Pope Francis
Former Head of the Catholic Church
Pope Francis
Former Head of the Catholic Church
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, served as the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from March 13, 2013, until his death on April 21, 2025. He was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first non-European pope in over a millennium. Known for his humility and emphasis on God's mercy, he chose to reside in the Vatican guest house rather than the papal apartments and was noted for his less formal approach to the papacy. His papacy focused on reforming the Vatican bureaucracy and finances, addressing social justice issues, and promoting interreligious dialogue. He was also known for his progressive stances on climate change, economic justice, and the death penalty. Despite facing criticism from conservative factions, he remained committed to modernizing the Catholic Church and promoting compassion and inclusivity.
Trump Turns on Putin: Historic Meeting at Vatican Marks Shift in US-Russia Relations
- Sunday, 27 April 2025
Pope Francis’s funeral was marked by striking front pages in British newspapers, including images of his coffin and crowds at St Peter's Square. The papers also highlighted a private meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky at the Vatican, which was described as "extraordinary" and had "the potential to become historic". The Sunday Telegraph suggested that President Trump may be waking up to Vladimir Putin’s true nature after criticizing him for attacking Ukraine, while the Sunday Times considered what next for Christianity.
Royals and World Leaders Mourn Pope Francis at Vatican Funeral Service
- Saturday, 26 April 2025
Prince William and Keir Starmer attended Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City's St. Peter's Square, joining other world leaders for a moment of silence and the open-air service. Prince William, representing his father King Charles III, stood with Sir Keir, wearing a dark blue suit and black tie, and bowed his head during the moment of silence. He then met with clergy members before taking his seat in the basilica. The event saw 55 heads of state, 14 heads of government, and 12 reigning monarchs attend, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump Touches Down in Rome as World Leaders Gather for Pope Francis' Funeral
- Friday, 25 April 2025
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Rome overnight as world leaders gather to attend Pope Francis' funeral. The historic event marks the formal farewell to the 88-year-old pontiff, who died on Monday. Ahead of the funeral, faithfuls lined Vatican City streets to pay tribute to Pope Francis, with Cardinal Vincent Nichols predicting a "masterpiece" despite the attendance of many big egos. The seating arrangement has been confirmed, with Argentina and Italy taking precedence, followed by reigning sovereigns seated in alphabetical order using the French language, and then heads of state.
Trump Shrugs Off Biden Encounter at Pope's Funeral: 'Not High on My List'
- Friday, 25 April 2025
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived late-night in Rome ahead of Pope Francis' state funeral at St. Peter's Basilica. When asked if he would meet with former President Joe Biden, who was also attending the funeral, Trump replied that it was "not high on my list" and that having meetings during the funeral would be a bit disrespectful.
