In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States has been elected as the 267th pope, taking the papal name Pope Leo XIV. The announcement was made from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where Cardinal Dominique Mamberti declared “Habemus Papam” to the cheering crowds gathered in St….
On Thursday, white smoke emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that the cardinals inside had elected a new leader for the 1.4 billion members of the Catholic Church. The sight of the smoke prompted cheers and applause from thousands of pilgrims and spectators gathered in St. Peter’s Square, as the bells rang…
The Vatican has announced that cardinals will convene in a closed conclave next month to select the next pope. The meeting will take place in the Sistine Chapel on 7 May and involve around 135 cardinals from across the globe. This follows Pope Francis’s passing at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, with his…
As the world mourns Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), says Nigeria Leaders must learn from his dedication to the poor. NNPP Founder and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr Boniface Aniebonam stated this in his message, mourning the late Pope. Aniebonam said that leaders in Nigeria across all divides must come…
By Chijioke Okoronkwo, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) On April 21, the Holy See, the central governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City State, announced the death of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff. The demise of the pontiff followed bouts of respiratory illnesses–pneumonia in both lungs—among other complications; he has been hospitalised intermittently…
Mr Joe Onuakalusi, member representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II, in the House of Representatives, has described the late Pope Francis as a moral compass for humanity. This is contained in a statement by the lawmaker, issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja. According to Onuakalusi, the late pontiff was a symbol of hope and compassion…
The Italian government has declared a five-day period of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis. The flags in front of public buildings are flying at half-mast. Strict security measures are in place in the Italian capital ahead of the funeral services and burial on Saturday. Top-level dignitaries from all over the world are…
The Nsukka Catholic Deanery in Enugu State says the late Pope Francis served the Catholic Church and entire humanity faithfully by building bridges across religion faiths. The deanery made the remarks in Nsukka on Tuesday while reacting to the passage of the Catholic Pontiff on Easter Monday in an interview with the News Agency of…
Catholic faithful in Lagos State will be celebrating mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday. This is contained in a circular signed by the Archbishop of Lagos Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Adewale Martins. The circular was made available to newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday. The mass would…
Approximately 138 eligible Cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world are expected to elect the new Pope who will succeed Pope Francis. Reports indicate that two-thirds of these cardinal electors have been appointed by Francis over the past decade, reflecting his vision of a more inclusive Church. Among the 138 voters, Cardinals…
