and to bring herself closer to God. 'I am just happy to help and ease their hardships.' she says. After going around town, the penitents hike to a small waterfall to wash the blood from their backs. Meanwhile, residents of nearby Paete, a town of 25,000 people, pushed life-size images of Christ and saints during an evening procession around small roads on Holy Wednesday. The following day, a play was performed at the town plaza under the scorching summer heat as part of Maundy Thursday rites. Rowell Ybanez, parish pastoral council moderator of Saint James the Apostle, said the lenten rituals in their town have been carried on for hundreds of year, attracting tourists to a town known for wood carvings. Ybanez said Paete is one of the most colorful towns in the Philippines 'because art and faith are intertwined in our town.' Various lenten rituals are practiced all over the Philippines. Some people even hang themselves from a cross, to strengthen their faith in God.
