Members of the College of Cardinals had a chance to take a quick bus tour through Rome on their way to visit the tomb of Pope Francis, who wanted to be buried in a Marian basilica three and a half miles from the Vatican.
The Vatican
The Next Pope: Lists Abound, Certainty Does Not
The news media, blogs, pundits and people on the street all seem to have their favorite candidate or a list of “probable” next popes, but the College of Cardinals as a whole does not.
Conclave To Elect Next Pope Will Begin May 7
The 135 cardinals eligible to elect the next pope will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave May 7, the Vatican announced.
Top Contenders for Papacy After Francis
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.
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.
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.
Lessons of Humility and Compassion: Queens Msgr. Reflects on His Time at the Vatican
Not everyone gets the chance to serve ice cream to the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, but Msgr. Cuong Pham did just that, once handing Pope Francis a dish of vanilla ice cream.
Despite Improved Health, Pope Picks Cardinals To Lead Holy Week Liturgies
Pope Francis is going without supplemental oxygen for longer periods and is continuing therapy to recover his voice and to recover his physical strength, the Vatican press office said, but he also is increasing the number of private meetings he is holding with the heads of Vatican offices.
‘Pope of Surprises’ Puts in Unscripted Appearance at Palm Sunday Mass
Pope Francis made another surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square at the end of Palm Sunday Mass on April 13, starting Holy Week.