Predicting when the smoke will rise from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel is not an exact science.
Cindy Wooden - Catholic News Service
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis’ funeral set for April 26, first photos of his body released
The funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be celebrated April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced.
Posted inFaith, News
Vatican releases Pope Francis’ final testament
In his brief final testament, Pope Francis asked to be buried at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major and said he had offered his suffering for peace in the world.
Posted inExplainer, Faith
What happens after a pope dies?
Who is in charge? When is the papal funeral? And when is the conclave?
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
At JD Vance’s meeting with the Vatican secretary of state, migration and religious freedom were on the agenda
Against the backdrop of deep differences with the Trump administration over migration and foreign aid as well as concerns for Ukraine and for Gaza, the Vatican secretary of state welcomed U.S. Vice President JD Vance to the Vatican.
Posted inFaith, News
Vatican updates norms on donations for special Mass intentions to allow ‘collective’ celebrations
Catholic faithful do not “buy” Masses, but when a priest accepts an offering and promises to celebrate a Mass for that person’s loved one or other special intention he must do so, the Vatican said.
Posted inFaith
Nicaea anniversary inspires faith, strengthens mission, theologians say
Celebrating the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea should give new energy to evangelization efforts, a new document from the International Theological Commission says.
Posted inFaith, News
Not knowing how Pope Francis will participate, Vatican publishes Holy Week, Easter schedule
As Pope Francis continues his convalescence, the Vatican published a full calendar of Holy Week and Easter liturgies with no indication of who would preside or be the main celebrant.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
As Ukraine ceasefire talk continues, Zelenskyy says he spoke with Vatican secretary of state
In a long post on X, the Ukrainian leader said that during the conversation with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, “I wished Pope Francis a speedy recovery and thanked him for his prayers and moral support for our people.”
Posted inFaith, News
Like his predecessors, Pope Francis wrote resignation letter in case of impairment
Canon law states that a pope can resign, but it stipulates that the papal resignation must be “made freely and properly manifested”—conditions that would be difficult to ascertain if a pope were already incapacitated.