In a powerful and emotional address at the Vatican’s weekly General Audience, Pope Leo XIV delivered a scathing condemnation of global conflicts and the escalating use of modern weaponry. Calling for renewed peace efforts, the pontiff urged nations to resist the normalization of war and the seductive power of advanced military technology.

“We must never become accustomed to war,” Pope Leo declared before a packed crowd in St. Peter’s Square. “Let us reject as a temptation the allure of powerful and sophisticated weapons. War is not progress—it is a step backward into barbarism.”

The Pope’s comments come amid mounting international tensions and multiple active conflicts, including hostilities in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Africa. Without referencing specific nations or conflicts, Pope Leo’s words carried a clear sense of urgency and moral clarity, offering a spiritual rebuke to what he described as “a growing global culture of violence.”

Echoes of Pope Francis

Pope Leo’s address notably echoed the long-held stance of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who famously stated: “War is always a defeat.” Pope Leo reaffirmed this principle, urging political leaders and citizens alike to reject violence and embrace diplomacy.

“Modern conflict risks bringing combatants to a barbarism far greater than that of times past,” he warned. “Today’s wars are fought with scientific weapons of all kinds, capable of destruction on a scale our ancestors could never imagine.”

The Pope’s remarks follow renewed calls from faith-based and humanitarian organizations for global ceasefires and peaceful negotiations in war-torn regions. Vatican officials later confirmed that Pope Leo has been holding private talks with international envoys to encourage peace-building efforts behind the scenes.

A Timely Warning

Pope Leo’s message is being interpreted by analysts as a timely and direct appeal to the conscience of global leaders, many of whom are grappling with the ethical and geopolitical consequences of militarization, artificial intelligence in warfare, and nuclear modernization programs.

In a world becoming increasingly divided by ideology and armed power, the Pope’s spiritual leadership provides a counter-narrative grounded in human dignity, compassion, and peace.

“Let us never be indifferent to the suffering of innocent people,” the Pope concluded. “Every child orphaned, every city destroyed, every soldier killed these are not victories. These are the wounds of a world that has forgotten peace.”

Pope Leo XIV was chosen on the second day of the conclave by the College of Cardinals, with 133 electors casting their votes inside the Sistine Chapel. The decision was announced with the traditional white smoke rising from the chapel’s chimney, drawing cheers from thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV has served the Church as a missionary, bishop, and most recently as the prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in the Vatican. His dual heritage and experience in both North and South America make him a symbol of the Church’s growing global identity.

The election follows the death of Pope Francis. Pope Leo XIV will now lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics at a time of significant challenges and transformation, including ongoing reforms, secularization in the West, and vibrant Church growth in the Global South.

His first public appearance and papal blessing, Urbi et Orbi, was met with widespread enthusiasm and anticipation for what many see as a new era for the Vatican.

The signal came as thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chapel’s rooftop flue, waiting in hushed anticipation. As the smoke turned black, the crowd let out a mix of sighs and applause, acknowledging the start of what could be a prolonged and historic process to select the successor to Pope Francis.

A Day Rich in Ritual and Tradition

The day was marked by solemn ritual and centuries-old pageantry. The 130 cardinal-electors, cloaked in scarlet robes, processed into the Sistine Chapel in a formal ceremony, taking an oath of secrecy before being sealed inside for the conclave.

Under the gaze of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, the cardinals prayed for divine wisdom as they cast their first ballots in what is expected to be one of the most globally diverse and possibly most unpredictable papal elections in modern history.

What Happens Next

The cardinals will continue voting in up to two rounds each morning and afternoon until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. After each round, smoke is released from the chapel’s chimney black for no decision, white for the election of a new pope.

Should the conclave stretch on, the cardinals are allowed a day of prayer and reflection after three full days of inconclusive voting.

For now, the world watches and waits as the Roman Catholic Church prepares to usher in a new spiritual leader.

Gathered beneath Michelangelo’s iconic The Last Judgment fresco, the cardinals began casting their first ballots in what many observers are calling one of the most unpredictable conclaves in modern times. With representation from every continent, the College of Cardinals faces the complex task of choosing a spiritual leader to guide the Church’s 1.3 billion followers through a rapidly changing global landscape.

Time-Honored Ritual, Global Focus

The process follows strict centuries-old protocols. Voting takes place twice daily once in the morning and once in the afternoon. After each round, smoke rises from the chimney installed atop the Sistine Chapel: black smoke signals an inconclusive vote; white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.

As anticipation builds, pilgrims and tourists are gathering in St. Peter’s Square, eyes fixed on the chimney for the signal that will announce the Church’s next leader.

Possible Break from Tradition

While papal conclaves are always shrouded in secrecy, this year’s is especially notable for its size and diversity. It is the largest in history, with over 130 voting members, and speculation is mounting that the next pope could hail from outside Europe a reflection of the Church’s growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Should no decision be reached within the first three days, Church law mandates a pause for prayer and reflection, allowing the cardinals time to reassess and discern before continuing.

What’s Next?

The world now watches and waits as the smoke signals mark the progress of each ballot. If consensus is reached, the newly elected pope will appear on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, greeted with the traditional announcement: “Habemus Papam” “We have a Pope.”

Until then, all eyes remain on the Vatican as history unfolds.

Although the conclave could have started earlier, the additional days will enable the cardinals, including those over 80 who cannot participate in the voting, to engage in more casual sessions. Argentine Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi expressed hope for a unified approach to selecting the new pope, with many cardinals emphasizing the desire to continue Pope Francis’ focus on marginalized communities and peace. However, some conservatives may prefer a shift back to the core teachings that previous popes like John Paul II and Benedict XVI emphasized.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols from Britain stressed the importance of unity within the church. At the same time, Venezuelan Cardinal Baltazar Enrique Porras Cardozo suggested that the election process might be quick, potentially lasting just two or three days once the conclave officially begins.

The 135 cardinals who will vote in the conclave include representatives from across the globe, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis to bring diverse perspectives. However, some cardinals have not spent much time in Rome with their colleagues, creating some uncertainty in the election process. Although it’s unclear how many cardinals will participate, some may be absent due to health issues. The situation surrounding Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was removed from his Vatican position in 2020 due to financial misconduct charges, remains unresolved, as his eligibility to vote is still being debated.

Attention is now focused on potential candidates. Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, one of the frontrunners, joked with reporters as he made his way through the crowd outside the Vatican. Meanwhile, African cardinals like Nigerian Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan emphasized their goal of electing a pope rather than engaging in political debates. Onaiyekan, though too old to vote, can still influence the younger electors.

Indian Cardinal Anthony Poola expressed a sense of unity among the cardinals but acknowledged the uncertainty of the outcome. He emphasized that the next pope should reflect the qualities of St. Peter. Cardinal Rossi also expressed hope that Pope Francis’ legacy of mercy, charity, and faith would guide their decision, though he admitted to feeling nervous about his first conclave experience.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who passed away two days earlier following a stroke at the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, was brought to the basilica in a solemn procession earlier in the day. The cortege included cardinals in red, bishops, candle-bearing friars, and the Swiss Guard in ceremonial attire, all accompanied by Latin prayers and a softly ringing bell.

As the coffin was carried across the square in front of the basilica, the crowd erupted in applause—a traditional Italian tribute during solemn occasions.

“He felt like family—someone who truly brought the Church closer to everyone,” said Rachel McKay, a pilgrim from the UK.

Vatican officials, dressed in black suits and white gloves, carried the pope’s coffin up the stone incline leading to the basilica’s entrance. The procession passed through the grand bronze doors into the silent, ornate interior of the church.

The late pope, who had only recently been discharged from the hospital after being treated for severe pneumonia, made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday, delighting visitors as he was driven through the square in his white popemobile.

A Range of Emotions

Inside the basilica, visitors were guided down the central aisle to pay their respects. Pope Francis was dressed in red liturgical garments, with his hands folded around a rosary and a white mitre atop his head.

“It’s such a surreal moment,” said Alex Lenrtz, a pilgrim from the United States. “Standing in front of him, remembering everything he stood for—it stays with you.”

The pope’s body will remain on view until Friday evening. Though the initial plan was to end public visits at midnight on Wednesday, Vatican officials indicated that extended hours might be offered due to the overwhelming number of visitors. In the first 8.5 hours alone, nearly 19,500 people had come to pay their respects, with many more waiting patiently in line outside the church.

Saturday’s funeral is expected to attract leaders from around the globe. Among the attendees will be U.S. President Donald Trump, despite past clashes with the pope over immigration and other social issues, as well as representatives from Italy, France, Germany, the UK, Ukraine, Brazil, the European Union, and Argentina, the late pope’s homeland.

Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, on 17 December 1936) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until his death until his recent passing today, the 21st of April 2025. He was the first pope from the Society of Jesus (the Jesuit Order), the first from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, and the first born or raised outside Europe since the 8th-century Syrian pope Gregory III.

FAMILY, EARLY YEARS AND JOINING THE JESUITS

Pope Francis was the eldest of five children from Mario José Bergoglio and Regina María Sívori. Mario Bergoglio was an Italian immigrant accountant. Regina Sívori was a housewife born in Buenos Aires to a family of northern Italian origin. Mario Bergoglio’s family left Italy in 1929 to escape the fascist rule of Benito Mussolini. According to María Elena Bergoglio, the Pope’s only living sibling, the family did not emigrate for economic reasons. His other siblings were Oscar Adrián, Marta Regina, and Alberto Horacio. His niece, Cristina Bergoglio, is a painter based in Madrid, Spain.

In the sixth grade, Pope Francis (or Jorge Mario Bergoglio) attended Wilfrid Barón de los Santos Ángeles, a school of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires Province. He then attended the technical secondary school Escuela Técnica Industrial Number 27 Hipólito Yrigoyen and graduated with a chemical technician’s diploma. In that capacity, he spent several years working in the food section of Hickethier-Bachmann Laboratory where he worked under Esther Ballestrino. Earlier, he had been a bouncer and a janitor. However, when he was 21 years old, after life-threatening pneumonia and three cysts, Bergoglio had part of a lung excised. Bergoglio was then inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958 after recovering from severe illness.

In joining the Jesuits in 1958, it is recorded that while on his way to celebrate the Spring Day, Bergoglio passed by a church to go to confession and was inspired by a priest. He then studied at the archdiocesan seminary, Inmaculada Concepción Seminary, in Villa Devoto, Buenos Aires, and, after three years, entered the Society of Jesus as a novice on 11 March 1958. Bergoglio had said that, as a young seminarian, he had a crush on a girl and briefly doubted his religious career. As a Jesuit novice, he studied the humanities in Santiago, Chile. After his novitiate, Bergoglio officially became a Jesuit on 12 March 1960 when he made the religious profession of the initial, perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience of a member of the order.

In 1960, Bergoglio obtained a licentiate in philosophy from the Colegio Máximo de San José. He then taught literature and psychology at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción, a high school in Santa Fe, from 1964 to 1965. In 1966, he taught the same courses at the Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Aires.

ORDINATION AS A CATHOLIC PRIEST AND THE PAPACY

Pope Francis was then ordained a Catholic priest in 1969; from 1973 to 1979, he was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina. He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.

Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis of Assisi. Throughout his public life, Francis was noted for his humility, emphasis on God’s mercy, international visibility as pope, concern for the poor, and commitment to interreligious dialogue. He was known for having a less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors by, for instance, choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae (House of St. Martha) guest house rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by previous popes.

LESS TRADITIONAL POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTS

Pope Francis became notable for less traditional inclinations and policy adoptions, along with a role in international relations. He made women full members of dicasteries in the Roman Curia. He maintained that the Catholic Church should be more sympathetic toward members of the LGBTQ community, and stated that although blessings of same-sex unions are not permitted, the individuals can be blessed as long as blessings are not given in a liturgical context. Pope Francis was also a critic of unbridled capitalism, consumerism, and overdevelopment; he made action on climate change a leading focus of his papacy. In addition, he is widely interpreted as denouncing the death penalty as intrinsically evil, stating that the Catholic Church is committed to its abolition.

Furthermore, in international diplomacy, Francis criticized the rise of right-wing populism, called for the decriminaliSation of homosexuality, helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, negotiated a deal with China to define how much influence the Communist Party had in appointing Chinese bishops, and supported the cause of refugees. He called protection of migrants a “duty of civilisation” and criticised anti-immigration politics, including those of U.S. President Donald Trump. In 2022, he apologized for the Church’s role in the “cultural genocide” of the Canadian Indigenous peoples.

Pope Francis also convened the Synod on Synodality which was described as the culmination of his papacy and the most important event in the Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council.

THE DETAILS SURROUNDING POPE FRANCIS’ PASSING

Francis died at the age of 88 in the early morning of 21 April 2025, Easter Monday. In the weeks before his death, he had been treated for chronic lung disease—including a respiratory crisis and pneumonia. He made his last public appearance the day before on Easter Sunday.

His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell on the Vatican’s TV channel and in a video statement; the exact circumstances of his death are yet to be disclosed.

His death triggers a papal interregnum and a nine-day period of mourning known as the novem-diales (Latin for ‘nine days’). The pope’s funeral, by tradition, takes place within four to six days of the pope’s death; it is expected that he will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore according to his wishes. Cardinal-electors will be expected to arrive in Rome to attend the general congregation of cardinals which, in turn, fix the date and time of the upcoming conclave.

Written by Lindokuhle Mabaso

Church officials said the pope died of a stroke and cardiac arrest early Monday morning, bringing an end to a 12-year papacy defined by reform, compassion for the marginalized, and frequent clashes with conservative elements within the Church.

According to the Vatican, Francis began to feel unwell around 5:30 a.m. local time. He reportedly slipped into a coma shortly after bidding farewell to his longtime nurse and died at 7:35 a.m. He had recently been recovering from a lengthy hospital stay for double pneumonia.

Photographs released Tuesday showed the late pope lying in repose in a wooden coffin, dressed in traditional vestments inside the chapel at the Santa Marta residence, where he had lived throughout his papacy. Swiss Guards stood vigil beside the casket.

His body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning in a cardinal-led procession. The public will be able to pay their respects starting at 9:00 a.m. local time.

The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the College of Cardinals.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is among several global leaders expected to attend. Others include Argentine President Javier Milei, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Final Wishes and Papal Transition

In a break from tradition, Francis requested in his final testament to be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, rather than in St. Peter’s Basilica, where many of his predecessors are entombed.

His death has triggered centuries-old Church protocols, including the ceremonial destruction of his papal ring and official seal to prevent misuse. Cardinals convened Tuesday to coordinate the coming days and ensure the continuity of Church operations until a new pope is elected.

The conclave to choose the next pontiff is expected to begin between May 6 and May 11, though the exact date will be determined following the funeral. A total of 135 cardinals are eligible to vote in the election, which is conducted in secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel. A new pope is traditionally announced when white smoke rises from the chapel’s chimney.

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, inherited a Church in crisis and made it his mission to implement reforms, clean up financial mismanagement, and confront clerical sexual abuse. Though initially cautious, he later took significant steps to hold the Church accountable.

Throughout his papacy, Francis was also known for championing social justice, advocating for the poor, and promoting greater inclusion of marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ population, which didn’t last long; it seems the Pope had a change of mind and heart when it comes to such issues. His progressive stance often drew criticism from traditionalists within the Church, rightfully so.

Francis appointed nearly 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave, potentially shaping the Church’s future direction. One of his signature moves was expanding representation by naming cardinals from regions where Catholicism is growing rapidly, such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

As a result, Europe now accounts for about 39% of the cardinal electors, down from 52% in 2013, while Asia and Oceania make up roughly 20%. Many of these electors are relatively unknown on the global stage and will spend the coming days in General Congregations to reflect on the leadership qualities needed in the next pope.

Vatican City – April 21, 2025 — Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has confirmed. His death was announced early Monday morning by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a solemn video statement from the Holy See.

“At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.”

The Pope’s death follows years of serious health complications and a recent 38-day hospitalization earlier this year. Remarkably, just yesterday, he appeared before thousands of worshippers in St. Peter’s Square, smiling and blessing the faithful during Easter Sunday celebrations.

A Global Outpouring of Grief

Tributes have poured in from leaders around the world.
King Charles III said he was “deeply saddened,” praising the Pope’s unwavering commitment to peace and compassion. UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described him as a “moral giant” and commended his “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all.”

Thousands of mourners began gathering in St. Peter’s Square within hours of the announcement. Many lit candles, carried crosses, or prayed silently beneath the fading Roman sky.

From Buenos Aires to the Vatican: A Legacy of Reform and Inclusion

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis became the first South American and first Jesuit pope in the Church’s 2,000-year history when elected in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

Widely known as the “People’s Pope,” Francis championed the marginalized advocating for refugees, the poor, and those excluded from mainstream society. He made global headlines for his outreach to the LGBTQ community, his strong stance on climate change, and his calls for economic justice.

“If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge them?” Francis famously said early in his papacy a moment that marked a significant shift in tone from previous Vatican leadership.

He was also known for powerful symbolic acts, including washing the feet of Muslim, Hindu, and Christian refugees in 2016, and publicly warning against the “globalization of indifference” in a rapidly polarizing world.

Struggles with Health, 

Despite his advancing age and a string of medical setbacks including colon surgery in 2021, respiratory issues, and a partial lung removal from his youth Pope Francis continued to lead with visible resilience. Even during his prolonged hospitalization in early 2025, he stayed in contact with Catholic leaders around the world and addressed the faithful via recorded messages.

His last public appearance was during the Easter Sunday service in St. Peter’s Square, where he greeted thousands with warmth and a signature thumbs-up gesture a moment now seared in the memory of many Catholics worldwide.

Next Steps: The Path to a New Pope

With the papal seat now vacant, preparations begin for the Conclave  the secretive process through which cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope. Vatican protocol typically allows 15 to 20 days before the process formally begins, though logistics are already underway.

In the coming days, Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, where millions are expected to visit and pay their final respects.

Pope Francis leaves behind an estimated 1.4 billion followers, a more globally connected and socially conscious Church, and a deeply personal legacy of humility, service, and love.

Cardinal Farrell concluded the Vatican’s official statement by saying:

“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.”