Foreign

Thousands Pay Last Respect to Pope Francis

By Web News 65

Thousands of people have queued through the night to pay their respects to Pope Francis, whose body is being displayed in an open coffin at St Peter’s Basilica.

Entry to the church in Vatican City was due to stop at midnight local time (22:00 GMT) – but opening hours were extended to accommodate the large crowds gathered outside. Public viewing continues on Thursday.

The Argentine pontiff died on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke. He had spent five weeks in hospital earlier this year receiving treatment for double pneumonia.

On Wednesday, as many as 20,000 people witnessed red-robed cardinals and white-clad priests escort the coffin from the Pope’s residence, the Vatican said.

Bells tolled during the 40-minute procession, while the crowd broke into applause – a traditional Italian sign of respect.

Swiss Guards, who are responsible for the Pope’s safety, escorted his coffin to the church’s altar.

Francis was the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church and held the role for 12 years.

His body will lie in state in the church until Friday evening. Public viewing began at 11:00 local time (10:00 BST) on Wednesday.

Police in the Vatican had told the BBC that St Peter’s Basilica would stay open all night so that a large crowd gathered on the square could file past the coffin.

At midnight, when the church was supposed to close for the night, there was still a very long queue of people wanting to pay their respects.

Soon after the event began, the queue was already eight hours long, according to Italian media. By mid-afternoon, tens of thousands of people were lining the square.

Luis and Macarena, from Mexico, had come to Rome for their honeymoon and hoped to see the Pope, who gives a special blessing to newlyweds. Luis told the BBC seeing the Pope’s final resting place would allow them to feel a connection.

“Pope Francis is a saint and he will bless us from heaven,” Luis said.

Mary Ellen, an American who lives in Italy, said she had come to the Vatican on an overnight train to “say goodbye”.

“I love Papa Francesco,” she said. “Because he’s humble, kind, he loves immigrants. I know he’s put up with a lot of difficult things in the Vatican. He’s fought against power and the power of the Vatican to be a true Christian, true Catholic.”

She said when she passes the coffin, she will be praying and will ask Pope Francis for help with her own work with immigrants.

BBC/Adebukola Aluko

Obituary

Pope Dies At 88

By Web News 115

Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, died aged 88.

He died on Monday at 7:35 am, a day after making a much-hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday, the

In a statement via its Telegram channel, the Vatican, through Cardinal Kevin Farrell, said, “Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.”

“This morning at 7:35 am, 0535 GMT,  the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”

His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His church.”

Francis’s death came just a day after he delighted the crowds of worshippers at the Vatican on Easter Sunday with an appearance on the balcony at Saint Peter’s Basilica despite still convalescing after a severe illness.

He had come close to dying twice earlier this year while suffering from pneumonia.

He spent 38 days in the hospital before he was released on March 23.

On Sunday, he wished the crowds on Saint Peter’s Square a “Happy Easter” as he waved and in his traditional “Urbi et Orbi”, “To the City and the World”, benediction, he called for freedom of thought and tolerance.

Cardinal Bergoglio from Argentina was already in his seventies when he became Pope in 2013.

His papacy paved the way for many firsts, and while he never stopped introducing reforms to the Catholic Church, he remained popular among traditionalists.

He was the first Pope from the Americas and the first non-European in centuries; not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome.

His predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years, and for nearly 10 years, the Vatican Gardens hosted two popes.

He was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the throne of St Peter.

Channels/Adetutu Adetule

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Foreign

Pope Congratulates King Charles, Wife on 20th Wedding Anniversary

By Web News 75

King Charles and Queen Camilla have had a private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican where he wished them a happy 20th wedding anniversary.

In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen said they were “delighted the Pope was well enough to host them and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person”.

The meeting took place on the third day of their state visit to Italy and ahead of a state banquet in Rome on Wednesday evening.

It is understood the meeting was only confirmed on Wednesday morning. It came after previous plans for the couple to meet the pontiff in a state visit to the Vatican were postponed because of the Pope’s ill health.

The meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, where Pope Francis has been convalescing since being released from Gemelli Hospital.

A photograph of the meeting, which lasted 20 minutes, was released by the Vatican on Thursday morning.

The Royal Family X account posted it along with the caption “Che occasione speciale”, which translates as “what a special occasion”.

“The King and Queen were deeply touched by the Pope’s kind remarks about their 20th wedding anniversary and honoured to be able to share their best wishes to him in person,” the statement added.

BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Foreign

Pope Francis Makes Public Appearance in Rome

By Web News 71

Pope Francis has appeared at his window of the Gemelli hospital in Rome and offered a blessing for the first time since being admitted on 14 February.

The 88-year-old pontiff was discharged minutes later and doctors say he will need at least two months of rest at the Vatican.

During the past five weeks, he presented “two very critical episodes” where his “life was in danger”, Dr Sergio Alfieri, one of the doctors treating the Pope, said.

Pope Francis was never intubated and always remained alert and oriented, Dr Alfieri said. The Pope is not completely healed, but no longer has pneumonia and is now in a stable condition, according to his doctors.

Dr Alfieri said that patients with double pneumonia lose their voice a little and “especially in the elderly, it will take time for your voice to return to normal”.

On Friday, Cardinal Victor Fernandez had said “high-flow oxygen dries everything out” and as a result the Pope “needs to relearn how to speak”, Reuters had reported.

If the trend of improvement continues, doctors said, the Pope would be able to return to work as soon as possible.

BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Foreign

Vatican Holds Prayers for Uganda Attack Victims

By Web News 355

Pope Francis has led prayers at the Vatican for the victims of an Islamist attack on a school in Uganda.

About 40 people mostly students were hacked, shot and burned to death in the western town of Mpondwe on Friday night.

The Ugandan army has said it’s pursuing the militants, from a group known as the ADF.

They kidnapped six students before escaping across the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The attack has also been condemned by the Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni who described it as criminal, desperate, and futile.

The families of some of the victims have begun burying their loved ones.

BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Foreign

Pope to have Abdominal Surgery

By Web News 571

Pope Francis will have surgery on his abdomen on Wednesday afternoon at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

He is expected to stay in hospital for “several days” to recover from the hernia operation, the Vatican said.

The hernia is “causing recurrent, painful and worsening” symptoms, added Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.

The 86-year-old has faced a series of health issues in recent years and uses a cane and a wheelchair due to a persistent knee ailment.

“In the early afternoon he will undergo a laparotomy and abdominal wall surgery… under general anesthesia,” said Mr Bruni.

He added. “The stay at the health facility will last several days to allow the normal postoperative course and full functional recovery.”

On Tuesday, the Pope was at the same Rome hospital for a scheduled check-up, months after he was hospitalized with bronchitis.

He spent three days in hospital in March to treat a lung infection, in the same month that he marked the 10th anniversary of his pontificate.

In 2021, Pope Francis spent 10 days in hospital after having a part of his colon removed, in a bid to address a painful bowel condition.

Last month, Phe pulled out of his Friday audiences due to a fever.

But while his predecessor Benedict XVI quit in 2013, the Pope dismissed the possibility of leaving office too.

“You don’t run the Church with a knee but with a head,” he is said to have told an aide last year.

The Pope continues to maintain a busy schedule and is due to visit Portugal and Mongolia in August.

BBC/Adebukola Aluko

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Religion

Pope’s choice of Nigerian cardinal, a good omen – PMB

By Web News 512

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed happiness with Pope Francis’ appointment of Bishop Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia Diocese, Anambra State, as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church.

Bishop Okpaleke becomes the fourth Cardinal from Nigeria after Francis Arinze, Anthony Okogie, and John Onaiyekan.

He is among the 21 new Cardinals Pope Francis announced on 29 May.

President Buhari commended the Pope for finding a capable Nigerian to be one of the two nominees  from the African Continent, and congratulated the Nigerian Christian Community on the Pope’s choice, describing the Cardinal-designate as ably qualified, stressing that having him in that position will benefit the country.

The President also commended the commitment of the Catholic Church to the unity, peace, and progress of Nigerian.

He also highlighted the effort of the Church in combatting the Covid-19  pandemic, as well as its support and commitment in favour of the poor and most vulnerable members of the society.

Abdullah Bello

Foreign

Pope Francis Attends Event in wheelchair

By Web News 536

Pope Francis used a wheelchair in public on Thursday for the first time since a new flare-up of pain in his knee has limited his ability to walk.

Reuters reports that Pope Francis was wheeled to his seat on the stage at an audience for a group of nuns,.

Since the latest flare up the past 2 months, he had been able to walk some 10 metres (yards) from the side entrance of the stage to his seat at the centre, albeit with help from aides.

FRCN / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Foreign

Pope Francis, Shia Cleric Ali Al-Sistani Discuss Safety of Iraqi Christians

By Web News 807

Pope Francis has held a symbolic meeting with one of the most powerful figures in Shia Islam on the second day of his landmark trip to Iraq.

The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, spiritual leader of millions of Shia Muslims, said the talks had emphasised peace.

The ayatollah received his guest at his home in the holy city of Najaf.

It is the Pope’s first international trip since the start of the pandemic – and the first ever papal visit to Iraq.

Covid-19 and security fears have made this his riskiest trip yet.

The 84-year-old leader of the Catholic Church earlier told reporters that he had felt “duty bound” to make the “emblematic” journey, which will see him visit several sites over four days in Iraq.

What did the leaders discuss?

During talks which lasted around 50 minutes Grand Ayatollah Sistani “affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights”.

Iraq’s Christian minority have been hit by waves of violence since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.

Pope Francis will later travel to the ancient city of Ur, where the Prophet Abraham – central to Islam, Christianity and Judaism – is believed to have been born.

About 10,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel are being deployed to protect the Pope during his visit, while round-the-clock curfews are also being imposed to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Some Shia militant groups have reportedly opposed the visit, suggesting the tour amounts to Western interference in the country’s affairs.

BBC

Foreign

Pope Francis on Iraq Visit Calls for End to Violence, Extremism

By Web News 696

Pope Francis has called for an end to violence and extremism, on the first ever papal visit to Iraq.

The pontiff is making his first international trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Covid and security fears have made this his riskiest visit yet, but the 84-year-old insisted he was “duty bound”.

He also said Iraq’s dwindling Christian community should have a more prominent role as citizens with full rights, freedoms and responsibilities.

He is hoping to foster inter-religious dialogue – meeting Iraq’s most revered Shia Muslim cleric – and will celebrate Mass at a stadium in Irbil in the north.

About 10,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel are being deployed to protect the Pope, while round-the-clock curfews are also being imposed to limit the spread of Covid.

Iraq’s PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi greeted him at the airport, with a red carpet, Iraqis in national dress and songs from a largely unmasked choir.

Hundreds of people lined the airport road as the Pope’s convoy, heavily chaperoned by police motorcycles, left for the city.

But the Pope was seen to have a pronounced limp, suggesting that his sciatica condition continues to bother him.

‘Rich Christian heritage’

In a speech after being welcomed by Iraqi President Barham Salih, Pope Francis said he was very pleased to come to Iraq, which he described as the “cradle of civilisation”.

“May the clash of arms be silenced… may there be an end to acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance!” he said.

“Iraq has suffered the disastrous effects of wars, the scourge of terrorism and sectarian conflicts often grounded in a fundamentalism incapable of accepting the peaceful coexistence of different ethnic and religious groups.”

He turned to the country’s Christians, who he said should have a greater role in public life.

“The age-old presence of Christians in this land, and their contributions to the life of the nation, constitute a rich heritage that they wish to continue to place at the service of all,” he said.

He said Iraq’s diversity was a “precious resource on which to draw, not an obstacle to eliminate”.

Pope Francis later went to hold Mass in Baghdad’s Syriac Catholic church of Our Lady of Salvation, targeted in an attack in 2010 by jihadists which left 52 Christians and police dead.

BBC

Lifestyle

Communication Day: Pope Francis Tasks Journalists on Unifying Society

By Web News 768

Pope Francis wants journalists to place emphasis on stories that build up societies rather than ones that spark violence, sorrows and pains that divide societies.

The Pope spoke in a message to the Holy Communion in Celebration of this year’s World Communication Day at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral in Akure, the Ondo State Capital.

Also speaking from the book of Exodus 2:24-25, the Pope said God was not forgetful of his children in times of trouble and expressed the hope that God would help humanity out of the present pandemic.

In a remark, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Dr Jude Arogundade commended journalists for their hard work and challenged them to be vanguard of stories engendering patriotism, dignity, unity and avoid fake news.

Bishop Arogundade also encouraged journalists to always stand by the truth and shun inducements.

In an address, the chairman Nigeria union of journalists Ondo State Council ,Mr Tona Aderoboye, who said effective communication would strengthen the family and the society, charged parents and other caregivers to ensure that their kids did not abuse communication gadgets to spread fake news .

The President, Catholic Media Practitioners in Ondo State, Mr Daisi Ajayi appreciated the Catholic Church for acknowledging the roles of  media professionals. 

Prayers were offered for journalists in the country as they face the huge task of reporting the coronavirus pandemic.

Correspondent Isaac Afolabi reports that the occasion for the first time in recent time recorded low turnout as only few seminarians and journalists attended in line with the precautionary measures against COVID-19.

Oriola  Afolabi