The Catholic Church has many historical customs and traditions related to the handling of a pope’s mortal remains between the time of his death and his burial.

Priests from around the world mourned the passing of Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday while reflecting on the late pontiff’s life and historic papacy.

Pope Francis’ death today ends a historic 12-year papacy. The first Latin American and Jesuit pope, he leaves a legacy of reaching society’s margins and challenging a rigid, self-referential Church.

Pope Francis’s death marks the start of the “sede vacante,” when the See of Peter is vacant. This period is rich in centuries-old symbols, traditions, and protocols reflecting the essence of the papacy.

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

Statement from Michael P. Warsaw, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of EWTN Global Catholic Network on the death of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years.

Walk the Bridge of Angels in Rome with EWTN’s Fr. Baggot & Andreas Thonhauser—discover how symbols of Christ’s Passion become signs of hope this Good Friday.

Follow live at 5 PM Rome time, the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion from St. Peter’s Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches.

Jubilee of Hope pilgrims are undertaking two ancient church pilgrimages this week to prayerfully prepare for Easter: St. Philip Neri’s Seven Churches Pilgrimage and the Holy Thursday Seven Churches walk.

With the aim of improving the experience of pilgrims traveling to Rome to participate in the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope, the Fabric of St. Peter has led various restoration and innovation projects.

While Easter dates usually differ between Eastern and Western Christians, this year both Easter celebrations land on the same day — a coincidence that could be an opportunity for progress in ecumenical dialogue.

Despite ongoing health concerns, Pope Francis made a surprise Holy Thursday visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison, continuing his Triduum tradition with prisoners while recovering from pneumonia.

At the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Cardinal Mauro Gambetti reflected on Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, urging the Church to be a Eucharistic people who serve with love, not for power or profit.

EWTN Vatican, With great joy, we invite you to an evening with EWTN celebrating the life of St.

Over the centuries, there have been extraordinary accounts of people who have shown the marks of Jesus' crucifixion on their bodies, with wounds appearing on their hands, feet, and side. These marks are known to the world as “stigmata.”

Easter is the most sacred moment of the liturgical year — and it draws our hearts to the place where it all began: the Lord’s Tomb in Jerusalem.

Discover with EWTN: The Council of Nicaea took place here exactly 1700 years ago. It was also the birthplace of the Nicene Creed.

Behind-the-scenes: How the Vatican prepares for Holy Week and the Holy Triduum.

The Trinitarian order was founded at the end of the 12th century to free persecuted Christians. Today, it continues to quietly and humbly assist those persecuted for their faith.

On Holy Thursday, more than 1,880 priests, bishops and cardinals renewed the promises made at their ordinations during the Chrism Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis on Wednesday said the Gospel is a “message of hope” founded on the belief that God is a merciful father and not a slave master.

Pope Francis on Wednesday morning met with medical teams who cared for him at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and thanked them for their work and prayers for his health and recovery.

Father Frans Bouwen, a leading Catholic in ecumenical dialogue, says there’s “no real theological reason” for Christians to celebrate Easter on different dates.