الوسم: Vatican

  • World Leaders and Royals Gather to Honor Pope Francis at His Funeral

    World Leaders and Royals Gather to Honor Pope Francis at His Funeral

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    Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his wife Rosangela “Janja” da Silva pay their respects to Pope Francis inside St. Peter’s Basilica as he lies in state, at the Vatican, on April 25, 2025. —Reuters

    • Francis transformed the Church, faced resistance from traditionalists.
    • His funeral departs from tradition, with burial outside the Vatican.
    • World leaders, including those from the USA, France, and Argentina, will attend.

    VATICAN CITY: Dignitaries, world leaders, and countless faithful will gather on Saturday for a funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square to honor Pope Francis’s impactful yet often controversial papacy.

    Among the attendees from over 150 countries is former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had significant disagreements with Francis, particularly regarding immigration policies.

    The Argentine pontiff passed away on Monday at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, marking the beginning of a carefully orchestrated transition for the 1.4 billion members of the Roman Catholic Church, filled with solemn rituals and mourning.

    Over the past three days, approximately 250,000 individuals have paid their respects, viewing his body which was displayed in an ornate casket in the grand St. Peter’s Basilica.

    On Saturday, his casket will be brought out through the main entrance for the outdoor funeral, commencing at 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT). Rows of international dignitaries will be situated to one side of the stone colonnade, facing hundreds of red-hatted cardinals on the opposite side.

    In addition to Trump, leaders from Argentina, France, Gabon, Germany, Italy, the Philippines, Poland, and Ukraine are expected to attend, along with the prime ministers of the UK and New Zealand, and various European royals.

    The Vatican anticipates that around 250,000 mourners will gather in the expansive, cobbled plaza to participate in the ceremony, which will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, a 91-year-old Italian prelate.

    Francis, the first non-European pope in nearly 1,300 years, endeavored to reform the Catholic Church during his 12-year papacy, advocating for the poor and marginalized, and challenging wealthy nations to assist migrants and combat climate change.

    The formal summary of his papacy, written in Latin and placed beside his body, expressed: “Francis left a magnificent legacy of humanity, holiness, and universal care.”

    While he faced resistance from traditionalists aiming to maintain the Church’s secrecy, his calls for peace, unity, and the curtailing of rampant capitalism often went unanswered.

    Breaking with Tradition

    During his tenure, the pope frequently distanced himself from the grandeur usually associated with the papacy and will reflect this desire for simplicity in his funeral. He revised the elaborate, lengthy rites traditionally employed.

    Unlike Pope John Paul II’s three-hour funeral in 2005, Saturday’s service is expected to last only 90 minutes.

    Additionally, Pope Francis chose to forgo the historic practice of being buried in three interlocking coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak. Instead, he will be interred in a singular, zinc-lined wooden coffin, sealed overnight.

    In an unprecedented move, he will be the first pope in over a century to be buried outside of the Vatican, opting for Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, situated about 2.5 miles from St. Peter’s, as his final resting place.

    The grave will be marked simply with “Franciscus,” his name in Latin. A replica of the iron cross he wore is displayed above the marble slab.

    The funeral procession will traverse the city, allowing locals to say their goodbyes.

    In preparation, Italy has shut down airspace over the city and bolstered security forces, including deploying anti-aircraft missiles and patrol boats, marking one of the largest security operations since John Paul II’s funeral.

    Once Francis is laid to rest, attention will shift to his potential successor.

    The secretive conclave to elect a new pope is not expected to commence before May 6 and may be delayed further, allowing cardinals time for discussions to evaluate one another and the Church, which is currently grappling with financial challenges and ideological rifts.

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  • Vatican Prepares for Massive Crowds for Pope Francis’ Funeral

    Vatican Prepares for Massive Crowds for Pope Francis’ Funeral

    Mourners line up to pay their respects as Pope Francis lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, April 25, 2025. — Reuters

    The Vatican is making final arrangements for Pope Francis’ funeral on Friday, as the last of the large crowds of mourners file through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects to his open coffin.

    Many of the 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs attending the funeral ceremony in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday—including President Donald Trump of the United States and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine—are expected to arrive in Rome on Friday.

    In anticipation of the funeral, Italian and Vatican authorities have established strict security around St. Peter’s, deploying snipers on rooftops, and placing drones off-limits, with fighter jets on standby.

    Police indicated that additional checkpoints will commence operation on Friday evening.

    Countless individuals have already lined up for hours to pay tribute to Francis, whose coffin will be sealed at 8:00 PM during a ceremony attended by senior cardinals.

    Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the Vatican until a new pope is chosen, will conduct the “Rite of the Sealing of the Coffin.”

    The first Latin American pope in Catholic history passed away on Monday at the age of 88, less than a month after battling severe pneumonia that required hospitalization.

    Veronique Montes-Coulomb, a tourist from Toulouse, France, who attended the public viewing at St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, recalled seeing the pope during the Easter Sunday mass, which was his final public appearance. “He seemed relatively healthy; we were shocked to learn of his passing on Monday morning,” she shared with AFP.

    The Argentine pope, who had faced ongoing health issues, went against doctor’s advice to attend the Easter celebration—an event of great significance in the Catholic calendar.

    Messages of condolence from across the globe have poured in for Francis, an energetic reformer who dedicated his 12-year leadership to advocating for society’s marginalized and less fortunate.

    In his last address, he criticized those who incite “contempt for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and migrants.”

    At least 130 foreign delegations are anticipated to attend his funeral, with a no-fly zone enforced during the ceremony.

    A “Brief but Intense” Farewell

    Pope Francis’ coffin has been placed before the altar in St. Peter’s for three days of lying in state, with the pope dressed in his papal attire—a red chasuble, a white mitre, and black shoes.

    “It was a brief yet powerful moment standing beside him,” expressed Massimo Palo, 63, an Italian visitor to St. Peter’s Basilica, as he reflected on his experience. “He was a pope among his people, and I hope future papacies will embrace his spirit,” he added.

    Italy’s civil protection agency predicts “several hundred thousand” people will converge on Rome for this already busy weekend, coinciding with a public holiday on Friday.

    After the funeral, the pope’s coffin will make its journey at a slow pace to be interred in his cherished church, the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

    In a fitting tribute, a group of “poor and needy” individuals will be present to greet the coffin, according to the Vatican.

    He will be laid to rest underground, his simple gravestone marked with one word: Franciscus.

    Visitors will be allowed to pay their respects at the tomb starting Sunday morning.

    Following the burial, attention will shift to the process of selecting Francis’ successor.

    Cardinals from around the globe have been returning to Rome for both the funeral and the conclave to elect a new pope.

    Without a sitting pope, the cardinals have been convening daily to discuss the next steps, with another meeting scheduled for Friday at 9:00 AM.

    While the date for the conclave has not been established, it must begin no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days following a pope’s death.

    Only cardinals under the age of 80 — numbering around 135 currently — are permitted to participate in the voting process.

    According to British bookmaker William Hill, Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who served as number two to Francis, is the frontrunner, followed by Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson, with Matteo Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna, also in contention.

  • Cardinals Gather to Plan Funeral After Pope Francis’ Passing

    Cardinals Gather to Plan Funeral After Pope Francis’ Passing

    Clergy members hold a Mass in remembrance of Pope Francis after his passing at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in La Paz, Bolivia, April 21, 2025. — Reuters

    • Francis advocated for the poor while facing opposition from traditionalists.
    • All cardinals are invited to convene at the Vatican.
    • President Trump plans to attend Francis’ funeral.

    VATICAN CITY: Cardinals are set to convene on Tuesday to organize the funeral for Pope Francis, with global leaders expected to attend before a conclave next month to appoint a new head of the Roman Catholic Church.

    Pope Francis, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Monday after suffering from a stroke and cardiac arrest, as reported by the Vatican. This concluded a papacy marked by significant challenges, including conflicts with traditionalists and a strong emphasis on advocating for the less fortunate and marginalized communities.

    The pontiff had spent five weeks in the hospital earlier this year due to double pneumonia but returned to his Vatican residence almost a month ago, appearing recovered when he appeared in St. Peter’s Square during Easter Sunday services.

    His sudden passing triggered ancient rituals within the 1.4 billion-member church as it transitions from one pope to the next. This includes the breaking of the pope’s “Fisherman’s Ring” and lead seal to prevent further use by anyone else.

    “We extend our gratitude to the Lord for the gifts bestowed upon the entire Church through the apostolic ministry of Pope Francis, a messenger of hope,” stated Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, who led the evening prayers at St. Peter’s Square on Monday.

    All cardinals currently in Rome have been invited to come together at the Vatican at 9 AM (0700 GMT) to discuss funeral arrangements.

    US President Donald Trump, who has had disagreements with the pope over immigration policies, announced that he and his wife will travel to Rome to attend the funeral. Other notable leaders expected to be present include Javier Milei, president of Francis’ home country, Argentina.

    The Vatican anticipates that the funeral service will occur sometime between Friday and Sunday. In a departure from tradition, Francis confirmed in his final will, released on Monday, his wish to be laid to rest in Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major rather than St. Peter’s Basilica.

    The cardinal gathering will also address the operational matters of the Church during the interim period before a new pope is selected.

    Typically, a conclave to elect a new pope occurs 15 to 20 days following a pope’s death, indicating that it should not commence before May 6. Approximately 135 cardinals are eligible to participate in the secretive voting process, which may extend over several days.

    Currently, there is no clear choice to succeed Pope Francis.

    Progressive Outlook

    Pope Francis took the reins of a Church in turmoil and diligently worked to reform the Vatican’s central administration, combat corruption, and—after a gradual start—address the child abuse crisis within the clergy.

    He often found himself at odds with conservatives who yearned for a more traditional approach and perceived Francis as excessively liberal and too accommodating to marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ community.

    The pope nominated nearly 80% of the cardinal electors worldwide who will influence the selection of his successor, increasing, though not guaranteeing, the chances that his progressive initiatives will carry on.

    Many cardinals are relatively unknown outside their home countries, and they will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with one another during meetings called General Congregations, which take place in the days preceding the conclave and help outline the characteristics needed for the next pope.

    The Vatican announced late Monday that the staff and officials within the Holy See could start to pay their respects in front of the pope’s body at the Santa Marta residence, where Francis resided since 2013, opting for a more modest home than the grand apostolic palace utilized by his predecessors.

    His remains may be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as soon as Wednesday morning for public viewing, according to the Vatican’s statements.

  • Vatican Confirms Pope Francis Passed from Stroke and Heart Failure

    Vatican Confirms Pope Francis Passed from Stroke and Heart Failure

    Pope Francis during the weekly general audience at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall on December 14, 2022. — Reuters

    Pope Francis has passed away due to complications from a stroke that resulted in a coma and irreversible heart failure, as indicated in a death certificate issued by the Vatican on Monday, according to AFP.

    The 88-year-old papal leader died at 7:35 AM local time in his apartment at the Santa Marta residence.

    Just weeks prior to his death, Francis had been discharged from a five-week hospitalization where he struggled with double pneumonia. The death certificate lists “cerebral stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse” as the official causes of death.

    Further details from the Vatican document, signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, the head of health for Vatican City, revealed additional health issues that had not been previously disclosed.

    In addition to pneumonia, the pope had been dealing with arterial hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and chronic bronchiectasis, which affects the airways.

    In recent months, concerns had grown about his declining health, particularly due to his respiratory problems. The extent of his underlying health conditions had not been made public prior to his passing.

  • World Leaders Honor Pope Francis Following His Passing

    World Leaders Honor Pope Francis Following His Passing

    Pope Francis greets the audience from the balcony while delivering his Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican on December 25, 2022. — AFP

    Pope Francis, who made history as the first leader from Latin America to head the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away, as announced by the Vatican in a video statement on Monday. He was 88 years old and had been battling a severe case of double pneumonia recently.

    As the worldwide Christian community mourns, tributes are pouring in from global leaders honoring the late pontiff.

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had just met with the pope during a recent trip to Italy, expressed his condolences for Christians around the world. “I was deeply saddened to hear about Pope Francis’ passing. My thoughts are with the countless Christians globally who held him dear. It was a joy to see him yesterday (Sunday), despite his evident illness. I’ll always cherish his beautiful homily from the early days of COVID,” he stated.

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her sorrow over the loss of “a remarkable man and a guiding shepherd.” She remarked, “I was fortunate to have his friendship and to receive his guidance and teachings, which never ceased even in times of hardship.”

    French President Emmanuel Macron paid his respects, saying, “Throughout his time as pope, Francis consistently stood by the most vulnerable and fragile among us, demonstrating great humility. In these times of conflict and brutality, he showed a deep empathy for others.”

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also remembered the late pope, noting that “Pope Francis will forever be recognized as a symbol of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage to millions around the globe.” He added, “He dedicated himself to supporting the poor and the marginalized, inspiring hope in those who suffered. I fondly recall my discussions with him and was profoundly moved by his dedication to inclusive development. His affection for the people of India will be fondly remembered. May his soul rest in peace within God’s embrace.”

    German Chancellor-in-Waiting Friedrich Merz emphasized Pope Francis’ unwavering commitment to the most disadvantaged members of society. He remarked on X, “He was guided by humility and had faith in God’s mercy.”

    Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, expressed his deep shock over the news of Pope Francis’s passing. He requested that “the bells of our churches be rung and our communities called to prayer for the eternal rest of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who passed away just minutes ago.”

  • Defining Moments in His Life

    Defining Moments in His Life

    Pope Francis (deceased) leads the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) torchlight procession on Good Friday, in front of Rome’s Colosseum, Italy. — Reuters/File

    VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis, the first Latin American head of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away on Monday at the age of 88, shortly after recovering from a severe case of double pneumonia.

    Francis was elected pope on March 13, 2013. His death, which concludes a tumultuous papacy, occurred just a day after he made his first extended public appearance since being released from a 38-day hospital stay on March 23.

    As world leaders express their condolences, let’s take a moment to reflect on significant events in his life.

    — Jorge Mario Bergoglio was born on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Italian immigrant parents. He was ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1969 and served as the head of the Jesuit order in Argentina from 1973 to 1979. In 1992, he became an auxiliary bishop of Buenos Aires and was later appointed the city’s archbishop in 1998. In 2001, Pope John Paul II elevated him to cardinal.

    — In a surprising turn for many Catholic observers, Bergoglio was elected pope during a conclave in March 2013, following Pope Benedict’s unexpected resignation. He took the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, emphasizing his commitment to poverty, peace, and environmental stewardship.

    — He was the first non-European pope in 1,300 years, the first pope from Latin America, and the first Jesuit to ascend to the papacy. Jesuits are traditionally known for their dedication to education and social justice, particularly in assisting disadvantaged communities.

    — Francis opted out of many conventional papal luxuries, choosing to live in a modest Vatican guesthouse instead of the lavish papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace. He simplified the papal wardrobe, wore a plastic watch, and preferred to travel in a regular family car.

    — His informal approach quickly led to tensions with conservative factions within the Church, who were displeased with his welcoming attitude toward LGBT individuals and divorced Catholics. He also faced backlash for his restrictions on the traditional Latin Mass.

    — Over his papacy, Francis traveled 47 times outside of Italy, visiting over 65 countries and covering more than 465,000 kilometers (about 289,000 miles), yet he never returned to Argentina.

    — He initiated reforms in the Vatican aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and financial integrity, appointing more women to senior roles in the Church’s hierarchy. However, some viewed him as an erratic leader, often surprising Vatican officials with spontaneous remarks and decisions. Despite his efforts, he grappled with managing the ongoing sexual abuse crisis within the Church.

  • Vatican Reports: Pope Francis Has Passed Away

    Vatican Reports: Pope Francis Has Passed Away

    Pope Francis greets the crowd upon his arrival for the weekly audience in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican. — Reuters

    Pope Francis passed away on Monday at the age of 88, just a day after his cherished appearance at Saint Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday, per a statement from the Vatican.

    “This morning at 7:35 AM, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, has returned to the home of the Father,” stated Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the announcement shared on the Vatican’s Telegram channel.


    This story is still developing, and additional details will be provided.

  • Pope Francis Returns Home to Vatican After Five-Week Hospital Stay

    Pope Francis Returns Home to Vatican After Five-Week Hospital Stay

    Pope Francis makes his first public appearance in five weeks, on the day he is discharged from Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, March 23, 2025. — Reuters

    • Pope Francis returns to the public eye for the first time since February 14.
    • The pope had been battling double pneumonia along with other complications.
    • Medical professionals recommend a two-month recovery period for him.

    Pope Francis returned to the Vatican on Sunday after enduring a five-week hospitalization due to double pneumonia, marking one of the most significant health challenges of his 12-year papacy.

    The 88-year-old pontiff, who made his first public appearance since February 14 just before leaving Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, departed the facility shortly after noon.

    His car was escorted by police through the streets of Rome, briefly stopping to deliver flowers to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, a church to which he has a deep connection and visits frequently.

    Although the pope is back from the hospital, his doctors have indicated that it will take “a considerable amount of time” for his older body to fully recover.

    They have advised him to rest for an additional two months at the Vatican and to avoid large or demanding meetings, leaving uncertainty about his level of activity in the near future.

    Before leaving the hospital on Sunday, Francis smiled and waved at well-wishers gathered outside, using a wheelchair—as he has done for several years.

    His face appeared swollen, and bandages were visible on both arms beneath his white cassock during this brief appearance.

    He spoke softly to thank a 79-year-old supporter, Carmela Vittoria Mancuso, who had been visiting him daily during his treatment and brought him yellow flowers. She later told Reuters her heart felt “overjoyed” when the pope acknowledged her.

    During his hospitalization, he had been seen publicly only once before, in a photo released by the Vatican showing him praying in the chapel of the hospital.

    Although Francis has been reliant on oxygen support during his hospitalization, he was breathing independently during his recent public appearance. However, he was seen using an oxygen tube while being driven in his car.

    The crowd of hundreds outside the hospital cheered and chanted “Francis, Francis, Francis” just before the pontiff made his appearance on Sunday.

    Gratitude to Medical Staff for ‘Unwavering Care’

    Since becoming pope in 2013, Francis had initially been admitted to the hospital for a case of bronchitis that escalated into double pneumonia, linked to what his medical team described as a “complex” infection involving multiple microorganisms.

    Throughout his 38 days in the hospital, he experienced four serious episodes of what was termed “respiratory crises” by the Vatican, characterized by severe coughing fits due to airway constriction, similar to asthma attacks.

    Two of these crises were critical and posed a risk to his life, as noted by Sergio Alfieri, the leader of the pope’s medical team, during a press conference on Saturday.

    While the pneumonia has cleared up, the pope is not yet fully recovered, according to his doctors. Alfieri also mentioned that it would take time for him to regain his voice after such a prolonged struggle with the respiratory infection.

    On Sunday, the Vatican shared a brief statement attributed to Francis, expressing his gratitude to the medical staff for their “unwavering care.”

    Many Catholics across the globe had been praying for his recovery, and visitors to the Vatican on Sunday expressed relief at his release from the hospital.

    “This news brings joy and hope to us all,” said Grazia Mara, an Italian visitor. “We wish him a safe return home and a quick recovery.”

    While in the hospital, the pope continued to fulfill his duties, making episcopal appointments worldwide and initiating a new three-year reform process for the Church.

    However, his two-month rest period may lead to significant adjustments in the Vatican’s schedule of upcoming events.

    He had been scheduled to meet Britain’s King Charles on April 8 and to lead the Vatican’s annual Easter services on April 20, but the Vatican has not clarified if he will be able to attend those meetings.

  • Pope Francis to Make First Public Appearance in Five Weeks on Sunday

    Pope Francis to Make First Public Appearance in Five Weeks on Sunday

    Pope Francis is set to make his first public appearance in over five weeks this Sunday, where he will deliver a blessing from the window of his room at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The Vatican has confirmed this as he continues to recover from a double pneumonia diagnosis.

    The 88-year-old pontiff was hospitalized on February 14 due to a severe respiratory infection that has necessitated a series of treatments. Throughout his stay, the Pope has only been visible to the public once, with a photo released by the Vatican last week showing him in prayer at a hospital chapel.

    The Vatican indicated that Francis hopes to greet the public from his hospital window around noon on Sunday. Typically, the Pope offers a midday prayer every Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, but he has been unable to do so since February 9, prior to his hospital admission.

    While he is expected to make this greeting, the Vatican noted that Francis would not be delivering his usual Sunday prayer, reflecting his ongoing recovery from pneumonia. Historically, he is more susceptible to lung infections due to a past battle with pleurisy and the removal of part of one lung.

    This hospitalization marks the most significant health issue during his 12-year papacy and represents the longest period he has been out of public view since being elected in 2013. Recent updates from the Vatican about the Pope’s health have been cautiously optimistic. On Friday, officials stated that he has been able to reduce his reliance on high-flow oxygen for breathing.

    However, a senior cardinal suggested that it might take some time for the Pope to “relearn how to speak” after using oxygen during his recovery. Cardinal Victor Fernandez, who oversees Vatican doctrine, commented, “The Pope is doing quite well, but high-flow oxygen can be quite dehydrating. He will need to adjust, but his overall health remains stable.”

    While the Vatican has not provided a specific timeline for the Pope’s discharge from the hospital, upcoming arrangements for a meeting with King Charles of Britain on April 8 hint at the possibility that Francis may return to his Vatican residence by then.

  • Pope Francis Removed from Ventilator as Health Shows Progress

    Pope Francis Removed from Ventilator as Health Shows Progress

    Pope Francis at a mass to inaugurate the Synod of Bishops in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, October 2, 2024. — Reuters

    VATICAN CITY:

    Pope Francis is recovering from pneumonia and no longer needs nighttime mechanical ventilation. Doctors are optimistic about his continued improvement, as reported by the Vatican.

    The 88-year-old pontiff has spent nearly five weeks at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital due to a serious respiratory infection that has necessitated changing treatments.

    “The Holy Father’s clinical condition is confirmed to be improving,” the Vatican announced in a medical update on Wednesday.

    Previously, the pope was using non-invasive mechanical ventilation overnight, which consists of wearing a mask to assist with breathing. However, this ventilation has now been “suspended,” according to the statement. He is still receiving oxygen through a small nasal cannula.

    Medical professionals indicated that his infection is manageable, with no fever present, and all blood tests showing normal results, as stated by the Vatican press office shortly after the update.

    For the past two weeks, the pope has been described as stable or improving, but the Vatican has not provided a timeline for his release, noting that his recovery is proceeding gradually.

    Francis is susceptible to lung infections due to a past bout of pleurisy and a previous lung surgery.

    He is receiving respiratory physiotherapy to help improve his breathing and physical therapy for mobility. The pope has been using a wheelchair for several years as a result of knee and back pain.

    Experts not involved in his care believe that given the pope’s age and medical history, he may face a long and difficult recovery process.

    Children Write to the Pope

    This hospitalization marks the longest period the pope has been away from public appearances since he was elected in 2013.

    The Vatican shared the first image of Pope Francis in the hospital on Sunday, depicting him at prayer in a chapel.

    In a hint that the Vatican may be anticipating his release by the end of the month, King Charles of Britain recently announced plans for himself and Queen Camilla to visit Italy and the Vatican in early April.

    The royal couple is tentatively set to meet Pope Francis on April 8, a meeting typically organized in conjunction with senior Vatican officials.

    The pope continues to receive an outpouring of well-wishes for his recovery, including letters from children.

    According to Italy’s postal service, the pope has received an estimated 150 kg (331 lbs) of additional mail each day from around the globe during his hospital stay.

    A van from the hospital is dispatched daily to collect the mail addressed to Pope Francis.

  • All Medicine Bottle Locations in Vatican – Indiana Jones & The Great Circle

    All Medicine Bottle Locations in Vatican – Indiana Jones & The Great Circle

    In Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Medicine Bottles act as a unique form of currency that Indy can take from the fascists. Although their purpose is not instantly clear, they are crucial for the ongoing “A Remedy for All Discovery” quest in every region Indy visits. Collecting these items allows players to trade them in for permanent boosts to Indy’s health and stamina.

    The Vatican City starts this quest, featuring 15 Medicine Bottles located throughout the area. You need to find them all to trade at Valeria’s pharmacy, which will grant you Adventure Books that enhance Indy’s overall performance. Here’s where to locate each bottle.

    Completing the A Date To Remember Mystery quest rewards you with the Vatican Medicine exploration guide, which will mark the location of any uncollected Medicine Bottles.

    How to Use the Vatican City Medicine Bottles


    The quest titled “A Remedy For All” kicks off when you discover your first Medicine Bottle. A brief conversation with pharmacist Valeria will clarify their significance, as she’ll mention a shortage of medicine and will ask you to bring her any Medicine Bottles you find.

    Turning in these bottles allows you to purchase the initial three Adventure Books: Moxie and Shaping Up, which boost Indy’s stamina and health, respectively. The first book of each series costs five bottles, with every upgrade requiring more bottles as you progress.

    Although the Medicine Bottles available in the Vatican won’t cover all six Adventure Books, there are plenty more waiting for you in Gizeh later on.

    All Vatican City Medicine Bottle Locations

    Indy stealing a Medicine Bottle in the Vatican City in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    All 15 Medicine Bottles are distributed throughout Vatican City, meaning you don’t have to venture underground to find them. Most of these bottles are located in areas guarded by Blackshirts, so proceed with caution. If you grab one in their vicinity, they will raise the alarm. Always ensure the area is clear before you make your move.

    Location

    Image

    Description

    Belvedere Courtyard

    Vatican Map showing first Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    Found inside the southeastern tent. However, a guard in the nearby security booth makes it challenging to steal it. Handle the guard first before collecting the Medicine Bottle.

    Belvedere Courtyard

    Map showing location near the second Medicine Bottle in Indiana Jones and The Great Circle.

    Located inside a tent with oil barrels in the restricted area of Belvedere Courtyard. Unless you’re wearing the Blackshirt Uniform, you’ll need to crawl through a gap in the fence to reach this Medicine Bottle.

    Borgia Courtyards

    Map showing Indy's location in front of the third Medicine Bottle in Indiana Jones and The Great Circle.

    On a table outside the Sistine Chapel.

    Borgia Tower

    Vatican Map showing the fourth Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    From the last Medicine Bottle, climb the nearby scaffolding and use a whip point to ascend further onto a roof. You’ll find this one on a wooden crate.

    Apostolic Palace

    Vatican Map showing the fifth Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    Just east from the Borgia Courtyards entrance. The Medicine Bottle is underneath the staircase just inside. You’ll need to deal with the guard outside first if you’re not wearing the Blackshirt Uniform.

    Apostolic Palace

    Vatican Map showing the sixth Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    On a desk inside Ventura’s office, next to the bookshelf with the “A Snake in the Garden Mystery” puzzle.

    Via Di Belvedere

    Vatican Map showing the seventh Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    Exit towards the Vatican Post Office from the Belvedere Courtyard, through the metal gate on the right. In the dead-end alley, you’ll find the Medicine Bottle on a table.

    Vatican Post Office

    Vatican Map showing the eighth Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    As you enter the alleyway behind the Vatican Post Office, you’ll spot the Medicine Bottle on a small wooden table near a wall covered in fascist propaganda.

    Tower of Nicholas the Fifth

    Vatican Map showing the ninth Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    This Medicine Bottle can be found in front of a large wooden gate south of the tower.

    Blackshirt Barracks

    Vatican Map showing the tenth Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    Outside the barracks, climb the scaffolding to reach an overhang. Move along until you find a zipline that takes you through a window into one of the barracks, where the Medicine Bottle awaits.

    Blackshirt Barracks

    Vatican Map showing the 11th Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    This bottle is found inside one of the barracks, which unlocks with the Blackshirt Key. You’ll obtain the key along with the uniform after a meeting with Gina in the fascist laundry area.

    Excavation Site

    Vatican Map showing the 12th Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    During the A Savage Discovery side quest, search a cabin at the dig site for someone named Giuseppe. The Medicine Bottle will be resting on a bench inside.

    Excavation Site

    Vatican Map showing the 13th Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    For this Medicine Bottle, start the Mad Priest quest and progress until you get the Sewer Key. In the Sewers, climb up to the ledge above and head upstairs into the storeroom section of the Apostolic Castle to find the bottle.

    Laundry Area

    Vatican Map showing the 14th Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    The bottle lies on a bench in the laundry area.

    Borgia Tower

    Vatican Map showing the 15th Medicine Bottle location in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

    Continue through the “A Nun in Trouble” quest until you acquire Giuliana’s Key, which unlocks the door in the Borgia Tower. Navigate the balcony, and you’ll find the Medicine Bottle next to a zipline.