st peters basilica

Pope Leo XIV marks one year as leader of the Catholic Church on Friday with a visit to southern Italy, returning to his flock after weeks dominated by a clash with Washington. The one-day trip marks the first of several short pastoral visits planned this summer in Italy, and comes a fortnight after a tour of four African nations.

Donald Trump's recent AI-generated images, including one mistaken for Jesus, sparked controversy. He clashed with Pope Leo over foreign policy and war, while also promoting diet soda for cancer prevention. Amidst concerns about his fitness for office and promises of mass pardons, Trump's actions continue to draw global attention.

Pope Francis's body was moved to St. Peter's Basilica, with public viewing for three days before Saturday's funeral. Cardinals and Swiss Guards escorted the coffin, as world leaders, including Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are expected to attend the funeral. The pontiff, who died at 88 after a stroke, lay in state for Vatican residents.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, formally took possession of the St. John Lateran Basilica, Rome's cathedral, and declared himself a Roman. He visited St. Mary Major, praying at Pope Francis' tomb. Rome's Mayor welcomed Leo, noting his election during a Holy Year, anticipating 30 million pilgrims in 2025, as Leo pledged to serve all Romans.

Mourners worldwide are converging on St. Peter's Basilica to honor Pope Francis, whose death has prompted a massive outpouring of grief and reflection. The public viewing draws thousands, including pilgrims who were in Rome for Easter and a suspended canonization. The late pontiff is remembered for his inclusive message and concern for the poor, despite facing criticism from some conservatives.

Pope Francis inaugurated the Holy Year at Rome's main prison, spreading hope to inmates. He re-enacted the door-opening gesture performed at St. Peter's Basilica, marking the start of the Jubilee year, which occurs every 25 years and attracts millions of pilgrims. The 2025 Jubilee is dedicated to hope, with a special mass for inmates planned.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, passed away at 88 after battling health issues. His funeral is scheduled for April 26, 2025, in St. Peter's Square, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Departing from tradition, Pope Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, reflecting his wish for simplicity and personal connection to the basilica.

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88, expressed his wish to be buried in the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major, deviating from the traditional papal burial site. His will, released by the Vatican, revealed a desire for a simple tomb with the inscription "Franciscus.

In a significant ceremony at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV bestowed the Pallium upon Archbishop Udumala Bala of Visakhapatnam, marking his authority as Metropolitan Archbishop. The event, coinciding with the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, symbolizes Archbishop Bala's unity with the Holy See and his pastoral mission.

A Durga puja pandal, themed around St Peters' Basilica in Vatican City, has become the talk of the town in West Bengal capital Kolkata even before the pandal has been opened for public.

Two brothers from Lake Town have replicated the iconic St Peter's Basilica for Sreebhumi Sporting Club's Durga Puja, complete with its dome, Corinthian pilasters and columns, despite never setting their eyes on the Renaissance-style church in Vatican City.

In a move which may not go down well with many westerners, the Vatican city has banned scantily clad tourists from entering the holy Christian state.

Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Sunday address, passionately appealed for global peace, echoing the sentiments of his predecessor. He specifically called for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, and expressed hope for lasting accord between India and Pakistan. The new pontiff's words resonated deeply with the massive crowd gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, cardinals will convene in Rome to elect his successor. The conclave is set to begin on May 7, preceded by a solemn mass at St Peter's Basilica on May 3.

Pope Leo XIV will greet the crowd from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica on Sunday, leading a prayer to the Virgin Mary in his second official public appearance since becoming the leader of the Catholic Church. A steady stream of pilgrims and worshippers began to gather in St Peter's Square on Sunday morning, bearing flags and Catholic symbols from across the globe.