At the conclusion of the official days of mourning following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 135 cardinal electors are eligible to enter pre-conclave gatherings.
International News
Painting in Memory: St. John’s University Students Create Mosaic Tribute to Pope Francis
On April 23, students, faculty, and religious at St. John’s gathered outside the university’s St. Thomas More Church to create a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis.
9/11 Widow Recalls Meeting Pope Francis as ‘Something I’ll Treasure Forever’
A widow who lost her husband in the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks is remembering Pope Francis for his humility and compassion for grieving survivors.
Poor To Welcome Pope’s Casket to St. Mary Major Where Simple Tomb Is Ready
Given the late Pope Francis’ care and concern for the poor, a representative group of them has been formally invited to welcome his casket to Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.
Cementing His Love of Mary, Pope Chooses Marian Basilica as Burial Site
The decision by Pope Francis to break with tradition and be buried at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome rather than the Vatican is shining a spotlight on the 5th-century basilica dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Thousands Wait Hours To Pay Respects to Pope Francis
After the casket bearing Pope Francis’ body was placed in St. Peter’s Basilica, tens of thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects.
Pope Francis’ Last Words: Pontiff Thanks Nurse for Taking Him to St. Peter’s Square One Last Time
Pope Francis’ final moments were peaceful, and he managed to give one last farewell to his nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, before slipping into a coma early April 21, Vatican News reported.
Prayer, Pilgrims Accompany Pope Francis’ Body to St. Peter’s Basilica
Thousands of people had made an early morning pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Square April 23 to witness the transfer and pray for the late pope; they erupted in applause when his body, in an open casket, reached the square and again when it reached the top of the basilica steps.
Pope’s Funeral Set for April 26, Public Viewing April 23-25
The funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be celebrated April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced.
A Papal First: Pope Visits Arab Peninsula to Promote Interfaith Relations
Among the many trips Pope Francis took after he was elected to the papacy in 2013, his historic first visit to the Arabian Peninsula was a landmark journey. He was the first pope to visit the region and meet with leaders from different religious backgrounds for an interfaith summit.