Pope Francis has died on Easter Monday aged 88

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta.

At 9:45 AM, (Rome Time) Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:

"Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."

(...)

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html

Very sad :(

He hasn't been well for a while. We had been praying for him in church hoping he would get better. Well, he's with the Lord now. Rest in peace Pope Francis .

"Francis, the comic strip" (National Catholic Reporter version (https://www.ncronline.org/sections/vatican/francis-comic) and GoComics version (http://www.gocomics.com/francis))

pyHs6Qhc-0U

[Mar 13, 2017]
Pat Marrin, creator of "Francis, the comic strip," talks about the comic and the pope who inspired it. Enjoy this video from the old days of 2014!

The Downfall Of Pope Francis Health When He Turned His Back On GOD'S WORD:

the Vatican's message cited Francis' own words from 2016, when he wrote, "there are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family."

March 15 2021
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/15/977415222/illicit-for-catholic-church-to-bless-same-sex-marriages-vatican-says

___________________________________________
GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED

(...) On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings," marks a major departure for the Vatican, which only two years ago had said [B]God "cannot bless sin" [/B ]in a controversial 2021 decision about same-sex couples. Monday's document was approved by Pope Francis.

Still, the Vatican stressed that marriage remains exclusively between a man and a woman, and any priests granting a blessing to a same-sex couple must "avoid any form of confusion or scandal" that could suggest otherwise.

Francis, 87, has made liberalization toward LGBTQ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy. Since he became pope in 2013, he has urged the decriminalization of homosexuality. When asked in 2013 about gay priests, he famously replied: "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" (...)

December 18 2023
https://www.npr.org/2023/12/18/1220077102/pope-francis-blessings-same-sex-couples

The Downfall Of Pope Francis Health When He Turned His Back On GOD'S WORD:

the Vatican's message cited Francis' own words from 2016, when he wrote, "there are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family."

March 15 2021
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/15/977415222/illicit-for-catholic-church-to-bless-same-sex-marriages-vatican-says

___________________________________________
GOD WILL NOT BE MOCKED

(...) On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings," marks a major departure for the Vatican, which only two years ago had said [B]God "cannot bless sin" [/B ]in a controversial 2021 decision about same-sex couples. Monday's document was approved by Pope Francis.

Still, the Vatican stressed that marriage remains exclusively between a man and a woman, and any priests granting a blessing to a same-sex couple must "avoid any form of confusion or scandal" that could suggest otherwise.

Francis, 87, has made liberalization toward LGBTQ Catholics a hallmark of his papacy. Since he became pope in 2013, he has urged the decriminalization of homosexuality. When asked in 2013 about gay priests, he famously replied: "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" (...)

December 18 2023
https://www.npr.org/2023/12/18/1220077102/pope-francis-blessings-same-sex-couples

Church should realize that homosexuality is not chosen, but rather inherited thru birth as they are born that way. So condemning homosexuality is like condemning a person that had no choice in relation to their sexuality. So church should be more open minded about that subject.

The next Pope could be an Italian guy named Pizzaballa. Please make this happen.


Who will be the next pope? Here's a list of some possible candidates to succeed Pope Francis.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, is a pastoral candidate who has spoken out amid the Israel-Hamas war and visited Gaza during the conflict.
He is a proponent of social justice and sees himself as a servant of the people. He is similar to Francis in his concern for migrants, interfaith dialogue and his disdain for clericalism.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-will-be-the-next-pope-list-of-possible-candidates/

"Now 'Francis' belongs to the pages" (article) (https://www.ncronline.org/culture/now-francis-belongs-pages)
A cartoonist says goodbye to his beloved pope

Conclave!

The next Pope could be an Italian guy named Pizzaballa. Please make this happen.


New Pope hitting the balcony soon. Fingers crossed.

FIRST AMERICAN POPE

POPE LEO XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost is seen as having many of the qualities desired in a pope, and as being elected, he has become the first U.S. pope in the church's history.

Prevost is the head of the church's Dicastery for Bishops, meaning he oversees the selection of new bishops. It's a powerful position, and for any cardinal electors who may be turned off by his American nationality, it's not his only one. Prevost is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Peru, where he served for many years.

Overall, he's considered a centrist, but on many social issues he's seen as progressive, embracing marginalized groups like Francis, who championed migrants and the poor. But Prevost opposes ordaining women as deacons, for instance, so he's seen as conservative on church doctrine.

His age could also be a factor — at 69 some may consider him too young to hold the church's highest office.

Wasn't there a Tom Petty song that foreshadowed this election?

He was...
An American pope!

Wasn't there a Tom Petty song that foreshadowed this election?

He was...
An American pope!

:lol::D:lol::D

FIRST AMERICAN POPE

POPE LEO XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States


(correction: second American pope; first pope from the United States)

(correction: second American pope; first pope from the United States)


Name him, the years that he served, and from which country he was from.

FIRST AMERICAN POPE

POPE LEO XIV
Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States



(correction: second American pope; first pope from the United States)


No, Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, 2025, is the first pope from North or South America in the history of the Catholic Church.

Prior to him, all popes had been from Europe, with a long-standing taboo against a U.S. pope due to geopolitical concerns.

No, Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, 2025, is the first pope from North or South America in the history of the Catholic Church.

Prior to him, all popes had been from Europe, with a long-standing taboo against a U.S. pope due to geopolitical concerns.

No. Pope Francis was from South Anerica, Argentina.

Name him, the years that he served, and from which country he was from.

The former Pope Francis , from Argentina .

(correction: second American pope; first pope from the United States)

:crazy:
YOU ARE RIGHT
:facepalm:
:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy

I blocked out (in my mind) Pope Francis

:lol::lol::lol:

No, Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, 2025, is the first pope from North or South America in the history of the Catholic Church.

Prior to him, all popes had been from Europe, with a long-standing taboo against a U.S. pope due to geopolitical concerns.


No. Pope Francis was from South Anerica, Argentina.


The former Pope Francis , from Argentina


THANKS BONNIE FOR SHOWING MY IGNORANCE


:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy:notworthy

How could I have blocked out (in my mind) about Pope Francis :wallbang:2help

I for one and so psyched because not only is he American, but he is from Chicago! Turns out he grew up about 10 minutes from me but I don't think I know him. I am a devout Catholic and was concerned about who we would get but he seems like a good choice. Hopefully, he will deal with that Cardinal Sin of people who put ketchup on hotdogs (My mom used to yell at me, that we're from Chicago and ketchup on a hot dog is a no-no)

I for one and so psyched because not only is he American, but he is from Chicago! Turns out he grew up about 10 minutes from me but I don't think I know him. I am a devout Catholic and was concerned about who we would get but he seems like a good choice. Hopefully, he will deal with that Cardinal Sin of people who put ketchup on hotdogs (My mom used to yell at me, that we're from Chicago and ketchup on a hot dog is a no-no)

Your mom is right. Ketchup on a hotdog is a cardinal sin and grounds for excommunication.

If that's a cardinal sin, what's a pope sin?

Seems like that should be worse.

Vatican City, May 8, 2025 — In a historic and unexpected announcement, Pope Leo XIV revealed today that his successor will be chosen not through a traditional papal conclave but via an unprecedented 15,000-mile horse race across the Middle East. Dubbed the “Via Christi” (Way of Christ), the event will commemorate the estimated distance Jesus Christ walked during His earthly ministry, as calculated by biblical scholars. The race will begin in Nazareth and wind through regions tied to Christ’s life and teachings, concluding at the Vatican. The next pope will be either the first cardinal-and-horse pair to cross the finish line or the last standing after the grueling journey.

A "Return to Apostolic Roots"
In a statement from St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV framed the decision as a bold embrace of humility and endurance. “The Church was built on the backs of fishermen, farmers, and wanderers—not in palaces,” he said. “What better way to honor Our Lord’s mission than by traversing the same lands, relying on faith and perseverance?” The Vatican confirmed that all eligible cardinals under age 80 must participate, riding horses bred for stamina but barred from using modern technology, including GPS or hydration packs.

Cardinals Voice Enthusiasm
Prominent clergy worldwide have praised the move. Nigerian Cardinal Peter Adebayo, known for his pastoral work in rural communities, called it “a thrilling testament to trusting Divine Providence.” He added, “This race mirrors the early Church’s struggles—no shortcuts, only steadfastness.”
Chilean Bishop Javier Cruz echoed the sentiment: “This isn’t about speed but spiritual fortitude. The desert will test our resolve, just as Christ was tested.”
European cardinals also expressed optimism. German Cardinal Ludwig Schmidt, 76, joked about swapping his mitre for a riding helmet: “At my age, this is either divine calling or a very holy midlife crisis.”

Logistics and Symbolism
The Vatican is collaborating with Middle Eastern governments to secure the route, which includes stops at sacred sites like Bethlehem, the Jordan River, and the Mount of Olives. Participants will face extreme conditions, from Judean deserts to Anatolian highlands, while relying on local communities for shelter—a nod to Franciscan simplicity.
Critics, including some traditionalist Catholics, have questioned the move as theatrical. However, Vatican spokesperson Sister Maria Clarissa defended the plan: “Christ Himself used parables to teach. This is a living parable for our time.”
—Reuters, Vatican Affairs

This is a fictional satire. No actual papal horses were consulted in the writing of this article.

"Francis, the comic strip" (National Catholic Reporter version (https://www.ncronline.org/sections/vatican/francis-comic) and GoComics version (http://www.gocomics.com/francis))

pyHs6Qhc-0U

(update: new "Francis" cartoon (https://featureassets.gocomics.com/assets/f66c6e501181013e9f4c005056a9545d) (for Monday, May 12th, 2025))

(update: new "Francis" cartoon (https://featureassets.gocomics.com/assets/f66c6e501181013e9f4c005056a9545d) (for Monday, May 12th, 2025))

(update: National Catholic Reporter version of this cartoon (https://www.ncronline.org/vatican/francis-comic-strip/francis-comic-strip-leo-chronicles) (separate from the hyperlink to the GoComics version posted here previously/quoted here))