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Catholic News
More than 128,000 Mourners Pay Respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, Some Queuing for "about 5 hours"
Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years. Follow here for live updates of the latest news and information on the papal transition:
Pope Francis and Africa: The Many Highs and a Moment of Misgiving
Pope Francis, whose just over 12-year pontificate was characterized by an emphasis on mercy and compassion, the need to care for creation, and attention to the marginalized and “peripheries” of not only the Church but also of society, resonated quite well with the people of God in Africa.
Catholic Bishops in Eastern Africa Remember Pope Francis’ Passion for Synodal Church in Moving Eulogy
Members of the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (AMECEA) have eulogized the late Pope Francis as “a fearless leader” who committed himself to establishing a Synodal church.
Ahead of Rome Trip for Conclave, South Africa's Cardinal Recalls Pope Francis’ Impact on All, “not just” on Catholics
As he prepares to leave for Rome to join other Cardinal Electors ahead of the Conclave for the election of a new Pope, Stephen Cardinal Brislin of the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg in South Africa has paid glowing tribute to late Pope Francis, recalling his impact on the people of God across the globe and “not just” on Catholics.
Pope Francis Leaves Legacy of Prolific Saint-Maker with 942 Canonizations, Two with Significant Impact on Africa
In a 12-year pontificate marked by reform, global outreach, and an emphasis on mercy, late Pope Francis has left behind a legacy of a most prolific canonizer in the history of the Catholic Church.
Catholic Environmentalist in Kenya Lauds Growth of Global Movement Birthed from Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ Document
Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter on care for our common home, Laudato Si’, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, has had a positive impact on society since its release in 2015, a Kenyan Catholic environmentalist has said.
Remembering Pope Francis’ Many Apostolic Journeys Abroad: Map
Pope Francis’ 47 apostolic journeys brought him to 68 countries during his pontificate — many of which included a number of papal firsts.
Catholics Bid Final Farewell as Pope Francis Lies in State at St. Peter’s Basilica
Long lines of mourners, many waiting more than four hours under the hot Roman sun, wound around St. Peter’s Square on the first day of viewing on April 23.
“Champion of the poor”: African Heads of State Mourn Pope Francis’ Passing On
Presidents of different African countries have penned moving tributes to Pope Francis, describing him as a tireless champion of the poor, a “guiding light for millions”, and a shepherd who emphasized in dealing with the challenges facing humanity.
Let’s Protect Pope Francis’ Legacy by Fighting Injustice: Chadian Catholic Archbishop
Archbishop Goetbé Edmond Djitangar of the Catholic Archdiocese of N’Djaména in Chad has called on the people of God in his Metropolitan See to honor Pope Francis's legacy by embracing his commitment to fight injustice and protect the environment.
“Let’s not get used to war”, Bishop in South Sudan Pleads in Easter Message, Cautions against “logic of weapons”
Bishop Matthew Remijio Adam of South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Wau has decried the protracted violent conflicts in the country.
Abject Poverty, Abuse of Children among “many signs of a culture of death” in South Africa: Cardinal Brislin at Easter
In his 2025 Easter message, Stephen Cardinal Brislin of the Catholic Archdiocese of Johannesburg in South Africa has decried the “culture of death”.
“I feel very sad”: Nigerian Catholic Bishop Laments Massive Exodus in His Episcopal See amid Insecurity
Bishop Michael Gobal Gokum of the Catholic Diocese of Pankshin in Nigeria has expressed sorrow over the mass displacement of residents in his Episcopal See as a result of insecurity.
Cardinals Converge in Rome as Second General Congregation Gathers 103 Prelates
The College of Cardinals saw a significant increase in attendance at Wednesday's General Congregation, with 103 cardinals now present in Rome — nearly double the approximately 60 who participated in Tuesday's initial gathering.
Tanzanian Cardinal Calls for Spiritual Closeness with Cardinals ahead of Selection of New Pope
Protase Cardinal Rugambwa of Tanzania’s Catholic Archdiocese of Tabora has appealed for spiritual solidarity with the College of Cardinals entrusted with leading the Church during the Papal Interregnum, the period between the passing or resignation of a pope and the election of his successor.
Pope Francis is Brought to St. Peter’s Basilica: Photos
The rite began in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta and ended with the Holy Father’s body before the Altar of Confession in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cardinal Nzapalainga Eulogizes Pope Francis as “a man who loved the Central African Republic, Church in Africa”
Dieudonné Cardinal Nzapalainga of the Catholic Archdiocese of Bangui has paid a glowing tribute to Pope Francis, who passed on Easter Monday, describing the late Pontiff as a devoted friend of the Central African Republic (CAR) and a shepherd who loved the Church across Africa.
Catholic Bishop in DR Congo Reminisces about Pope Francis’ Powerful Words of Encouragement During Visit
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.
Handing Out Ice Cream, Visiting the Poor: Charity of Pope Francis on His Patron Saint’s Day
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
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.
