Pope Francis death

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Pope Francis laughs outside of St. Peter’s Basilica during the general audience on April 1, 2015.

The time Pope Francis visited a record shop and other personal moments

Apr 25, 2025

By Zoe Romanowsky

Pope Francis was a pope of “firsts,” and his pontificate was marked not only by historic events and memorable themes... Read more

Jesuit Superior General Father Arturo Sosa, SJ, center, speaks about Pope Francis at a press conference at the Jesuit general curia in Rome on April 24, 2025.

Jesuit superior Father Sosa: Pope Francis did not seek popularity

Apr 24, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

Father Arturo Sosa, SJ, superior general of the Society of Jesus, reflected on the first Jesuit pope in a press... Read more

Pope Francis is welcomed to APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on Sept. 7, 2024

MAP: Remembering Pope Francis’ many apostolic journeys abroad

Apr 24, 2025

By Jonah McKeown

Pope Francis’ 47 apostolic journeys brought him to 68 countries during his pontificate — many of which included a number... Read more

Pilgrims line up inside the St. Peter’s Basilica to see Pope Francis lying in state.

Grief, sorrow in endless lines to bid farewell to Pope Francis

Apr 23, 2025

By Victoria Cardiel

In the endless lines of pilgrims wishing to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, feelings of grief and sadness... Read more

The Salus Populi Romani icon is displayed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

Who are the many popes not buried in the Vatican?

Apr 23, 2025

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Various factors are at play when it comes to the decision of a burial place for a pope. Pope Francis... Read more

Thousands depart St. Peter's Square after praying the Holy Rosary for Pope Francis, Monday, April 21, 2025

CNA explains: ‘Sede vacante’ and ‘interregnum’ — what do they mean? 

Apr 23, 2025

By Jonah McKeown

A highly regulated process has now begun that will see Pope Francis’ earthly body laid to rest and a conclave... Read more

Cardinals, bishops, and priests carrying palm branches gather for the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, April 13, 2025.

General congregation begins: Cardinals suspend beatifications, swear to secrecy

Apr 22, 2025

By Kate Quiñones

At the first general congregation of cardinals in Rome on Tuesday, the estimated 60 cardinals in attendance chose the date... Read more

A panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square filled with faithful attending Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican on April 20, 2025.

CNA explains: What happens during the Vatican’s 9 days of mourning for the pope? 

Apr 22, 2025

By Courtney Mares

Rooted in ancient Christian and Roman customs, the Novendiales is a period of nine consecutive days dedicated to mourning the... Read more

A memorial for Pope Francis is set up at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral of the Coptic Catholics in Qusiya, Egypt.

‘Brother in humanity’: Church leaders in Middle East pay tribute to Pope Francis

Apr 22, 2025

By Souheil Lawand

Pope Francis is being remembered in the Middle East with tears, prayers, and gratitude. Read more

Pope Francis kisses a baby during his weekly general audience on May 10, 2023.

Pope Francis’ grandfatherly advice

Apr 22, 2025

By Joseph Pronechen

During his papacy, Pope Francis shared advice and bits of practical wisdom on how to get along with one another,... Read more

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From sede vacante to conclave: Key terms to know at the start of a papal transition

Apr 22, 2025

By Matthew Bunson

Here are some of the key words and phrases that will be used throughout the interregnum, especially the conclave to... Read more

Pope Francis speaks the Easter blessing “urbi et orbi” from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, April 20, 2025.

The final hours of Pope Francis: ‘Thank you for bringing me back to the Square’ 

Apr 22, 2025

By Courtney Mares

In the wake of his death, the Vatican released further details on Tuesday about the Pope Francis’ final hours. Read more

Pope Francis meets with the United States bishops at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 23, 2015.

Remembering Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the United States

Apr 22, 2025

By Jonah McKeown

Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, visited the United States just once, nearly 10... Read more

Cardinal Kevin Farrell on May 2, 2017.

Who is Cardinal Farrell, the camerlengo and a key figure in the papal transition?

Apr 21, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

Cardinal Kevin Farrell is a key figure in the papal succession because of his appointment in 2019 as the camerlengo... Read more

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 21, 2025. President Trump signed a proclamation at the event ordering flags to be flown at half-staff “as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis,” who died Monday. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset.

UPDATE: Trump will attend Pope Francis’ funeral in Rome

Apr 21, 2025

By Tyler Arnold

President Donald Trump ordered all federal and state flags to be flown at half-staff to show respect for Pope Francis... Read more

Pope Francis at the Jubilee of the Sick in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, April 6, 2025, wearing nasal cannulas for supplemental oxygen as he continues recovering from bilateral pneumonia.

FULL TEXT: Here is Pope Francis’ testament

Apr 21, 2025

By CNA Staff

The Vatican has released the testament of Pope Francis. Read more

Pope Francis (1936–2025), who led the Catholic Church from 2013 to 2025, emphasized God’s infinite mercy throughout his pontificate.

Pope Francis: The pope of the peripheries who shook up the Church

Apr 21, 2025

By CNA Staff

The first Latin American and Jesuit pope was determined to lead a more welcoming, pastoral, and merciful Church outward to... Read more

A reliquary containing relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis at the Church of Sant'Angela Merici in Rome, Oct 11, 2021.

Vatican postpones Carlo Acutis canonization following Pope Francis’ death

Apr 21, 2025

By Courtney Mares

The Vatican announced Monday that the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis has been postponed following the death of Pope Francis. Read more