JD Vance on Pope Francis: ‘He was a great Christian pastor’

By Kate Quiñones CNA Staff, Apr 23, 2025 / 16:21 pm U.S. Vice President JD Vance said this week that he is refusing to politicize Pope Francis’ death, hailing the late pontiff as a “broad” figure and a “great” leader of the Catholic Church. “A lot of people, especially in the …
Cardinals converge in Rome as second general congregation gathers 103 prelates

By Martin Bürger CNA Newsroom, Apr 24, 2025 / 02:04 am The College of Cardinals saw a significant increase in attendance at Wednesday’s general congregation, with 103 cardinals now present in Rome — nearly double the approximately 60 who participated in Tuesday’s initial gathering. The cardinals began their second meeting with …
Divine Mercy Sunday April 27

Below is a select list of area parishes and institutions with Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations. St. Bartholomew, Springfield Twp./Finneytown Divine Mercy Sunday celebration at St. Bart’s, 2:00 p.m. 25th Annual Celebration of the Feast of DIVINE MERCY “On that day, the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I …
Father—Son Deacons

On April 26, 2025, in a moment both extraordinary and deeply personal, Chris Jasek and his son Daniel will be ordained to the diaconate: Chris as a permanent deacon and Daniel as a transitional deacon on the path toward the priesthood. A resident of Dayton’s southern suburbs since 1996 and …
General congregation begins: Cardinals suspend beatifications, swear to secrecy

By Kate Quiñones CNA Staff, Apr 22, 2025 / 18:17 pm At the first general congregation of cardinals in Rome on Tuesday, the estimated 60 cardinals in attendance chose the date of Pope Francis’ funeral and suspended beatification celebrations. The closed-door meeting to discuss the upcoming conclave and other issues pertaining to the …
Three Gifts in Grief

Our whole family was on the way to dinner with friends—I was behind the wheel. Andrew rode shotgun, exhausted from work, and our crew almost filled the back of the van. Almost. Its eight-passenger occupancy accommodates our family of seven with room for the occasional tag-along. With my oldest approaching …
LIVE UPDATES: Pope Francis lies in state as Vatican announces Friday coffin sealing

By CNA Staff Vatican City, Apr 23, 2025 / 05:30 am Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more …
What happens after the Pope dies?

The death of a Pope marks the beginning of a series of events that lead to the eventual start of a conclave and election of a new Successor of St. Peter. We lay out in detail the events that lead to the election of a new Pope. By Lisa Zengarini …
From sede vacante to conclave: Key terms to know at the start of a papal transition

By Matthew Bunson Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 22, 2025 / 11:12 am The start of a papal interregnum brings many terms that may not be familiar to many people, including many Catholics. Here are some of the key words and phrases that will be used throughout the interregnum, especially the conclave …
Pope Francis’ final hours and gratitude for returning to the Square

Among the final words of the late Pope Francis was a “thank you” to his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, for encouraging him to take one last ride in the popemobile on Sunday after the Urbi et Orbi. He rested in the afternoon, had a quiet dinner, and then at …