17 h. ago World's eyes on the Vatican as cardinals gather to arrange Pope Francis's funeral and take first step in deciding his successor

Tributes continue to pour in following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, the 88-year-old Pontiff died after a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

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25 h. ago Pope Francis’ approach did not win him friends within the church bureaucracy. But he lit the path for us all | Francis Sullivan

While his legacy in confronting the sex abuse scandal is still incomplete, Francis demonstrated that change is possible and mercy can be realPope Francis, groundbreaking Jesuit pontiff, diesPotential candidates to succeed Pope FrancisEarly in his papacy Pope Francis said the name for God is mercy. He understood the church had become too doctrinaire, divisive and judgmental for too many people. The drift of Catholics from conventional practice in the west said as much. He knew the church had alienated the LGBTQ community, discriminated against women and resisted full participation for divorced and remarried Catholics. He acknowledged that previous popes had not confronted the clerical sex abuse scandal. He wanted to do better and the Catholic world was with him, the institution was not.The Catholic church by its nature is a conservative institution. It uses inertia as a management tool. Change is a slow and drawn-out affair. Francis regularly railed against clericalism because of its...

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28 h. ago Pope Francis latest: Pontiff died of stroke and heart failure, Vatican says while world pays tribute

A statement released by the Holy See said his death was confirmed using an echocardiogram

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29 h. ago Pope Francis died of stroke and heart failure, Vatican doctor says, as tributes pour in for pontiff – latest updates

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who was revered by millions of Catholics around the world, has died aged 88Pope Francis, groundbreaking Jesuit pontiff, diesPotential candidates to succeed Pope FrancisPope Francis: share your tributesThe Archbishop of York has paid tribute to Pope Francis as “holy man of God” who was “also very human”, PA News reports.In a statement on X, Stephen Cottrell said:Francis’s whole life and ministry was centred on Jesus who comes among us not to be served, but to serve.We saw that compellingly in Francis’s service of the poor his love of neighbour, especially the displaced, migrant; the asylum seeker, his deep compassion for the well-being of the earth and his desire to lead and build the church in new ways.I remember, in the brief times spent with him, how this holy man of God, was also very human.He was witty, lively, good to be with, and the warmth of his personality and interest in others shone out from him. Continue reading...

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29 h. ago Pope Francis' cause of death announced as first Latin American pontiff dies aged 88

His death was announced this morning

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33 h. ago Who will be the next pope? Some potential candidates to succeed Francis

A ‘continuity’ pick, the possible first Asian pope or first black pontiff in centuries are among likely contendersPope Francis, groundbreaking Jesuit pontiff, diesLatest updates: tributes paid after Pope Francis diesPredicting the outcome of the highly secretive papal conclave is near impossible as cardinals’ positions shift over successive votes and some try to game the system to influence the chances of their favoured – or least-favoured – candidates. In the last conclave in 2013, few predicted that Jorge Mario Bergoglio would be elected as Pope Francis. At the moment, speculation is focusing on these men to succeed him: Continue reading...

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36 h. ago Nostradamus's eerie 16th century prediction about the Pope makes stark warning as 88

Writing in the esteemed Les Prophéties, French astrologer Nostradamus, issued several f grim predictions for the year ahead, including 'cruel wars' and natural disasters

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36 h. ago Political and religious leaders around the world pay tribute to Pope Francis

Pontiff remembered for defence of the vulnerable, and commitment to peace, social justice and the environmentPope Francis, groundbreaking Jesuit pontiff, dies aged 88Latest updates: tributes paid after Pope Francis diesPolitical and religious leaders around the world have paid tribute to the life and legacy of Pope Francis, whose 12-year papacy came to an end with his death in Rome early on Monday morning.Many recalled Francis’s unfailing defence of the poorest and most marginalised, and his profound commitment to peace and the environment. Continue reading...

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37 h. ago AP PHOTOS: Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88.

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38 h. ago Football matches CALLED OFF in Italy after Pope Franics dies aged 88 as pontiff's passing plunges Catholics into mourning

All football matches in Italy have been postponed as a mark of respect following the passing of Pope Francis on Easter Monday morning.

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38 h. ago Pope Francis reminds world we are 'for life' in heartwarming last social media post

The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis died early this morning, and hours before the pontiff posted his last message on social media, which has since been liked thousands of times

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38 h. ago What happens when a Pope dies and how is a new Pontiff selected?

Renewed interest in Vatican tradition on back of Conclave winning at the Baftas and updates on Pope Francis’ health

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39 h. ago Pope Francis: tributes paid after head of Catholic church dies aged 88 – latest updates

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who was revered by millions of Catholics around the world, has died after a respiratory illnessFull story: Pope Francis, groundbreaking Jesuit pontiff, dies aged 88Yesterday Pope Francis appeared at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.The Pope, 88, came out in a wheelchair and waved from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica saying to the crowds: “Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter.”Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of t...

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