Next Pope LIVE: Fury erupts as 'disrespectful' mourners take selfies next to open casket

17 mins ago08:40 Ciaran McGrath

With Pope Francis’s funeral set for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St Peter’s Square in Vatican City , attention is now turning to potential successors:

1) Cardinal Pietro Parolin: As Vatican Secretary of State, Parolin has been a key diplomatic figure, known for his moderate views and extensive experience in international relations.​

2) Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle: Hailing from the Philippines, Tagle is seen as a progressive voice within the Church, emphasising social justice and outreach to the marginalised.​

3) Cardinal Peter Turkson: From Ghana, Turkson has been a prominent advocate for environmental issues and social equity, aligning with many of Pope Francis's priorities.​

4) Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: The Archbishop of Bologna, Zuppi is recognised for his pastoral approach and commitment to peace initiatives, reflecting Francis's emphasis on compassion.​

5) Cardinal Christoph Schönborn: The Archbishop of Vienna, Schonborn is respected for his theological acumen and efforts to address contemporary challenges facing the Church.​

The conclave to elect the new pope is expected to convene between May 6 and May 12, 2025.

30 mins ago08:27 Ciaran McGrath

As Pope Francis’ body lies in state in St Peter’s Basilica, the late pontiff is being remembered for his life of Christian service.

The former Head of the Roman Catholic Church was famously portrayed by lookalike Jonathan Pryce in his Oscar-nominated performance in the Two Popes.

But did you know there’s also a recent Pope Francis documentary film that has been streaming on Disney+ since 2023?

The movie is called The Pope Answers and features him in a question-and-answer session with 10 young adults of different backgrounds and life experiences.

56 mins ago08:01 Ciaran McGrath

Large crowds are expected for Saturday's funeral in St Peter's Square, with the Prince of Wales, a future head of the Church of England, confirmed to be attending on the King's behalf.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will also be there, alongside other global leaders and dignitaries including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Irish premier Micheal Martin and Irish President Michael D Higgins.

In accordance with the late pope's wishes, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peter's Basilica.

Asked about the route the pope's remains will take from the square to his final resting place, the Vatican spokesman said he expects the Italian authorities will provide details in due course.

He added that it is likely St Mary Major will close for Saturday afternoon when the Pope's remains arrive following the funeral, but reopen for people to take part in the rosary there on Saturday evening.

2 hours ago07:25 Ciaran McGrath

Among those filing past the coffin, some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer, were a mother and daughter who described it as a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.

Primary school teacher Marguerite O'Leary and her teenage daughter Ellen, from County Clare in Ireland, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late pontiff's remains inside St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

Mrs O'Leary said she felt it was their "duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here" in the days following the Pope's death aged 88 on Easter Monday, while her 14-year-old daughter described it as "amazing to be in there" and a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity".

Meanwhile, Patrick Gavigan, based in Kildare, said it was "momentous" to be inside the basilica to witness the Pope's remains close up after queuing with his wife Alice for almost four hours.

2 hours ago07:21 Ciaran McGrath

Nigel Farage recalled meeting Pope Francis in Strasbourg, saying: “It was wonderful. I loved every bit of it!” He said the Pope “spent longer talking to me than anybody” — to the annoyance of German officials.

Speaking on GB News, the Refom UK leader claimed they had “a really quite a good laugh and exchange of views".

The Pope later addressed the European Parliament, questioning its waste: “Why do you move every month? Why do you all pay yourself so much money?”

Mr Farage said: “They imagined the Pope was going to be very pro-EU… they were all terribly excited.”

Nigel Farage met the Pope in Strasbourg (Image: Getty)

2 hours ago07:12 Ciaran McGrath

Israel has deleted a social media post sending condolences following the death of Pope Francis. The post, published on Monday, was removed hours after being shared without explanation.

A post on the country’s official X account said: “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing.” The Jerusalem Post reports that Israeli foreign ministry officials said the messages on social media were “posted in error” and that the Pope had made comments “against Israel”.

“We responded to the Pope’s statements against Israel and the war during his lifetime, and we will not do so after his death,” officials were quoted as saying.

2 hours ago07:02 Ciaran McGrath

Huge crowds thronged St Peter's Square in Vatican City, queuing for hours to see the late pontiff in his open coffin ahead of his funeral this weekend.

Waves of mourners stood patiently in line after Francis's remains were transferred to St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, with the queue snaking its way through the square to the Holy Door of the building.

Some 19,430 people had been to the basilica "to pay homage to Pope Francis", a Vatican spokesman said on Wednesday evening, less than 12 hours after his coffin was transferred there, and where it will stay until Friday.

While it had been expected the basilica would close at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday, it remained open throughout the night to allow more people to pay their respects.

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - 23: The open casket with the body of Pope Francis is carried in St. Peter's (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

2 hours ago06:36 Ciaran McGrath

Angry mourners at Pope Francis’s lying in state have blasted people taking selfies beside his open casket, calling the behaviour “distasteful” and disrespectful.

Church guards intervened to stop some visitors using camera phones, though public photos were not officially banned.

Catherine Gilsenan, from Wimbledon, said the atmosphere was ruined by people “ignoring warnings” and taking photos instead of paying proper respects.

Her husband Martin said they travelled 100 miles to honour a Pope they admired for modernising the Church.

But others, like Argentine visitor Matheus Silva, defended snapping pictures, saying he was proud to honour “the first Pope who spoke up for gay people like me".

2 hours ago06:30 Ciaran McGrath