Pope Francis Funeral: ABC News Live Coverage & Latest Updates
Has the world truly lost a beacon of hope and reform? The passing of Pope Francis, a figure who redefined the papacy with his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the marginalized, has left an indelible mark on the world.
The world watched with bated breath as the news unfolded. At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, delivered the solemn announcement from Casa Santa Marta: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis." The Bishop of Rome, Francis, had "returned to the house of the father" at 7:35 that morning, a phrase echoing with profound spiritual significance. This page is a chronicle of the events surrounding his death, a summary of news initially compiled on Monday, April 21st, with updates available for Tuesday, April 22nd, and beyond. This summary of news is provided by the Vatican staff of the Catholic News Agency, a service of EWTN News.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | Date of death not explicitly stated, but news indicates around the timeframe of April 21st, implied by the reference dates in the provided text. |
| Nationality | Argentine (born); Vatican City (Pope) |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Papacy | March 13, 2013 Date of death |
| Previous Positions | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013), Cardinal (2001) |
| Known For | First Pope from the Americas, emphasis on social justice, concern for the poor, reform of the Catholic Church, promoting dialogue and reconciliation. |
| Significant Actions |
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| Health | History of health issues. Recently, suffered from a cerebral stroke, and has been in Rome's Gemelli Hospital. |
| Quote | "The Lord never tires of forgiving; it is we who tire of asking for forgiveness." |
| Reference | Vatican Official Website |
The news of his passing resonated deeply, especially within the United States, where many felt a personal connection to the first pope from the Americas. News outlets, including ABC News, prepared to provide live coverage of the funeral on Saturday, beginning at 3:30 AM ET, available on ABC stations, as well as streaming on ABC News Live, Disney+, and Hulu. NBC News' Erin McLaughlin shared the highlights of the pontiff's life and pontificate, underscoring his lasting impact.
Pope Francis, Latin America's first pontiff, who died at age 88 after a cerebral stroke, brought a unique perspective to the papacy. He consistently stressed humility over hubris, urging the Catholic Church to confront its scandals and embrace reform. His pontificate was marked by a profound emphasis on social justice, a heartfelt concern for the poor, and a fervent commitment to dialogue and reconciliation. His writings and pronouncements, like the encyclical "Laudato si'," addressing environmental concerns, and "Fratelli Tutti," emphasizing fraternity, reflected his vision for a more just and compassionate world.
Reports indicated that Pope Francis' health had been a concern, particularly in the weeks leading up to his death. He had been admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he was treated for various ailments, including pneumonia. While some reports indicated "stable with slight improvements," the situation remained critical. The Vatican often released bulletins providing updates on his condition, offering a window into his health status. The Vatican's official statements, provided by the Vatican staff of Catholic News Agency, a service of EWTN News, were the primary source of information during this time.
The challenges he faced were not limited to health. He was also navigating the complex issues facing the Catholic Church, including the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse and the need for internal reforms. His efforts to address these issues demonstrated his commitment to transparency and accountability. He released "Dilexit nos," the first encyclical on the Sacred Heart in nearly 70 years, arguing that Catholic devotion offers answers to todays challenges.
The Associated Press (AP), founded in 1846, continued to be a primary source of fast, accurate, and unbiased news. The news regarding Pope Francis's health drew intense scrutiny. In this context, news of a breathing crisis was confirmed by the Vatican. Surgeon Sergio Alfieri and Pope Francis' personal doctor Luigi Carboni were often seen speaking to journalists, particularly during the popes treatment at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome. The popes aide was often seen managing his walking stick, an image that reflected the toll his health was taking. Other reports indicated early kidney failure and an alert state.
In the days leading up to his death, various events were impacted. Pope Francis was unable to celebrate the Sunday Mass in St. Peters Basilica. The organizer of the Holy Year, Archbishop Rino Fisichella, took his place, offering a special prayer for Francis from the altar, incorporating the homily the pope had prepared. Despite his condition, the Pope continued to try to perform his duties, including calling a parish in Gaza City, where he had maintained contact since the war began. His dedication to his duties was notable.
The world observed the coverage with deep attention, with the media outlets such as USA Today providing full coverage of Pope Francis, including the funeral and the events surrounding his death. Images of candles and flowers placed in front of the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic in Rome provided a visual representation of the global sorrow and respect for the departed leader.
The news also recalled the historical context. The news of the Pope's death comes during a time when the Church has navigated challenging issues. Reports from March 15 indicate that while he was stable, he still required hospital care. His influence was reflected in numerous media reports. The coverage, from ABC News to others, aimed to provide complete and unbiased reporting, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the impact the Pope had on the world.
As the world mourns, the legacy of Pope Francis continues to be discussed and debated, with reflections on his impact and his vision for the Catholic Church and the world. His message of compassion, his emphasis on social justice, and his dedication to building bridges continue to provide inspiration. His life and work, from his humble beginnings in Buenos Aires to his transformative pontificate, will undoubtedly be studied for generations to come.
