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Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
New Pope Update: Favorite Emerges to Replace Francis as Conclave Starts
World New Pope Update: Favorite Emerges to Replace Francis as Conclave Starts Pietro Parolin. The Vatican Secretary of State cardinal Pietro Parolin presides at Mass marking the 20th anniversary of the death of Pope St. John Paul II at St. Peter's Basilica on April 02, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/GETTY As the conclave to elect the next pope begins, Pietro Parolin has emerged as the betting favorite to succeed Pope Francis, according to the latest market analysis by William Hill. Parolin, who serves as the Vatican secretary of state, has seen his odds shorten to 12/5 (29.4 percent) from 5/2 (28.6 percent) on April 21, overtaking Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, whose odds have drifted to 3/1 (25 percent) from 2/1 (33.3 percent) over the same period. Why It Matters On April 21, Francis died at the age of 88, ending his 13-year papacy. On Wednesday, the search for his replacement begins, a decision set to chart the ideological course of the Roman Catholic Church-with some clergy members expressing concern that Francis' replacement will continue the Argentine's progressive changes. What To Know Parolin, an Italian cardinal, is now seen as a leading candidate. However, Tagle, a former archbishop of Manila, remains a close second in the betting odds. Other prominent candidates include Matteo Zuppi, the archbishop of Bologna, whose odds have shortened to 4/1 (20 percent) from 5/1 (16.7 percent), positioning him as the third favorite. Peter Turkson of Ghana, formerly the head of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, follows at 5/1 (16.7 percent). Turkson's election would make him the first African pope since the fifth century, following Francis' history-making turn as the first Latin American to serve in the role. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, has also gained traction in the betting market, moving to 6/1 (14.3 percent) from 8/1 (11.1 percent). Hungarian Peter Erdo, the current Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, also has odds of 8/1 (11.1 percent) while Guinean Catholic prelate Robert Sarah is on 14/1 (6.7 percent). Parolin has been praised for his diplomatic work, including mediating between the United States and Cuba. Known for his closeness to Francis, the Irish News described him as a "pragmatist" who wants "progress while adhering to the tradition and heritage of the Catholic Church." He described a 2015 Irish vote to legalize same-sex marriage as "a defeat for humanity." The next pope is being selected during an ongoing papal conclave which began on Wednesday by members of the College of Cardinals. Up to four rounds of voting will take place each day until one candidate achieves two-thirds support. What People Are Saying Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, told Newsweek: "The conclave has begun to elect the next pope, and it appears that Pietro Parolin, who was replaced as favorite by Luis Antonio Tagle last week, is back in front in the race to become the next pontiff. He has been backed into 12/5 from 5/2 while Tagle is now 11/4 from 2/1. "Matteo Zuppi and Peter Turkson remain firmly in contention, at 4/1 and 5/1 respectively, while Pierbattista Pizzaballa is a mover in the market at 6/1 from 8/1, as we await white plumes of smoke from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel chimney." What Happens Next The College of Cardinals has gathered to begin the conclave process, which will continue behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel until a new pope is selected. Vatican watchers are set to keep a close eye on the smoke signals from the chapel, with white indicating whether a consensus has been reached among the 133 cardinals. Related Articles 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC. This story was originally published May 7, 2025 at 12:09 PM.
Euronews
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
'Aldeas - A New Story': Martin Scorsese producing new documentary made with Pope Francis
ADVERTISEMENT Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese is producing a documentary about the late Pope Francis, featuring his last on-camera interview. The pontiff, who became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned, died on 21 April aged 88 . Scorsese met numerous times with Pope Francis over the years , and their conversations sometimes informed work undertaken by the 82-year-old filmmaker of the acclaimed yet polarizing 1988 film The Last Temptation of Christ and his 2016 film Silence , which chronicled the plights of Portuguese Jesuit missionaries in 17th-century Japan. Pope Francis meets with Martin Scorsese in Vatican City, 2024 Vatican Media via Vatican Pool The director shared his thoughts at the time of Pope Francis' death and said: 'The loss for me runs deep — I was lucky enough to know him, and I will miss his presence and his warmth. The loss for the world is immense. But he left a light behind, and it can never be extinguished'. Variety has reported that he will now produce Aldeas – A New Story , a feature-length documentary and worldwide cultural project developed by Scholas Occurrentes, the global educational movement founded by the Pope. Martin Scorsese and Pope Francis Vatican Media via AP Aldeas – A New Story will feature the final on-camera interview with Pope Francis, filmed especially for the documentary. Prior to his death, Pope Francis said of the film: ''Aldeas' is an extremely poetic and very constructive project because it goes to the roots of what human life is, human sociability, human conflicts… the essence of a life's journey'. Scorsese said in a statement: 'Now, more than ever, we need to talk to each other, listen to one another cross-culturally. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by sharing the stories of who we are, reflected from our personal lives and experiences'. He continued: 'It helps us understand and value how each of us sees the world. It was important to Pope Francis for people across the globe to exchange ideas with respect while also preserving their cultural identity, and cinema is the best medium to do that'. No release date has yet been announced for the film.
Metro
23-04-2025
- General
- Metro
Pope Francis donated €200,000 to prisoners from personal account before he died
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page Pope Francis donated €200,000 to prisoners from his personal account before he died, the prelate who accompanied him on his final jail visit last week has revealed. The late pontiff paid a surprise visit to Rome's Regina Coeli, one of Italy's most overcrowded prisons, last week to offer well-wishes to inmates ahead of Easter. Francis stayed at the prison for around half an hour, the Vatican said afterwards. He met with a group of about 70 inmates. 'I wanted to be close to you,' the ailing pope told them, adding: 'I pray for you and your families.' Now, after Francis's death on Monday, the bishop who accompanied him on that visit, Benoni Ambarus, revealed the pope's extraordinary gesture. Speaking to Italian newspaper la Repubblica, the Auxiliary Bishop of Rome said: 'A few days ago, he was in Regina Coeli. 'I remember a tired man, who dragged himself along, but who shouted with his presence the need for attention to the prisoners. He dragged himself along for them, until his last breath. 'His last belongings he donated to them, €200,000 from his personal account.' Francis visited prisons throughout his 12-year papacy, often on Holy Thursday. Pope Francis visits Rome's Regina Coeli prison on Holy Thursday on April 17 (Picture: Vatican Pool/Getty) Regina Coeli, a former 17th-century monastery in the touristy Trastevere neighbourhood, is primarily a men's prison. It currently houses about 1,100 prisoners, nearly double its official capacity of 628 inmates, according to the Italian justice ministry. Msgr Ambarus said: 'A prisoner recently told me that no one ever went to visit him. It hurt me and made me think. Just being there is enough. 'There is a need to take people by the hand when they leave. The second: provide for the needs of prisoners. Many depend only on charity. The State only provides for food, not even shoes. 'Either you have someone, or you walk barefoot. They are brothers and sisters, not people to be forgotten behind a locked door.' Since becoming pontiff in 2013, Francis marked Holy Thursday by celebrating Mass in jails (Picture: Vatican Pool/Getty) He added of the pope's gesture: 'When I asked for a contribution, he told me that the finances were finished. Then he added: 'Don't worry, I have something in my account'. 'He sent €200,000 from his own pocket. 'Now, with the will, I learn that he will be buried thanks to a benefactor. Because he gave everything of himself to the last ones.' Francis decreed in his will that he be buried in a simple underground tomb in St Mary Major Basilica. He proclaimed that the tomb should only have 'Franciscus' written on it. The will also revealed that Francis had arranged for a benefactor to pay for it all, rather than using the Vatican's money. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. Arrow MORE: Couple getting married in Vatican join mourners to 'say goodbye' to Pope Francis Arrow MORE: Netflix fans addicted to Italian prison drama that's 'as good as The Godfather' Arrow MORE: Hours in line, seconds by the coffin – Metro joins the queue to say goodbye to Pope Francis
Express Tribune
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Red shoe rivalry: How papal footwear signalled deep divide between Pope Benedict and Pope Francis
Pope Benedict XVI's signature red shoes and Pope Francis' preference for plain white footwear have become unlikely symbols of the differing paths taken by the two pontiffs. Where Benedict leaned into tradition and visual grandeur with fur-lined vestments, gem-encrusted rings, and pectoral crosses, Francis opted for simplicity and humility—choices that reflect deeper divides within the modern Catholic Church. With both popes now deceased, their contrasting legacies continue to shape debates over the Church's future direction. Pope Benedict often used clothing as a statement of continuity. His red shoe, historically worn by popes as a sign of martyrdom and ecclesiastical authority reflected his vision of a Church grounded in heritage and doctrine, especially at a time when global faith was facing deep scrutiny over scandal and secularisation. Photo: Corbis In contrast, Pope Francis, elected in 2013, immediately shifted the Church's visual tone. Rejecting opulence, he maintained his simple white cassock and shoes, setting aside many of the traditional trappings. Photo: Vatican Pool This choice aligned with his broader mission: a more inclusive and humble Catholicism. Francis focused on outreach to the poor, addressing climate change, and revising pastoral attitudes on issues like divorce and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Despite efforts to present a united front, tensions surfaced publicly, notably when Benedict published a 2019 letter attributing the clerical abuse crisis to societal changes rather than institutional failures. Francis had already placed blame squarely on systemic power imbalances within the Church. Following Benedict's resignation in 2013—the first by a pope in nearly 600 years—and his death in 2022, Pope Francis carried on the reforms. His passing, announced Monday, marks the end of an era shaped by their parallel influences.
Black America Web
21-04-2025
- Politics
- Black America Web
Pope Francis Dies at 88, One Day After Easter Appearance
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Vatican Pool / Getty VATICAN CITY – On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced with deep sorrow the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The first Latin American pontiff, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, breathed his last at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. His death marked the end of a transformative and often challenging 12-year papacy focused on humility, justice, and reform. Pope Francis ascended to the papacy in 2013, becoming the 266th leader of the Catholic Church. From the start, he brought a fresh sense of approachability and simplicity, living in the Vatican guesthouse rather than the Apostolic Palace and forgoing traditional papal luxuries. His leadership was shaped by his Argentinian roots, a devotion to the poor, and a commitment to addressing global social issues. Throughout his tenure, Pope Francis championed causes often overlooked in traditional circles. Take a look below at Pope Francis best moments: He advocated for environmental stewardship through his landmark encyclical Laudato Si' , called for social equity, and extended compassionate outreach to marginalized groups, including migrants and the LGBTQ+ community. His now-famous phrase, 'Who am I to judge?' resonated as a call for inclusion and mercy within the Church. Pope Francis tackled monumental internal reforms, addressing financial transparency within the Vatican and making efforts to confront the Church's long-standing abuse scandals. While these actions often drew praise, they also sparked criticism from traditionalists, leading to tensions within the Catholic hierarchy. Despite challenges, his progressive vision left an impact on the Church as he prioritized dialogue and unity over division. The Pope contended with health issues throughout his life, including a partial lung removal during his youth and recurrent respiratory ailments. Earlier this year, he endured a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia, after which his health gradually declined. On Easter Sunday, just a day before his passing, he delivered his final public blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, met with applause from thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis inspired millions beyond the Catholic faith with his profound humility and message of human fraternity. He redefined the papal role as one rooted in service and compassion, emphasizing the Church's mission as a refuge for all. His focus on social justice and care for the vulnerable will resonate far into the future. The Vatican has announced that his funeral will be guided by simplified rites he personally approved, underscoring his commitment to a hu SEE ALSO Pope Francis Dies at 88, One Day After Easter Appearance was originally published on
