Latest news with #LiturgyoftheWord
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Funeral of Pope Francis draws thousands to say farewell
(NewsNation) — The funeral of Pope Francis took place Saturday in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, drawing around 200,000 people who bid farewell, according to the Vatican. The service started at 4 a.m. EDT Saturday, beginning with prayer and song. Francis' body laid in state for three days at St. Peter's Basilica since Wednesday. Proceedings and plans for his final resting place were simpler than those of previous popes. You can watch the funeral on this page, or on NewsNation's cable channel and . Not sure how to watch NewsNation? . Crowds gathered outside in St. Peter's Square for the funeral Mass where Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, delivered the 'Liturgy of the Word,' or readings from Scripture. 'Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us,' said Re, who presided over the ceremony. 'We ask you from heaven, may you bless the church. May you bless Rome and bless the whole world as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica.' Re led the funeral Mass. 'War always leaves the world worse than it was before,' Re said as he detailed Francis' life and moral values, saying he always maintained his temperament. Francis' 2024 changes to burial rites for pontiffs paved the way for his more humble funeral and particular burial site, the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major. Located outside the Vatican, the basilica is home to Francis' favorite icon of the Virgin Mary. The first images of Francis' body were released earlier this week after his death Monday. He was 88. Francis was placed in a wooden casket, in red vestments and with his bishop's miter, with the Vatican secretary of state praying over him in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel, where he lived and died. What is Pope Francis' legacy? 5 lessons from the Argentine pope Typically, popes have three coffins — made of cypress wood, lead and elm — that are ultimately stacked together and buried in the Vatican grottoes beneath St. Peter's Basilica. Francis, under the renewed rite, opted to be buried in just one coffin: a wooden casket lined with zinc. Francis' singular coffin was not placed on an elevated bier, as is custom; his coffin, instead, simply faced the basilica's pews. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at the funeral shortly before the service began at 10 a.m. local time. Former President Joe Biden and former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden were present at the start, as well. Argentine President Javier Milei and Prince William were among the mourners. The 42-year-old member of Britain's royal family attended the Vatican City funeral on behalf of King Charles III, multiple outlets reported. William, heir to the British throne, has traditionally represented the monarch at funerals, according to Vanity Fair. The office of Polish President Andrzej Duda said Duda planned to attend the ceremony. Poland has also declared a day of national mourning on Saturday for the funeral. Pope Francis' legacy of serving the poor and marginalized Reuters has reported the following world leaders also attended the funeral: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and first lady Janja Lula de Silva French President Emmanuel Macron German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda Romania's interim President Ilie Bolojan Spain's King Felipe and Queen Letizia Switzerland's President Karin Keller-Sutter Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Council President Antonio Costa, Parliament President Roberta Metsola East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, and Prime Minister Bart De Wever Vice President JD Vance will not attend, a White House official told NewsNation. Vance visited Francis during a brief meeting on Easter Sunday, the day before the pontiff died. Francis, the 266th head of the Catholic Church, died one day after Easter and nearly a month after his release from a hospital. His cause of death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, according to the Vatican. Francis was hospitalized in February, staying five weeks with double pneumonia that required high flows of oxygen and blood transfusions. The pope's death sets off the formal process to select his successor, known as a conclave. The word conclave is derived from the Latin words 'com,' meaning 'with,' and 'clavis,' meaning 'key.' It refers to the practice of Catholic cardinals gathering in a closed room or hall to vote on who should be the next pope. Per the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the conclave usually occurs around 15 to 20 days following the death or resignation of a pope. Due to political turmoil, it took more than two years to elect Pope Gregory X in 1271. To ensure the papal election was not dragged out in the future, Gregory X ensured cardinals would remain together until a new pontiff was decided. Only cardinals younger than 80 are allowed to participate in the secretive, anonymous conclave vote. In terms of a successor for Francis, there are several frontrunners — or 'papabile' — including Cardinals Peter Erdo, Reinhard Marx, Luis Tagle, Marc Ouellet and Robert Sarah, among others. NewsNation's Anna Kutz, Ashley N. Soriano, Patrick Djordjevic and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pope Francis' funeral: Photo gallery
(NewsNation) — The funeral of Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City drew around 200,000 people who bid farewell to the 88-year-old pontiff Saturday, according to the Vatican. Francis' body laid in state for three days at St. Peter's Basilica since Wednesday. He will be the first pope since 1903 to be buried somewhere other than the Vatican, opting to be interred at St. Mary Major. Crowds gathered outside in St. Peter's Square for the funeral mass where Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91, delivered the Liturgy of the Word, or readings from scripture. Funeral of Pope Francis draws thousands to say farewell 'Dear Pope Francis, we now ask you to pray for us,' said Re, who presided over the ceremony. 'We ask you from heaven, may you bless the church. May you bless Rome and bless the whole world as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica.' President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden attended. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Sky News
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Pope Francis funeral: 250,000 people bid farewell to pontiff who said 'build bridges, not walls'
Why you can trust Sky News Tens of thousands of people packed St Peter's Square for the funeral of Pope Francis before his body was carried through the streets of Rome. Royals, world leaders and cardinals joined scores of worshippers at The Vatican, as mourning of the 266th pontiff transcended wealth and social class. In keeping with Francis's life as a breaker of tradition, many of the more elaborate and expensive rituals customary for the burial of popes have been foregone in favour of simpler options. Around 250,000 people are attending the funeral, with around 50,000 packing out St Peter's Square to watch the service before the coffin bearing the pontiff began its journey through the streets of the Italian capital. 2:24 His body had been lying in state since his death aged 88 on Easter Monday, spending the last few days in St Peter's Basilica to allow mourners to pay their respects. The Vatican - where the funeral service took place - and Rome - where Francis will be laid to rest - are under heavy security, with a no-fly zone in place overhead. President Donald Trump and Joe Biden, along with Sir Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, headline a huge selection of global leaders and dignitaries. Francis's coffin was taken out into St Peter's Square where 220 cardinals and 750 bishops and priests sat in rows, waiting to say goodbye to the Bishop of Rome. The pontiff eschewed the elaborate coffins used by many of his predecessors, opting instead for a simple wooden casket lined with zinc - a reflection of his efforts to reform the papacy and build "a poor church for the poor". 2:27 A series of sermons and prayers began with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re reading the Penitential Act - a way for the faithful to confess their sinfulness. This was followed by the Liturgy of the Word, a part in Catholic mass where faithful gather to hear and reflect on the word of God. Cardinal Re then delivered the homily, speaking about Pope Francis' life and service to God. 1:21 The cardinal praised the pontiff as someone who "touched the minds and hearts of people" who was "attentive to the signs of the times". He added: "Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life." He said Francis "was a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone". Cardinal Re also repeated one of Francis's strongest criticisms of President Trump - who was in the audience - with a call to "build bridges, not walls". He also called for care for migrants and action on climate change. As the service in front of St Peter's Basilica drew to a close, Cardinal Re blessed the pope's coffin with holy water. At the end of the mass, the choir sang in Latin: "May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come and welcome you and take you into the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem." The coffin was then carried back into St Peter's Basilica through the 'doors of death', as a 10-ton funeral bell tolled. Pope Francis's body then left the basilica aboard a white truck and was taken in procession through the streets of Rome to his final resting place at his favourite church, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. There were cheers and applause from the public on either side of the roads as the popemobile passed them. Upon arrival, Pope Francis's body will be ushered into the basilica - which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary - by prisoners and migrants, a last reflection of his priorities as pope. In a break with tradition, the Pope outlined in his will his request to be buried "in the ground, without particular ornamentation" but simply with the inscription "Franciscus".
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Pope funeral: Thousands of mourners line the streets as coffin carried through streets after historic funeral
LAST FAREWELL Pope funeral: Thousands of mourners line the streets as coffin carried through streets after historic funeral THOUSANDS of mourners have lined the streets of Rome to watch the Pope's journey to his final resting place. The procession is heading to the church of Santa Maria Maggiore after the service in St Peter's Square, which was witnessed by world leaders and huge crowds. 5 The Pope Mobile carries Francis's coffin through the streets of Rome on his final journey 5 Trump and Zelensky met in St Peter's Basilica ahead of the service 5 Prince William walks ahead of the funeral Mass of Pope Francis, Credit: Reuters 5 The funeral service in St Peter's Square Credit: Pacemaker 5 Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure on Easter Monday Credit: Rex The Pope's coffin is being transported on the Popemobile - the nickname for the high-security vehicle the Pope used to meet wellwishers. Those who attended the service include Prince William, President Trump, Ukraine's President Zelensky and France's President Emmanuel Macron. Zelensky was greeted by a ripple of applause as he took his seat in the square, with the crowds expressing their support for Ukraine. The leaders had the opportunity to pay their final respects to Francis as he lay in state in St Peter's Basilica, with a private moment each. Whilst there were no major plans for formal meetings between leaders, they have been able to speak on the sidelines. Trump and Zelensky met before the service and had a "very productive discussion", according to The White House. They spoke as US efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia intensify. It was their first meeting since the sensational Oval Office clash - and they reportedly vowed to hold further talks after the service. Francis's coffin was officially sealed in a private ceremony after three days of public viewing, which saw around 250,000 faithfuls pay tribute to the late pontiff. It was then carried into St Peter's square for the service, which began at 9am, which has involved services called Liturgy of the Word and Homily. The homily part of the service was led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, 91-year-old Giovanni Battista Re. Some 50,000 mourners are inside the square to witness the service, with a further 150,000 in the surrounding streets. Italy has spent millions on a ring of steel security operation to protect the huge crowds and dignitaries. Follow our live blog across the weekend below...
Sky News
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Pope Francis funeral: 200,000 people bidding farewell to pontiff said 'build bridges, not walls'
Why you can trust Sky News Tens of thousands of people have packed St Peter's Square as the funeral of Pope Francis begins. Royals, world leaders and cardinals joined scores of worshippers at the Vatican, as mourning of the 266th pontiff transcended wealth and social class. In keeping with Francis's life as a breaker of tradition, many of the more elaborate and expensive rituals customary for the burial of popes have been foregone in favour of simpler options. Around 200,000 people are attending the funeral, with around 50,000 packing out St Peter's Square. 2:24 His body had been lying in state since his death aged 88 on Easter Monday, spending the last few days in St Peter's Basilica to allow mourners to pay their respects. The Vatican - where the funeral service is taking place - and Rome - where Francis will be laid to rest - are under heavy security, with a no-fly zone in place overhead. President Donald Trump and Joe Biden, along with Sir Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, headline a huge selection of global leaders and dignitaries. Francis's coffin has been taken out into St Peter's Square where 220 cardinals and 750 bishops and priests are sitting in rows, waiting to say goodbye to the Bishop of Rome. The pontiff eschewed the elaborate coffins used by many of his predecessors, opting instead for a simple wooden casket lined with zinc - a reflection of his efforts to reform the papacy and build "a poor church for the poor". A series of readings and prayers are being read before the 50,000 faithful gathered before the basilica, and the coffin will be sprinkled with holy water and incense. 2:27 It began with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re reading the Penitential Act - a way for the faithful to confess their sinfulness. This was followed by the Liturgy of the Word, a part in Catholic mass where faithful gather to hear and reflect on the word of God. Cardinal Re then delivered the homily, speaking about Pope Francis' life and service to God. 1:21 The cardinal praised the pontiff as someone who "touched the minds and hearts of people" who was "attentive to the signs of the times". He added: "Despite his frailty and suffering towards the end, Pope Francis chose to follow this path of self-giving until the last day of his earthly life." He said Francis "was a pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone". Cardinal Re also repeated one of Francis's strongest criticisms of President Trump - who was in the audience - with a call to "build bridges not walls". He also called for care for migrants and action on climate change. At the end of the mass, the choir will sing in Latin: "May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs come and welcome you and take you into the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem." After the service, Pope Francis's body will be taken in procession through the streets of Rome to his final resting place at his favourite church, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. He will be ushered into the basilica - dedicated to the Virgin Mary - by prisoners and migrants, a last reflection of his priorities as pope. In a break with tradition, the Pope outlined in his will his request to be buried "in the ground, without particular ornamentation" but simply with the inscription "Franciscus".
