Vatican Archives - National Times

18 May

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Unified, Missionary Church That Embraces the World at Inaugural Mass

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsCatholic Church Unity, Inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV, Vatican

Vatican City, May 18, 2025: Pope Leo XIV, the first American to ascend to the papacy, delivered a powerful call for unity, compassion, and global outreach during his inaugural Mass at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday. Addressing over 100,000 faithful, world leaders, and dignitaries, the 267th pontiff urged the Catholic Church to be a "sign of unity" and a "leaven of harmony for humanity."In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the role of the Church as one rooted in God's love and committed to missionary work that reaches beyond borders. “With the light and the strength of the Holy Spirit,…

06 May

Smoke Rises Over Vatican as Conclave Begins to Elect New Pope, Shadows of Antipopes Resurface

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newsantipopes, Catholic Church, conclave, Pope election 2025, Vatican

Vatican City, May 7 — The ancient ritual to elect a new pope began today as 133 cardinal-electors gathered inside the Sistine Chapel following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The conclave, conducted in strict secrecy, will choose the next leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.Each round of voting will continue until a cardinal secures a two-thirds majority. When a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise above the chapel, signaling the decision to the world. Until then, black smoke will mark inconclusive rounds.While attention focuses on the successor to Pope Francis, the moment also revives…

22 Apr

Pope Francis’ Funeral Set for Saturday, Public Viewing Begins Wednesday

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld Newsconclave, Pope Francis funeral, Public Viewing, Vatican

Vatican City, April 22, 2025: The Vatican has announced that the funeral for Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on Sunday following a stroke and heart failure, will take place on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the ceremony.In a departure from tradition, the Pope’s final resting place will not be within the Vatican grottoes but at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, in accordance with his wishes. He had long emphasized humility and a deep devotion to the Virgin…

06 Apr

Pope Francis Makes Surprise Appearance at Vatican, Shares Message of Hope Amid Recovery

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsHealth Workers, Jubilee Mass, Pope Francis, Vatican

Vatican City, April 6, 2025 — Pope Francis made an unannounced and emotional appearance in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, his first public outing since being discharged from hospital two weeks ago after battling life-threatening pneumonia.The 88-year-old pontiff was wheeled to the front of the altar during a special Jubilee Mass dedicated to the sick and health workers. As he appeared, the crowd stood and applauded. “Good Sunday to everyone,” he greeted them, tapping the microphone for sound. “Thank you very much.”His voice, while still fragile, carried more strength than during his brief remarks outside Gemelli Hospital on March 23.…

23 Feb

Pope Francis’ Health Remains Critical, Receives Oxygen Support

Rajeev Sharma0 CommentsWorld NewsGemelli Hospital, Pneumonia, Pope Francis, Respiratory Crisis, Thrombocytopenia, Vatican

Vatican City, February 23, 2025 – Pope Francis, hospitalized for over a week at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, suffered an asthma-like respiratory crisis requiring high-flow oxygen, Vatican News reported on Sunday. Despite his stable condition, doctors warn that he is not yet out of danger. Pope Experiences Health Complications On Saturday night, the Vatican stated that Pope Francis had a peaceful ninth night but continued to face health challenges. Sunday’s blood tests revealed thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and anaemia, leading to blood transfusions.Though alert and responsive, the 87-year-old Pontiff appeared more fatigued than the previous day and spent most of the…