Pope Francis•Testimonies

Pope Francis’ nephew to attend funeral thanks to anonymous benefactor who paid for his trip

The story has resonated deeply in Argentina and beyond, not only because it highlights a poignant family bond in the midst of global mourning, but because it has stirred an uncomfortable contrast: Mauro, a member of the Pope’s own family, arrived in Rome not with an official delegation but through a stranger’s kindness

Apr 24, 2025 17:38

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis•Rome

From Cells to Vatican: Inmates May Attend Pope Francis’ Burial in Rare Gesture of Mercy

The penitentiary administration has expressed its full support for the plan, contingent on security assessments and the authorization of the surveillance court.

Apr 24, 2025 17:36

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

The Poor Will Have the Privilege of Saying The Last Goodbye to the Pope Before He Is Buried in Saint Mary Major

A group of poor and needy people will be present on the steps leading to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, to pay their last respects to Pope Francis before the intement of the coffin.

Apr 24, 2025 08:50

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

This Is What Pope Francis’ Tomb Will Look Like: First Photos from Santa Maria Maggiore

The tomb is made of marble from the Italian region of Liguria. It bears a single inscription, «FRANCISCUS,» and a reproduction of his pectoral cross.

Apr 24, 2025 08:17

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

Cardinals Meet for the Second Time: This Is What They Decided and This Is the Number of Journalists Who Have Arrived in Rome

The meeting ended at 6:30 p.m. The next Congregation is scheduled for April 24, at 9:00 a.m.

Apr 23, 2025 08:10

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis•Vatican Diplomacy

Jewish State of Israel asks embassies to remove condolences for Pope’s death

Only Israeli President Isaac Herzog has broken the silence, offering a more measured reflection: “May his memory inspire acts of kindness and hope for humanity.” His words stand alone, a lone olive branch in an otherwise barren official response.

Apr 22, 2025 18:21

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

This is how the Pope died and these were his last words, those who accompanied him reveal

“Thank you for bringing me back to the Square,” he told Strappetti. It was more than gratitude for a physical return to a place. It was a recognition of something deeper—the heart of Francis’ mission: to walk with the people, touch their wounds, and meet them where they are. His papacy was never one of distance or protocol, but of proximity.

Apr 22, 2025 18:19

ZENIT Staff

Cardinals and Bishops•Pope Francis

60 cardinals attend first meeting after Pope’s death: these were the initial decisions

Cardinals Begin Deliberations After Pope Francis’ Passing, Marking the First Steps Toward a New Papacy

Apr 22, 2025 18:16

ZENIT Staff

Cardinals and Bishops•Causes of Saints•Pope Francis

Cardinals Decide to Suspend Beatifications Until Election of the New Pope

Pope Francis, Bishops and Cardinals, Causes of Saints

Apr 22, 2025 09:02

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

Day and Time of the Funeral Mass for the Roman Pontiff Francis

On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., the first day of the Novendiary, the Funeral Mass of the Roman Pontiff Francis will be celebrated on the parvis of St. Peter’s Basilica, in accordance with the provisions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis (nos. 82-109).

Apr 22, 2025 07:20

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

When and at What Time Will Pope Francis’ Coffin Be Transferred to the Vatican Basilica? Here’s the Answer.

The procession will pass through Santa Marta Square and the Square of the Roman Proto-Martyrs; from the Arch of the Bells it will exit to Saint Peter’s Square and enter the Vatican Basilica through the central door.

Apr 22, 2025 07:18

ZENIT Staff

Pope Francis

What Did the Pope Die Of? The Vatican Releases the Causes of Death

The causes of death were cerebral apoplexy, coma, and irreversible cardiovascular collapse

Apr 21, 2025 16:48

ZENIT Staff