Keir Starmer pays tribute to Pope Francis’ ‘courage and leadership’
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 12:30
Israel shared then quickly deleted condolences
The Israeli government swiftly deleted a social media post which gave condolences over Pope Francis’ death.
While The Jerusalem Post has linked it to the Pope’s criticism of the war in Gaza, no official reason was given.
The post originally read: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing”, along with a picture of the Pope in Jerusalem.
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 12:15
List of cardinals involved in burial released
The cardinals who will take part in the Pope’s burial on Saturday have been confirmed by the Vatican.
On the list was Pietro Parolin, who was close to Francis and is thought to be one of the likely options to be the next pope.
Roger Mahoney from the US was also on the list, but no British cardinals were included.
Italian cardinal Giovanni Battista Re was already publically known as he will preside over the mass.
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 12:09
Video: Mourners pay respects as thousands queue to view Pope’s open casket
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 12:00
How Francis used social media to craft his image as the ‘People’s Pope’
From papal selfies to the viral generative AI images featuring a stylish puffer jacket, Pope Francis became a prominent popular culture figure during his papacy.
News media called him the “People’s Pope”, branding that also circulated online on social media to turn Pope Francis into an icon who symbolised the progressive ideals of 2010s popular culture.
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 11:45
In pictures: mourners pray and cry for Pope Francis
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 11:30
If you’re just joining us: procession and Lithurgy re-capped
• The Pope’s Coffin was transferred from his Vatican residence to St Peter’s Basilica with a procession
• Each saint was called by song to pray for the late Pope
• The Liturgy of the Word, made of bible readings, then proceeded
• Cardinal Kevin Farrell sprinkled the late Pope’s body with holy water, purified it with incense then read from the gospel
• A choir sang to mark the end of the process
• Public have now started to view the body to pay respects
• Thousands of people filed into St Peter’s Square to pay their respects
• Public viewing will end on Friday and the coffin will be closed in a ceremony
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 11:15
In pictures: transferring the Pope’s coffin
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 11:00
Pope Francis and Justin Welby met to celebrate ties in 2016
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 10:45
Ceremony to close Pope’s coffin on Friday night
In its latest update, the Vatican has said the Pope’s coffin will be closed at 8pm local time on Friday.
It is currently open for public viewing and there will be a ceremony for its closure, which will likely be broadcast.
Steffie Banatvala23 April 2025 10:39