Breaking: Pope Francis News & Updates - What's Happening Now

Did the papacy of Pope Francis truly usher in an era of unprecedented change for the Catholic Church? Pope Francis, a figure whose pontificate was marked by both fervent support and staunch opposition, undeniably left an indelible mark on the global landscape of faith and diplomacy.

The Vatican, a city-state steeped in tradition, is no stranger to moments of significant announcements. On Saturday evening, at the culmination of the Synod on Synodality, a surprising revelation emerged: Pope Francis declared he would forgo a postsynodal apostolic exhortation. Instead, he opted for a more direct approach, a move that has sparked considerable discussion among theologians and observers of the Church.

The announcement was not the only significant event impacting the Church. On Monday, the world received news of the passing of Pope Francis. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo, delivered the announcement from the Chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, the residence where Pope Francis lived. This marked the end of an era, a pontificate that had spanned over a decade and brought about profound changes in the Church's approach to various societal issues. The death of Pope Francis, at the age of 88, was attributed to a stroke and cardiac arrest, as confirmed by Vatican officials.

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The events were interwoven with periods of anticipation and hope. Earlier, in a separate announcement, the Vatican revealed that two young Catholics, Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, both known for their strong faith and devotion to holiness, would be canonized. The canonizations are scheduled to occur during major jubilee events planned for 2025, serving as a testament to the enduring power of faith and its ability to inspire future generations.

The announcement of a "Year of Prayer," commencing on January 21, 2024, served as a prelude to the much-anticipated Jubilee Year of 2025. Pope Francis, in his Angelus address, stated that this year of prayer would be "dedicated to" fostering spiritual growth and preparing the faithful for the Jubilee celebrations. The news was met with widespread enthusiasm among believers, creating a sense of anticipation for the momentous year.

The start of the year of prayer was announced on a Sunday, in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year, this act of initiating the prayer-filled year on January 21, 2024, was a testament to the Church's unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of its followers. The preparation for the Jubilee began with the revision of the norms in 2019 by the Dicastery, leading to the current text approved by Pope Francis on May 4. These events have been a source of spiritual enrichment, strengthening faith, enhancing devotion, and encouraging fraternity and service, as explained by Cardinal Fernndez.

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In December 2024, Pope Francis announced a consistory for the creation of 21 new cardinals. This event, to be held in the Vatican on December 7, 2024, is a significant occasion for the Church. The appointment of new cardinals from around the world reflects the universality of the Catholic faith and the Church's outreach to diverse communities.

During the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, coinciding with World Children's Day, Pope Francis made a further announcement. He revealed that Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati would be canonized during major jubilee events in 2025. This marked another significant moment, underscoring the Church's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the lives of those who have lived exemplary lives of faith and service.

The opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve, 2024, marked the beginning of the Jubilee Year. Pope Francis's commitment to spiritual guidance was evident in his initiatives. Later, on December 29, the Holy Door of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome, was opened. These symbolic acts, captured in a video by Vatican media, signaled the start of the Jubilee Year and its special focus on reflection and renewal.

The announcement of Pope Francis's death was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican Camerlengo. Cardinal Farrell was accompanied by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Edgar Pea Parra, Substitute Chief of Staff, during the announcement, further highlighting the gravity of the moment. The news was met with widespread grief and remembrance worldwide.

The death of Pope Francis, confirmed on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m. local time at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, came after a period of hospitalization. The pope had been admitted to the hospital in February for a period of around five weeks. The Vatican says Pope Francis died of a stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure. The death was confirmed by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, the head of the Vaticans health department.

The pontificate of Pope Francis was one of significant change and notable events. His time as the head of the Catholic Church was marked by a focus on humility and outreach to people from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Pope Francis, a voice for the poor, overcame fierce resistance to reshape the Catholic Church.