Browsing: Pope Francis

The passing of Pope Francis has left Catholics, particularly in Africa, mourning the loss of a humble leader known for his connection to the grassroots of the church.

Pope Francis declared the death penalty inadmissible in all circumstances, urging for its abolition and advocating for improved prison conditions to honour human dignity.

This week’s UK news is dominated by the death of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. The Pope had suffered with poor health in the last few months and died of a stroke and heart failure. As tributes are paid, many are reminiscing about the 88 year old pontiffs dedication to the people, with may dubbing him the People’s Pope.

Liverpool are one step closer to winning the Premier League title thanks to Trent Alexander Arnold’s goal against Leicester City – who now find themselves joining Southampton in being relegated. Burnley and Leeds have secured promotion to the Premier League.

There is ongoing coverage of the US stock markets and the decline in the US dollar following another turbulent few weeks under Donald Trump.

The death of Pope Francis leads almost all the UK newspaper front pages this morning with heavy coverage in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland – the Welsh reserve much of their coverage for online. The papers dub Pope Francis the People’s Pope in this mornings headlines and describe him as ‘groundbreaking,’ ‘modern’ and someone ‘championing the poor.’ 

The potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis include Pietro Parolin, Matteo Zuppi, and Jose Tolentino de Mendonca, reflecting varying levels of experience and progressive views within the Vatican.

Tuesday’s headlines are a sombre affair with most global coverage – online and in print – paying tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday morning after suffering with poor health in recent months including double pneumonia. It has since been confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke and heart failure. 

Despite the sadness of the pope’s death – which is being felt around the world. There is a sense of celebration as well, with many reports emerging of the pope’s kindness – including calling Gaza’s only church everyday since the Israeli ground invasion, his role in bringing Muslims and Christian’s together across Africa and shunning much of the privileges that come with being the pope. He attempted to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and less judgemental.

Online, many headlines are discussing funeral plans, noting his refusal for any of the pomp and ceremony associated with a pope’s death, and there is speculation over who might be in line to become the next pope.

Pope Francis has chosen to be buried at Saint Mary Major Basilica, deviating from the tradition of burial in St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a break in nearly 150 years of precedent.

Christians in Gaza’s only Catholic church honoured Pope Francis, who consistently reached out to them for over a year during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, culminating in his last phone call on Saturday.

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke that resulted in a coma and subsequent heart failure, as reported by the Vatican.

The King and Queen’s state visit to the Vatican has been postponed as Pope Francis recovers from pneumonia, according to Buckingham Palace.