2 h. ago ‘A signal of simplicity’: Pope Francis’s funeral will be his final humble gesture

One of pontiff’s last acts was to simplify papal rites, stripping away elaborate rituals and scaling back processionLatest updates: tributes paid after Pope Francis dies aged 88When the late Pope Francis stepped on to the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to give his first speech as leader of the Catholic church in March 2013, he cast away formality by dressing in simple white robes instead of the regal ermine-trimmed cape usually worn by newly elected pontiffs.The next day, Francis – a name chosen in honour of Francis of Assisi, the Italian saint who renounced a life of luxury to help the poor – returned to the Rome hotel in which he had stayed before the conclave to pick up his luggage and pay his bill. He substituted a plush apostolic apartment for a simple room within the Vatican walls and, unlike his predecessors, did not spend his summers in Castel Gandolfo, an opulent 12th-century fortress close to Rome. Continue reading...

Politics

12 h. ago ‘He was humble and close to the people’: Catholics pay respects to Pope Francis

Worshippers gathered in Rome for the Easter weekend reflect on legacy of pontiff who pushed the limitsBill Nicoletti and his family, from Philadelphia, were among the thousands gathered in St Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday mass when Pope Francis arrived in his open-air popemobile.The vehicle cruised through the square, stopping occasionally for the pontiff to bless babies that were brought towards him, as the delighted crowd shouted “Viva il papa!” (Long live the pope!) Continue reading...

Politics

15 h. ago Ways humble Pope Francis broke Vatican tradition including where he'll be buried

The 'People's Pope' passed away this morning on Easter Monday

Politics

18 h. ago Obituary: Pope Francis, humble pontiff who won the hearts of millions while angering Catholic conservatives

Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis. Born: 17 December, 1936 in Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Died: 21 April, 2025 in the Vatican City, aged 88

Economics

21 h. ago Pope Francis dead: How 'humble' Pontiff ended his time standing up for the poor

Pope Francis, 88, had fought pneumonia, one of the respiratory illnesses which blighted his life due to the loss of part of one lung in his youth - elected the 266th pontiff on March 13, 2013, he was no stranger to controversy...

Events

9 d. ago Mystery of sacrificial alter found with people buried inside – including sitting child

The discovery of an ancient Mayan altar with bodies inside including that of a child in a seated position has sparked a mystery after archaeologists share their theories on the ruin

Politics

9 d. ago Mystery of sacrificial altar found with people buried inside – including sitting child

The discovery of an ancient Mayan altar with bodies inside including that of a child in a seated position has sparked a mystery after archaeologists share their theories on the ruin

Politics

2 w. ago Funeral director is charged with 64 offences including FRAUD after huge probe left families questioning whether they have the right ashes

Robert Bush, 47 from East Yorkshire, has been charged with 64 offences after officers discovered 35 bodies at the firm's premises in Hull.

Politics

2 w. ago Police charge funeral director, 47, with 64 offences include fraud, theft and preventing 30 lawful burials

Robert Bush, 47 from East Yorkshire, has been charged with 64 offences after officers discovered 35 bodies at the firm's premises in Hull.

Events

2 w. ago Man charged with 64 offences after investigation into Hull funeral directors

Robert Bush, 47, has been charged with offences including 30 counts of preventing a lawful burial fraud in relation to human ashes.

Events