After an appearance on Easter Sunday and an image of recovery, Pope Francis passed away Monday at the age of 88. His legacy has undoubtedly affected billions worldwide, including in Lethbridge and across southern Alberta. “It was really crazy to see, especially on Easter weekend. It was really devastating, too, just because he’s been around … Read more
Less than 24 hours after he appeared in St. Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis early Monday morning. His 12-year papacy was the most progressive in generations, as he championed the poor, approved blessings of same-sex marriages, and appointed women to major roles in the church. Murray Chatlain, … Read more
Sealing the pope’s apartment. A gathering of cardinals. White smoke and bells rung. These are just some of the events that take place once a pontiff has died and while a new pope is chosen. It’s all part of a long history of tradition dictating what happens now following the death of Pope Francis on … Read more
Tributes are pouring in from around the world for the late Pope Francis hours after his death, with world leaders remembering him as a voice of “moral clarity, spiritual courage and boundless compassion.” Liberal Leader Mark Carney started his campaign event in Prince Edward Island with a tribute to the late pontiff. “I want to … Read more
Key events in the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis and died on Monday: Dec. 17, 1936: Jorge Mario Bergoglio is born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the eldest of five children to Mario Jose Bergoglio, an accountant from Italy, and Regina María Sívori, the daughter of Italian immigrants. Dec. 13, 1969: Ordained … Read more
Pope Francis has died, the Vatican confirmed to the public on Monday, capping the end of a tenure seen by some as one of the more progressive in the Roman Catholic Church. The pope died following health challenges over recent months, including hospitalization several weeks ago for pneumonia and a complex lung infection, which required … Read more
Pope Francis emerged from his convalescence on Easter Sunday to bless the thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause as he continues his recovery from a near-fatal bout of double pneumonia. “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the pope), “Bravo!” … Read more
Pope Francis made a surprise entrance to St. Peter’s Square during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick and health workers on Sunday, marking his first public appearance at the Vatican since leaving t he hospital two weeks ago after a life-threatening bout with pneumonia. The pontiff waved at the crowd of faithful that stood … Read more
A weak and frail Pope Francis returned home to the Vatican from the hospital on Sunday after surviving a five-week, life-threatening bout of pneumonia, making a surprise stop at his favorite basilica on the way home before beginning two months of prescribed rest and recovery. The motorcade carrying the 88-year-old pope entered the Perugino gate … Read more
After 38 days battling a life-threatening case of pneumonia in both lungs, Pope Francis will be released from the hospital on Sunday, his doctors said. Francis will, however, require at least two months of rest and rehabilitation as he continues recovering back at the Vatican, Gemelli medical director Dr. Sergio Alfieri said on Saturday. Francis … Read more