Pope Francis: News & Updates From EWTN | Funeral & Legacy
Has the Catholic Church truly lost a guiding light, or will the legacy of Pope Francis continue to illuminate the path for millions? The recent passing of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, at the age of 88, marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
News of the Pope's passing reverberated globally, prompting an outpouring of grief and reflection on his nearly 13-year pontificate. His tenure was marked by a commitment to mercy, reform, and a willingness to engage with the challenges of the modern world. From the bustling streets of Vatican City to the remote corners of the globe, the world watched, listened, and responded. The immediate impact was seen in the surge of news coverage, the reverent pronouncements from religious leaders, and the somber reflections from the faithful, each offering their unique perspective on the man who led the worlds largest Catholic news organization.
| Bio Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | Age 88 |
| Pontificate | March 13, 2013 December, 2024 (approx.) |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (19982013), Cardinal (2001) |
| Known For | Emphasis on mercy, social justice, reform of the Church, and outreach to the marginalized. |
| Key Initiatives | Focus on poverty, climate change, interreligious dialogue. |
| Legacy | Historic pontificate marked by mercy and reform |
Source: Vatican Official Website
The final days of Pope Francis were marked by a global wave of concern, with the Vatican providing regular updates on his condition. The pontiff, even in his final days, remained a symbol of hope for many. The Vatican announced a series of measures, including nightly rosary services in St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis's recovery. These prayers, led by cardinals, served as a focal point for the faithful, allowing them to unite in a collective expression of hope and solidarity. The first prayer service was scheduled for 9 p.m. Rome time, drawing people from across the globe who shared a common bond of faith and devotion.
The news of Pope Francis's passing also prompted immediate reactions from media outlets worldwide. EWTN News, a global Catholic television, radio, and news network, offered extensive live coverage of the funeral services, ensuring that the global community had access to real-time updates and reflections on the life and legacy of Pope Francis. The network provided coverage in both English and Spanish, underscoring its commitment to reaching a wide audience. For those seeking deeper insights, EWTN News and its associated publications, The National Catholic Register and Catholic News Agency, provided extensive content delving into Pope Francis's life, his teachings, and the impact of his pontificate.
In the wake of the Pope's death, discussions regarding his successor became a central focus. How will the Church navigate this transition? Who will lead the faithful into the future? The process of selecting a new pope is a complex one, involving cardinals from around the world. The College of Cardinals, the body responsible for electing a new pope, began the process of preparing for the upcoming conclave, the meeting at which the new pontiff will be chosen. The selection process will be a critical moment for the Church, shaping its direction for years to come.
Pope Franciss last public act was a blessing of the entire world on Easter Sunday, delivered from the loggia of St. Peters Basilica, the same place where he was introduced as pope 12 years prior. This act encapsulated his commitment to universal fraternity and his role as a shepherd for all humanity. The Easter blessing, traditionally a moment of profound significance for Catholics worldwide, served as a poignant reminder of his message of hope and reconciliation.
Pope Francis's tenure was marked by significant shifts in the Church's approach to various issues. He issued sweeping restrictions on the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass, reversing previous papal decrees that had liberalized the mass celebrated before the liturgical reforms of Pope St. Paul VI in 1970. This decision, urging a "return in due time" to the liturgy instituted after the Second Vatican Council, reflected his broader vision for the Church's liturgical practice. These decisions sparked conversations about the nature of tradition and change within the Church.
Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of social justice, echoing the teachings of Jesus. He addressed a wide range of topics, including the war in Ukraine, antisemitism, and U.S. politics, demonstrating his willingness to engage with complex global issues. In a recent interview, a portion of which aired on CBS's "60 Minutes," Pope Francis shared his perspectives on a variety of pressing issues. He often chose his words carefully, reflecting his deep understanding of the nuanced nature of international relations and the Church's role in promoting peace and justice. The Holy Father's words during the inflight press conference from Slovakia had to be read very closely, as he chooses them very carefully.
The canonization of new saints was another hallmark of Pope Francis's papacy. On a Sunday in October, he presided over a Mass and canonization of 14 new saints in St. Peter's Square. He stated, "\u201cthese new saints lived Jesus\u2019 way: they made themselves servants of their brothers and sisters, creative in doing good, steadfast in difficulties, and generous to the end." This event not only celebrated the lives of those who exemplified Christian virtues but also served as an inspiration for the faithful around the world. The canonization of new saints exemplifies the Churchs enduring commitment to holiness and the pursuit of a life aligned with Christs teachings.
The Vatican announced on Monday that cardinals would lead a nightly rosary in St. Peters Square for Pope Franciss recovery, with the first prayer service scheduled for 9 p.m. Rome time. These prayer services, a powerful testament to the devotion of the faithful, underscore the deep impact Pope Francis had on the Catholic community. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, O.F.M. Conv., Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, Vicar General of His Holiness for Vatican City, and President of the Fabric of St. Peter, presided over the holy rosary prayer for the Popes health on Sunday (at 7:30 pm) in St. Peter's Square. These prayer gatherings became a focal point for the expression of faith and unity.
Pope Francis often spoke of the importance of mercy, urging the faithful to embrace those on the margins of society. His emphasis on the dignity of every human being, his outreach to the poor and vulnerable, and his efforts to promote interreligious dialogue all reflect his vision of a Church that is welcoming, inclusive, and engaged with the world. These initiatives, which included his work with various charitable organizations, highlighted his commitment to social justice.
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word (MFVA) were founded in 1987 by Mother Angelica, the foundress of EWTN. These missionaries embody the spirit of service and dedication that Pope Francis has frequently championed. The organizations work, much like the pontiff's own ministry, focuses on spreading the Gospel and serving the needs of others.
EWTN, a global Catholic television, catholic radio, and catholic news network, provides catholic programming and news coverage from around the world. The network has been a significant source of information and commentary on the pontificate of Pope Francis. The network's role has been widely discussed, with some critics focusing on the nature of the network's critiques of Pope Francis, as well as its role in the broader media landscape. EWTN has been highly critical of Pope Francis, its important to consider the diverse perspectives offered by various media outlets and to engage with the different interpretations of the Popes actions and teachings.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the legacy of his pontificate continues to be examined and reevaluated. His words and actions, from his sweeping reforms to his heartfelt gestures of compassion, have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and the world. Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis was held in Irondale, reflecting the global reach of the pontiffs influence. The faithful offered prayers for his soul and remembered his service.
The challenges and opportunities that the Church will face in the wake of his death are significant. The cardinals are now responsible for choosing the next pope, a decision that will shape the Church's trajectory for the coming years. The Church will need to navigate a complex landscape, addressing issues ranging from social justice to the role of women in the Church. For the faithful, this period will be a time of reflection, prayer, and the anticipation of a new era. Pope Franciss emphasis on mercy, reform, and outreach has already left a lasting impact, and his legacy will continue to shape the future of the Catholic Church and inspire people around the world.
