Since his time as archbishop of Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was already known for his humility, closeness to the poor, and an austere lifestyle that spoke louder than words.

Among those at the Pope's funeral was a 31-year-old Kurdish woman, who fled Iraq with her husband and four children due to ISIS violence and a lack of basic services and future prospects.

The six-kilometer journey that transported Pope Francis’ body from St. Peter’s Basilica to St. Mary Major featured profound symbolism and emotion.

More than 1,800 Italian Civil Protection volunteers are currently deployed around St. Peter’s Basilica and throughout central Rome to coordinate and facilitate the flow of pilgrims paying their final respects to Pope Francis.

The following leaders from around the world are among the dignitaries who have announced they are to attend Pope Francis’ funeral on Saturday, April 26, at the Vatican.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025—Easter Monday, also called Monday of the Angel. His death, filled with symbolic meaning, reflects a life deeply united with Christ. Here are some "God-incidences" that offer a profound spiritual message.

Prisoners always held a special place in Pope Francis’ heart, and he demonstrated his love for them throughout his pontificate, until the end.

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.