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Pope Francis

Pope Francis’ coffin is sealed prior to his funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 25, 2025. / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis’ Coffin Closed in Private Ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica

Apr 25, 2025

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, presided over the rite of the closing and sealing of the coffin.

More than 128,000 Mourners Pay Respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, Some Queuing for "about 5 hours"

Apr 24, 2025

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

Apr 24, 2025

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. 

Credit: AMECEA

Catholic Bishops in Eastern Africa Remember Pope Francis’ Passion for Synodal Church in Moving Eulogy

Apr 24, 2025

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.

Credit: Kati Dijane in South Africa

Ahead of Rome Trip for Conclave, South Africa's Cardinal Recalls Pope Francis’ Impact on All, “not just” on Catholics

Apr 24, 2025

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

Apr 24, 2025

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. 

Credit: Breaking In The Habit

Catholic Environmentalist in Kenya Lauds Growth of Global Movement Birthed from Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ Document

Apr 24, 2025

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.

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 for Pope Francis on April 23, 2025, at the Vatican. / Credit: Courtney Mares/CNA

Catholics Bid Final Farewell as Pope Francis Lies in State at St. Peter’s Basilica

Apr 23, 2025

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

Apr 23, 2025

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

Apr 23, 2025

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.

Tanzanian Cardinal Calls for Spiritual Closeness with Cardinals ahead of Selection of New Pope

Apr 23, 2025

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's body lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis is Brought to St. Peter’s Basilica: Photos

Apr 23, 2025

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.

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

Apr 23, 2025

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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