Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, marked his patron saint’s feast every year on April 23 with acts of charity. The day was a Vatican holiday in his honor.

In the endless lines of pilgrims wishing to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, whose coffin now lies open in St. Peter’s Basilica, feelings of grief and sadness are the order of the day.

Pope Francis greeted the faithful around the world for the last time from St. Peter’s Basilica on the most important day for Christians: Easter, the heart and foundation of the Catholic faith that proclaims Christ’s triumph over sin and death.

“He said he was praying for us, blessed us, and thanked us for our prayers,” said Father Gabriel Romanelli, summarizing Pope Francis’ call on April 19, just before the Easter Vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica.

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.

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.

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

The Vatican announced Tuesday that the suppression of the Sodality of Christian Life and all the institutions founded by Luis Fernando Figari has been formalized as a result of an investigation ordered by Pope Francis.

The annual report by the Rossing Center, a Jerusalem-based organization dedicated to interfaith coexistence, documented 111 cases of harassment and violence against the Christian community in Israel and East Jerusalem in 2024.

The Holy See will return to the Venice Architecture Biennale, May 10-Nov. 23, showcasing the restoration of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, concerts, and solidarity initiatives, including a soup kitchen.

The Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has announced the theme chosen by Pope Francis for the 2025 World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, held annually on Sept. 1: “Seeds of Peace and Hope.”

Pope Francis made a surprise second appearance Thursday at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, arriving in a wheelchair around 12:30 p.m. local time.

According to the Vatican News website, Krajewski was busy distributing food and other essential goods, purchased thanks to donations received by the papal almoner.

As part of the Jubilee of Hope, a World Meeting of Prayer Groups of the Charismatic Renewal has concluded in Rome. The movement seeks to renew Christian life through a living experience of the Holy Spirit.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, archbishop of Yangon, described the March 28 earthquake in Myanmar—which killed over 3,500—as if “330 atomic bombs” had struck at once.

For Sister Idília María Moreira G. Carneiro, superior general of the Hospitaller Sisters, illness is not just a diagnosis or a curse to be avoided at all costs but a privileged place to encounter God.

Pope Francis has donated to Ukraine four ambulances that will be deployed in hardest-hit areas in a concrete gesture of his closeness and concern for those suffering the devastating effects of the war there. The vehicles bear the Vatican’s coat of arms.

On Sunday, April 6, the fifth Sunday of Lent, St. Peter’s Basilica renewed an ancient tradition by displaying “Veronica’s Veil,” the cloth believed to have wiped the face of Christ on His way to Calvary.

More than 20,000 pilgrims from 90 countries will participate in the Jubilee of the Sick and Health Care Workers at the Vatican this weekend.

Rescue teams in Myanmar race to find survivors after Friday’s 7.7 quake, battling not just time but extreme heat over 100°F.

Caravaggio takes center stage in this rare exhibition of his Baroque masterpieces during Rome's Jubilee of Hope.

When Pope Francis instituted the Missionaries of Mercy in 2016, Argentine priest José Luis Quijano never expected it would renew his priestly zeal after more than 30 years of ministry.

The Vatican has published the official calendar of liturgical celebrations planned for Holy Week, but it has not clarified whether Pope Francis will preside.

Dr. Sergio Alfieri, who led Pope Francis' medical team during his 38-day stay at Gemelli Hospital, revealed that a critical moment came when they had to choose between continuing treatment or letting him die.