In 2020, Trump – who is far from a devout Christian – claimed that Biden was “against God” and “against guns.” To an ultra-conservative culture warrior, the connection is clear: we love guns, so God must, too. COMMENT | IAN BURUMA | Some popes fit their times to perfection. Pope …
Read More »World awaits smoke as election for Pope begins at Sistine Chapel
KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | The 133 Cardinals who will elect Pope Francis’ successor have made their way from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City as the secretive process begins. Today’s events began with the “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” mass at 10 am, which means …
Read More »Conclave: 17 African Cardinals to elect new Pope
ROME, ITALY | THE INDEPENDENT | As the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pontiff following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, 17 African cardinal electors are among those taking part in the Conclave that officially begins this afternoon at the Vatican. A solemn Holy Mass, Pro Eligendo …
Read More »TODAY: Election of new Pope starts
Vatican, Rome | THE INDEPENDENT | Today, 133 cardinal electors are set to enter the Conclave at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to elect a new Pope following the death of Pope Francis. According to the programme from the Vatican, the cardinal electors will begin the day at St. Peter’s …
Read More »Reform or retreat? The Catholic church in Africa after Pope Francis
Pope Francis often pointed to Africa, which is seeing the highest growth in population in the Catholic church, as the continent of joy and hope ANALYSIS | STAN CHU IIO | The Catholic church faces a fundamental question as it prepares to elect a new pope. That is, whether to go back to …
Read More »COMMENT: The liturgical symbols and rituals at the Pope’s funeral go beyond pageantry
COMMENT | Jane F Alowo | I must have missed this piece “The Empire In the Cathedral: Would Jesus recognize His Church?” during the mourning period for Pope Francis – May he continue to rest in peace. But, kindly allow me set the record straight where facts have been overstated or misunderstood. I …
Read More »Cardinals recognize right to vote of all Cardinal electors in conclave
Vatican, Italy | VATICAN NEWS | The College of Cardinals has announced that all 133 Cardinal electors participating in the upcoming conclave have the right to vote for the new Pope. The Holy See Press Office released a declaration prepared by the Cardinals gathered in the General Congregation on Wednesday. The …
Read More »Cardinals discuss economic situation of the Holy See at General Congregation
Vatican, Rome | VATICAN NEWS | The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told reporters on Wednesday that 180 Cardinals attended the seventh General Congregation, of whom 124 were Cardinal electors. In the first part of the meeting, the Cardinals discussed the economic and financial situation of …
Read More »Sacred Parallels: Why African rituals were never pagan
Inspired by the Daily Monitor headline: “Traditions, Rituals in Pope’s Funeral” COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno | As the world watched the solemn burial of Pope Francis, rich in symbolism, tradition, and spiritual reverence, it becomes impossible to ignore the striking parallels with other global rites of passage, particularly those found in …
Read More »Pope Francis 1936 – 2025
Why his papacy mattered for the continent – and for the world’s poor and marginalised COVER STORY | STAN CHUN IIO | The death of Pope Francis at his residence on April 21 marks the end of a significant era for the Vatican and the global Catholic following of 1.3 billion …
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