POPE BURIAL

Papal conclave 2025: What do the black and white smoke mean, and why does the Vatican announce the new pope this way?
Cardinals gather in secret after Pope Francis's burial to elect a new leader. The world watches for smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney. The ancient ritual maintains secrecy. Ballots are burnt. Voting continues until a two-thirds majority is reached. The conclave begins this Wednesday. The process has begun.

World leaders, faithful bid farewell to Pope Francis
A solemn funeral ceremony was held for Pope Francis in Vatican City. Dignitaries and mourners gathered to bid farewell. Cardinal Re appealed for the continuation of Francis' legacy. The late Pope was buried inside Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. US President Donald Trump and other leaders attended. President Murmu and Indian delegation also attended the Mass.

Pope Francis' funeral draws thousands, cardinal says his legacy must survive
World leaders and mourners gathered for Pope Francis's funeral. Cardinal Re highlighted Francis's legacy of caring for migrants and the environment. Trump and other dignitaries paid respects. Zelenskiy met with Trump. Francis, known for his simplicity, was buried in a zinc-lined wooden coffin. He will be buried outside the Vatican. Attention now turns to the election of his successor.

'World will always remember his service to society': PM Modi pays tribute to Pope Francis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world will remember Pope Francis' service. President Droupadi Murmu paid homage at the Vatican. She was accompanied by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian. Modi met Pope Francis previously at the G7 summit and in 2021. Pope Francis passed away at 88. His funeral rites were simpler.

Vatican City: President Murmu pays homage to Pope Francis
President Droupadi Murmu visited Vatican City to pay respects to Pope Francis. She was accompanied by Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian. The President will attend the Pope's funeral at Saint Peter's Square. India observed state mourning for the Pope. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, remembering Pope Francis's affection for India.

Trump and Zelenskyy among dignitaries converging on Rome for funeral of Pope Francis
World leaders and royalty are gathering in Rome for Pope Francis' funeral, while a group of poor people will honor him at St. Mary Major basilica. Tens of thousands have paid their respects as his coffin lies in state. Cardinals are meeting to discuss church business before the conclave to choose a new pope begins in May.
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Pope Francis’ funeral: Here’s how you can travel to the Vatican to pay last respects at St Peter’s Basilica
Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday. Meanwhile, mourners are still allowed to visit St Peter's Basilica and pay their respects until the evening of Friday. The late pontiff, who passed away aged 88, lies in an open coffin while tens of thousands of people congregate in Vatican City.
Pope Francis' Funeral: details and live stream information
Pope Francis's funeral, a more modest affair reflecting his humble wishes, is scheduled for April 26th in St. Peter's Square. The ceremony, live-streamed globally, precedes a conclave where cardinals will elect his successor. His burial at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major Basilica differs from tradition, highlighting his role as a bishop and his devotion to the Virgin Mary.
Vatican releases first images of Pope Francis in open coffin
The Vatican released the first images of Pope Francis lying in repose inside the private chapel of Casa Santa Marta, a day after confirming his death. Dressed in red vestments with a bishop’s mitre and rosary in hand, the Pope lay in an open wooden casket as Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin prayed over him. Francis died aged 88 after a stroke. His modest burial will take place at the Basilica of St Mary Major, fulfilling his personal wish.
Pope Francis’s funeral set for Saturday, public viewing begins Wednesday
Pope Francis's funeral will be held on Saturday, the Vatican announced Tuesday, as world leaders from US President Donald Trump to Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky said they would attend to honour the Catholic leader. Heads of state and royalty are expected for his funeral, with Trump and France's Emmanuel Macron the first to announce they would attend even before a date was confirmed.
From Nostradamus to Malachy: Ancient prophecies hint at who could succeed Pope Francis – and potentially be the last pope
Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, following a stroke and days in critical condition. His death, announced by the Vatican, coincided with an eerie prophecy from 1555 by Nostradamus predicting the end of a “very old Pontiff.” As his body lies in state at St Peter’s Basilica, speculation over his successor intensifies, especially in light of another forewarning—this time about a mysterious future pope known only as “Peter the Roman.”
Pope Francis asked to be buried 'in the ground,' without grave decoration
The final testament of the Pope specified that Francis wanted to be buried "in the ground, without particular decoration" but with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
A farewell like no other: Pope Francis overhauled his own funeral plans, signaling a major departure from papal norms; here’s what will be different this time
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, had planned a simpler funeral. He chose burial outside the Vatican at Rome's Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. The funeral rites will be less pompous. There will be no triple coffin or grand platform. The changes emphasize humility. The Vatican planned these changes after Benedict XVI's death. The prayers and readings were updated.
Why Pope Francis, unlike others may not be buried in St. Peter’s Basilica
Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, desired a departure from traditional papal funerals. He wished to be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, reflecting his devotion to the Virgin Mary. Francis also revised funeral rites, emphasizing humility by eliminating elaborate displays and opting for a simple, public viewing at St. Peter's Basilica in a single wooden coffin.
From sealed rooms to a broken ring: What happens when a Pope passes away or steps down?
Pope Francis, 88, remains in hospital battling double pneumonia, with his condition described as "critical" by the Vatican. The pontiff has received supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions following a severe respiratory crisis. As the world watches closely, the potential passing of a pope would set into motion a series of carefully orchestrated traditions, including a nine-day mourning period, an elaborate burial, and the election of a new leader for the Catholic Church. Here’s a breakdown of what happens next.
Pope Francis in critical condition with early kidney failure but remains alert as prayers pour in
Pope Francis is critically ill with pneumonia and a complex lung infection, showing signs of early kidney failure. The Vatican reported no further respiratory crises since Saturday night, with high-flow oxygen support. The 88-year-old pontiff's condition remains guarded, with global prayers for his recovery.
Vatican on edge as headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church prepares for the worst: Swiss guard rehearse funeral amid Pope's grim pneumonia warning, says, ‘I may not survive’
Pope Francis, 88, is facing a severe pneumonia-related health crisis, raising global concerns. The Vatican confirmed he is battling asthmatic bronchitis and a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, requiring intensive treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Reports suggest that the Swiss Guard has begun funeral preparations, anticipating the worst. Despite his critical condition, Francis remains alert and continues his daily routine. However, fears over his weakened immune system and past lung removal make his recovery uncertain.
Pope Francis discloses plans for his funeral; decides to simplify funeral rites, be buried outside Vatican
In a candid interview, Pope Francis shares plans for his funeral and burial, expressing a desire to rest in Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major. Despite facing health challenges and mobility issues, the 87-year-old pontiff reflects on the maturing aspects of old age and remains committed to his role.
Israel continues battling Hamas as fears of wider conflict grow
Israeli soldiers are engaged in street battles with Hamas fighters in southern Israel, while also launching airstrikes on Gaza. The conflict has raised fears of a broader conflict, with a brief exchange of strikes occurring between Israeli forces and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is "at war." Over 20,000 people are seeking refuge in UN schools in Gaza, with three schools suffering collateral damage from Israeli airstrikes.
Valentine's Day and St. Valentine: What is the connection?
The origins of Valentine's Day trace back to the legendary Christian martyr St. Valentine, who served as an inspiration for over two thousand years.
Hope fading as deaths in Turkey, Syria quake pass 11,000
Search teams from more than two dozen countries have joined tens of thousands of local emergency personnel, and aid pledges have poured in from around the world. But the scale of destruction from the 7.8 magnitude quake and its powerful aftershocks was so immense - and spread so wide, including in areas isolated by Syria's ongoing civil war - that many are still waiting for help.
Remains of Benedict XVI buried in a tomb in the Vatican grotto
The brief announcement of the burial by the Vatican's press office came about 90 minutes after the conclusion of Benedict's funeral in St. Peter's Square on Thursday.
View: Yogi Adityanath — will this tiger change its saffron stripes?
Will Adityanath tone down his fiery rhetoric in office? He has vowed to turn Uttar Pradesh into Modi's 'dream state', but that phrase can turn out to be double-edged.
Shrouded in Mystery
How belief can make or mar one’s judgement was clearly evident from Pope Francis’ recent remarks on the mysterious Turin Shroud when it was shown live on television on the day after Good Friday.
Melting-pot culture of India: Mughal-style final resting places of European adventurers
The Mughal-style final resting places of many European adventurers bear testimony to the melting-pot culture of India, says Arjun Kumar
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