Pope Francis was ready to die as shepherd amidst his flock, a Vatican adviser said about the string of public appearances in the Holy Week before Easter Sunday | CBS News |

The Pope of the People: Francis, a shepherd with the smell of the sheep

Among his many duties and decisions, the late Pope Francis clearly enjoyed the company of other people, drawing energy from them and returning their affection with a word of encouragement or sometimes with just a caring smile.

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Pope Francis: revitalising the Catholic church | The Guardian - 9 March 2014 |

After years of crisis, the Catholic church may have found itself a new saviour. But can Pope Francis really make a difference? Julian Coman reports from Rome

For the first time in 50 years, one of the most conservative institutions in the world may be opening itself up to different voices and to change, glacial though that process might seem to the outside world. In an interview with Antonio Spadaro, the Italian Jesuit and editor of La Civiltà Cattolica, Francis stated, as baldly as any pope could do, that the church, like any human institution, must be open to changing its mind.

"Human self-understanding changes with time," he told Spadaro. "Let us think of when slavery was accepted, or the death penalty was allowed without any problem." He added that "other sciences and their development help the church in its growth in understanding".

Little wonder then that Francis is inspiring optimism not seen since the heady days of Second Vatican Council. In the words of Tanner, the new pope is showing a willingness "to listen to what the world of the time (including the non-Catholic and non-Christian world) is saying and doing".

There is listening, though, and then there is acting. In Paul Vallely's masterly biography of Francis, Untying the Knots, the Argentine rabbi Abraham Skorka, who has known Bergoglio for more than two decades, tells Vallely: "He's totally aware that he must in some sense be a revolutionary pope, not only for the Catholic church, but for the whole of humanity." But revolutions require moments of decisive action. Just as church traditionalists have shaken their heads at a man who seems to prefer the title Bishop of Rome, there are also liberals who doubt that progressive intentions will translate into meaningful action. Linda Woodhead, professor of the sociology of religion at Lancaster University, is a Francis-sceptic.

"There is huge hope riding on this pope," she says. "But so far it has just been gestures. Everyone is holding their breath before the Synod in October. I think it is likely there may be movement on divorcees and the sacraments. But what about the role of women in the church? What about the church and its relation to gay people?" She points to the results of a survey of German Catholics, intended to inform debate at the Synod. The German bishops' report noted a huge disconnect between the laity and the church, "above all when it comes to premarital cohabitation, the status of the divorced and remarried, birth control and homosexuality".

Pope Francis: outsider whose reforming mission made him an ally of progressives | The Guardian - 21 April 2025 |

The pontiff took on church traditionalists and rightwing populism, making powerful enemies on the way

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Obituary: Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, friend of Iran, critic of Gaza genocide | PressTV |

Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, friend of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and outspoken critic of Israel's genocidal actions in Gaza, passed away on Monday at Saint Martha's House in Vatican City.

The Vatican announced that the pontiff died at the age of 88, following a prolonged struggle with health issues. In recent years, he mostly relied on a wheelchair or cane for mobility.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, stood in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel on Monday, where the deceased Pope lived, and announced that he died at 7:35 a.m. local time.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized," Farrell stated.

His death came just one day after he made a brief appearance before thousands of Catholic pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis was the first Latin American pontiff who worked hard to reform the Church. 

Iran's president urges Pope to help end Israel's onslaught in Gaza

Max Civili reports from Rome. pic.twitter.com/x0wbrt8L4U

— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) November 22, 2024

The conclave, governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, required cardinals under the age of 80 to convene in the Sistine Chapel to cast their votes. A total of 115 cardinals participated, with a two-thirds majority needed to elect the new pope. [Today there will be 135 cardinals present with a majority from outside of Europe]

Bergoglio was a familiar figure from the 2005 conclave, reportedly the runner-up to Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI). His humility, reform-minded approach, and non-European background appealed to cardinals seeking a fresh perspective amid mounting Church scandals.

Christ is risen! These words capture the entire meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death but for life. #Easter [_link]

— Apostolica Sedes Vacans (@Pontifex) April 20, 2025

Secretary-General's statement - on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis

I join the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a messenger of hope, humility and humanity.

Pope Francis was a transcendent voice for peace, human dignity and social justice. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service and compassion for all -- especially those left on the margins of life or trapped by the horrors of conflict.

Pope Francis was a man of faith for all faiths -- working with people of all beliefs and backgrounds to light a path forward.

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His Holiness Pope Francis, 1936-2025 | United Nations |

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Egypt's Grand Mufti Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis

His Eminence Prof. Dr. Nazir Mohammad Ayyad, the Grand Mufti of Egypt and President of the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, mourns the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Pope of the Vatican, who has died at the age of 88.

The Grand Mufti praised Pope Francis's remarkable life journey, characterized by profound humanitarian influence and tireless dedication to fostering understanding and rapprochement between peoples and religions.

The Grand Mufti affirmed that Pope Francis was among the global religious figures who devoted their lives to consolidating a culture of peace, enhancing values of understanding and tolerance, and building bridges of love among followers of different faiths through earnest and responsible dialogue. Pope Francis was also a persistent voice advocating for human dignity and social justice in various international forums, leaving behind a legacy that will forever remain in humanity's collective conscience.

The Grand Mufti extends his deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the family of the late Pope and to the global Catholic Church, expressing hope that sincere efforts will continue toward building a world guided by peace, mercy, and mutual understanding among peoples.

Vatican and Islamic University to Officially Resume Dialogue

In a communique, the Vatican said the secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Bishop Miguel Ángel Ayuso Guixot, will be heading back to Cairo for an Oct. 23 meeting with a delegation from Al-Azhar.


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Pope Francis pays historic visit to the United Arab Emirates | DW News |

Arabs mourn death of Pope Francis, advocate of interfaith dialogue and human dignity | Arab News |

Hasbara is a dead language