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Catholic Bishop in DR Congo Reminisces about Pope Francis’ Powerful Words of Encouragement During Visit

Apr 23, 2025

By Silas Isenjia

Bishop Melchisedec Sikuli Paluku of the Catholic Diocese of Butembo-Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has remembered the 2023 visit of Pope Francis to the troubled African country, during which the Holy Father lauded the vitality of the Church in the country.

Youngsters surrounding Pope Francis in the popemobile. / Credit: Vatican Media

Handing Out Ice Cream, Visiting the Poor: Charity of Pope Francis on His Patron Saint’s Day

Apr 23, 2025

By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú

April 23, the patron saint’s day of Pope Francis, is a holiday at the Vatican and the pope usually celebrated it with acts of charity toward people in need.

“A Pope close to everyone”: Cardinal in Ivory Coast Lauds Pope Francis’ Simplicity

Apr 23, 2025

By Justin Assalé

The late Pope Francis was a humble, missionary-minded shepherd close to all and whose vision for a synodal and merciful Church remains alive, Ignace Cardinal Bessi Dogbo of the Ivory Coast’s Catholic Archdiocese of Abidjan has said.

The Salus Populi Romani icon is displayed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Who Are the Many Popes Not Buried in the Vatican?

Apr 23, 2025

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Various factors are at play when it comes to the decision of a burial place for a pope. Pope Francis has chosen the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.

Pope Francis prays during Mass on the solemnity of the Epiphany on Jan. 6, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Catholic Bishops in Africa Direct Prayerful Solidarity with Universal Church for Pope Francis’ Soul

Apr 23, 2025

By ACI Africa Staff

Bishops across Africa have issued directives in their respective Dioceses, encouraging special prayers for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis who passed on Easter Monday, April 21 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta.

Cardinals, bishops, and priests carrying palm branches gather for the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, April 13, 2025. / Credit: Bénédicte Cedergren/EWTN News

General Congregation of Cardinals Meeting Begins, Swear to Secrecy, Suspend beatifications, Choose Funeral Mass Date

Apr 23, 2025

By Kate Quiñones

At the first general congregation of cardinals in Rome on Tuesday, the estimated 60 cardinals in attendance chose the date of Pope Francis’ funeral.

Pope Francis’ Passing On “a colossal loss”, Catholic Archbishop in Nigeria Mourns, Says We’ve Lost “a moral compass”

Apr 23, 2025

By Abah Anthony John

The late Pope Francis address moral and ethical issues authoritatively and his Easter Monday passing on signifies “a colossal loss”, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Nigeria’s Archdiocese of Abuja has said. 

Pope Francis greets the crowd from the popemobile on Easter Sunday morning, April 20, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

The Last Time the World Saw Pope Francis

Apr 23, 2025

By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú

Pope Francis greeted the faithful around the world for the last time from St. Peter’s Basilica on the most important day for Christians: Easter.

Entertainment Activities Planned in Zambian Catholic Archdiocese Suspended as World Mourns Pope Francis’ Passing On

Apr 23, 2025

By Agnes Aineah

The Catholic Archdiocese of Ndola in Zambia has declared a period of mourning following the passing on of Pope Francis, and suspended major activities it had lined up before the Easter Monday news was made public.

A panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square filled with faithful attending Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican on April 20, 2025. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

What Happens during the Nine Days of Mourning for the Pope? CNA Explains

Apr 23, 2025

By Courtney Mares

Rooted in ancient Christian and Roman customs, the Novendiales is a period of nine consecutive days dedicated to mourning the death of a pope.

Pope Francis reiterated his call for peace for Gaza and the Holy Land in his April 20, 2025, urbi et orbi message. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Pope Francis Made Final Call to Pastor of Gaza Parish on Holy Saturday, Two Days before Passing On

Apr 23, 2025

By Victoria Cardiel

Father Gabriel Romanelli, the pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gaza, summed up Pope Francis’ last call on Saturday night, April 19,  moments before the Easter Vigil.

Pope Francis prays at the “Garden of Angels” section of the Laurentino Cemetery in Rome on All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2, 2024. / Credit: Vatican Media

"Death is not the end of everything": Vatican Releases Pope Francis' Reflections on Aging, Dying

Apr 22, 2025

By Madalaine Elhabbal

“We must not be afraid of old age, we must not fear embracing becoming old,” wrote Francis in the preface to a book in Italian by Cardinal Angelo Scola.

Pope Francis kisses a baby during his weekly general audience on May 10, 2023. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA

Pope Francis’ Grandfatherly Advice

Apr 22, 2025

By Joseph Pronechen

During his papacy, Pope Francis shared advice and bits of practical wisdom on how to get along with one another, including within the family.

null / Credi: cinemavision/Shutterstock

From Sede Vacante to Conclave: Key Terms to Know at Start of a Papal Transition

Apr 22, 2025

By Matthew Bunson

Here are some of the key words and phrases that will be used throughout the interregnum, especially the conclave to elect the new pope.

Pope Francis is seen at his general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 16, 2014. / Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA

Pope Francis in His Own Words: 12 Key Quotes that Defined His 12-year Pontificate

Apr 22, 2025

By Kristina Millare

His words often focused on the dignity of the poor, migrants, refugees, and the elderly as well as the importance of marriage, family life, and care for the environment.

The body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Vatican's Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, surrounded by Swiss Guards, cardinals, and Vatican officials paying their respects before his transfer to St. Peter's Basilica for public veneration, Monday, April 21, 2025. | Credit: Vatican Media

Vatican Releases First Photos of Pope Francis After His Death

Apr 22, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican on Tuesday released the first photos of Pope Francis after his death, showing him dressed in red vestments and lying in a simple, wooden coffin inside the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse. 

The body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Vatican's Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, surrounded by Swiss Guards, cardinals, and Vatican officials paying their respects before his transfer to St. Peter's Basilica for public veneration on April 22, 2025. The mortal remains of Pope Francis will be transferred to St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, April 23. / Vatican Media

Pope Francis to Be Buried at St. Mary Major Basilica Following Saturday Funeral

Apr 22, 2025

By Courtney Mares

In accordance with his personal wishes, Francis will not be buried in the Vatican grottoes but instead at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Bouquets of flowers are left by visitors to St. Peter's Square on Easter Monday following the news of the death of Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025. | Credit: Kristina Millare/CNA

Pope Francis Died from Stroke, Coma, and Irreversible Cardiovascular Collapse: Vatican Physician

Apr 21, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Holy See on Monday evening released the death certificate detailing the cause of death of Pope Francis, who died in his Vatican apartment at 7:35 a.m. in Rome on April 21, the day after Easter.

Pope Francis, “profound source of inspiration for us”: Africa’s Catholic Bishops Mourn, Recall Holy Father’s Legacy

Apr 21, 2025

By Jude Atemanke

Catholic Bishops in Africa have expressed sorrow at the passing on of Pope Francis, remembering him as an inspirational leader, whose pontificate of peace and inclusivity was felt by many across the continent, resulting in a positive and memorable impression. 

“A friend of Africa”: Catholic Church Leaders Pay Heartfelt Tributes to Pope Francis, Offer Prayers

Apr 21, 2025

By ACI Africa Staff

The Church in Africa has been thrown into deep mourning following the passing on of Pope Francis, with Church leaders on the continent describing the late Holy Father as a voice for the voiceless, a tireless advocate for peace and human dignity, and most especially, “a friend of Africa”.