Pope Francis' Beloved Team Honors Catholic Leader with Heartfelt Statement After His Passing

<ul class="mol-bullets-with-font"> <li class=""> <strong> The passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 was announced on Easter Monday morning. </strong> </li> <li class=""> <strong> The football club favored by the late Pope has led the tributes following the announcement. </strong> </li> <li class=""> <strong> LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Chris Sutton explains why Trent Alexander-Arnold might be better off staying at Liverpool </strong> </li> </ul> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Pope Francis His favorite football team has paid an emotional tribute following his passing. Easter Monday morning. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Confirmed by the Vatican, the first-ever Latin American pontiff died at the age of 88 - with all football matches scheduled for Monday postponed as a mark of respect. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Pope consistently supported his hometown club, San Lorenzo, throughout his life, as they compete at the highest level domestically. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Shortly after confirming his death, the club turned to social media to post a heartfelt tribute to the deceased Bishop of Rome. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> On X , they wrote: ' <span> He was never merely one of us, but always part of our midst. Cuervo as a child and as an adult... Cuervo as a priest and Cardinal... Cuervo even as Pope... </span> </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> He consistently shared his enthusiasm for Ciclon: whether he was attending matches of the '46 team at the Viejo Gasómetro, confirming Angelito Correa at the Ciudad Deportiva chapel, or welcoming Barcelona guests at the Vatican, he did so with complete joy... Member No. 88235. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Dk6O4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Dk6O4.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1DjZs1" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1DjZs1.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Dk9ny" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Dk9ny.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Francis, his affection for the Cyclone remained constant. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'Wrapped in deep sorrow, from #SanLorenzo today we say to Francis: Goodbye, thank you, and farewell! We will be together for eternity!' </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Legendary football coach Jose Mourinho also offered a touching tribute to the late Pope, taking to Instagram to share a picture of Francis along with a message. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> He penned: "To achieve greatness, foremost you must learn to become humble. True grandeur stems from humility." </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Pope Francis [heart emoji] Hope shines as a beacon in the darkness. Great Pope. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Following the declaration of Pope Francis’ demise, church bells rang throughout the bell towers of Rome. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who serves as the Vatican camerlengo, announced his death at the chapel of Domus Santa Marta, the place where Francis resided. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> "At 7:35 this morning, Pope Francis returned to the house of the Father. Throughout his life, he devoted himself entirely to serving the Lord and his Church," he stated. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> He guided us to embrace the principles of the Gospel with devotion, bravery, and inclusive compassion, particularly towards those who are least fortunate and most excluded. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Dk6Oh" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Dk6Oh.jpg"/> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1Dk9nK" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1Dk9nK.jpg"/> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> 'In deep appreciation of his exemplary role as a genuine follower of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the boundless, compassionate love of God, who is both one and ruler.' </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Following the Pope’s passing, a statement was issued shortly afterwards. Serie A After the departure of the Holy Father, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A has decided to postpone today’s fixtures in the Serie A Enilive and Primavera 1 championships to a later date to be confirmed. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Four Serie A matches were scheduled for Easter Monday, beginning with Torino vs Udinease at 11:30 am BST. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> After that match came Cagliari against Fiorentina at 2 pm, followed by Genoa facing Lazio at 5 pm, with Parma also scheduled for a game. Juventus (7.45pm) concluding the action. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> The late Pope was a big football fan during his life and had many interactions with famous stars and legendary players. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> Following his passing, the Pope included Maradona in his prayers and called him the 'bard of football,' acknowledging his remarkable career during which he led Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> In 2013, Lionel Messi and the Pope swapped presents. The subsequent year, Messi guided Argentina to the World Cup finale. </p> <p class="mol-para-with-font"> He also greeted Pep Guardiola during a private audience with his Bayern Munich team in 2014, and Germany's players - including Thomas Muller - visited him in 2016, two years after winning the World Cup. </p> Read more

Pope Francis' Beloved Team Honors Catholic Leader with Heartfelt Statement After His Passing

The passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 was announced on Easter Monday morning. The football club favored by the ...

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This breathtaking Portuguese monument is the country’s largest medieval cathedral

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BrmL5" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BrmL5.jpg"/> <p> An immense cathedral dominates the city of Évora, in Portugal. Dating back to the 12th century, it is an architectural masterpiece combining Romanesque and Gothic styles. </p> <p> <p> If you're unfamiliar with Portugal's medieval past, a visit to Évora in the Alentejo could change all that. This UNESCO World Heritage city is packed with treasures from ancient times. Among these is the Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, known locally as Sé de Évora, a magnificent monument made of granite that stands out in the city. Its imposing size makes it the largest cathedral in Portugal to be built entirely in the Gothic style. </p> </p> <p> <p> But don't this its austere fortress-like appearance stop you - the cathedral boasts a refined, sculpted interior that has evolved over the centuries. The result is a monument that blends several architectural styles , much to the delight of history and architecture lovers. </p> </p> <p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> A fascinating hybrid architectural style </h2> </p> <p> <p> Sé de Évora is a grand dame: it was built in 1186 - although it wasn't completed until 1250. Built out of granite, it initially adopted a Romanesque style, easily recognisable by its massive structure and sober lines. As architectural techniques evolved, the Gothic style gradually came to the fore, particularly in its impressive vaulted nave and 14 ^th century cloister. </p> </p> <p> <p> Then, in the 15 ^th and 16 ^th centuries, numerous additions were made to the cathedral, starting with the high choir, the pulpit, the baptistery and the chapel arch. In the 18 ^th century, King John V of Portugal had the new main chapel built. Since then, a number of restoration works have been carried out, including the demolition of the 18 ^th century cloister cloakrooms (to expose the cloister's exterior windows and rose windows) and the removal of some Baroque altarpieces (the decoration behind the altar). </p> </p> <p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> Portugal's largest medieval cathedral </h2> </p> <p> <p> As you walk up Rua 5 de Outubro, the imposing cathedral comes into view. First you see the two towers built in the 16 ^th century (one of which is topped with a spire covered in azulejos, and the other has a square tower), then the main doorway with its perfectly preserved 14 ^th -century Apostles. Two other entrances complete the picture: the Porta do Sol with its Gothic arches, and the Porta Norte, a legacy of the Baroque period. </p> </p> <p> <p> Once inside Sé de Évora, the monument’s sheer size becomes even more apparent. Its three naves measure around 80 metres in length. The central nave is lined with granite columns, and leads to the richly decorated high altar. Surrounding it is the Gothic cloister, built around 1325. Its elegant architecture is somewhat reminiscent of Hogwarts, the iconic castle of the Harry Potter saga . </p> </p> <p> <p> But the highlight of the tour is evidently the climb to the roof of the cathedral. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the golden plains of the Alentejo. Finally, the cathedral's treasury houses an impressive collection of liturgical objects, paintings and religious sculptures. Not to be missed. </p> </p> <p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"> Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site </h2> </p> <p> <p> In addition to the cathedral, Évora is also packed with historic monuments, which is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Temple of Diana , for example, is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in Portugal. A few steps away, the Church of São Francisco and its Chapel of Bones (whose walls are covered with skulls and human bones) offer a striking experience. </p> </p> <p> <p> The city also boasts an impressive aqueduct, the Aqueduto da Água de Prata, which runs for several kilometres through Évora. Finally, the cobbled streets of the historic centre are a pleasant invitation to stroll around and discover this city-museum. </p> </p> <p> <p> <strong> Sé de </strong> <strong> Évora </strong> Largo Marquês de Marialva </p> <p> 7000-809 Évora </p> <p> +351 266 759 330 </p> <p> www.evoracathedral.com </p> </p>

This breathtaking Portuguese monument is the country’s largest medieval cathedral

An immense cathedral dominates the city of Évora, in Portugal. Dating back to the 12th century, it is an architectural masterpiece combin...

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Vatikan Rilis Gambar Unik: Paus Fransiskus Memimpin Misa untuk Pertama Kalinya

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B2QPL" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B2QPL.jpg"/> <p> <strong> ROMA, </strong> Vatikan mengunggah gambar perdana Paus Fransiskus pada hari Minggu, 16 Maret 2025, menunjukkan beliau sedang membimbing upacara misa di Kapel Rumah Sakit Gemelli, Roma, Italia. </p> <p> Dikutip dari kantor berita <em> AFP </em> , peluncuran foto itu sangatlah penting, mengingat Paus Argentina tersebut belum nampak di hadapan publik sejak menjalani perawatan di Rumah Sakit Gemelli. </p> <p> Yaitu dari tanggal 14 Februari 2025 akibat pneumonia pada kedua paru-parunya, kondisi tersebut telah lama dikatakan kritis oleh tim medis. </p> <p> </p> <p> Gambar itu menunjukkan Paus berumur 88 tahun yang tidak menggunakan kerudung putihnya seperti kebiasaan, namun ia pakai jubah putih serta stola ungu. Dia duduk di sebuah kursi roda di hadapan altar sederhana yang ada salib pada dinding belakangnya. </p> <p> Vatikan menyebut bahwa gambar itu diambil pada hari Minggu pagi. </p> <p> Diamati dari bagian belakang sisi kanan Fransiskus, wajahnya tak sepenuhnya kelihatan namun matanya terbuka ketika dia menatap ke arah bawah. </p> <p> "Paginya, Paus Fransiskus mengawali Misa Kudus di kapel apartemen yang berada di tingkatsepuluh dari Poliklinik Gemelli," demikian tertulis pada pernyataan foto oleh Kantor Pers Vatikan itu. </p> <p> Sejak dirawat di rumah sakit, Fransiskus tak bisa mengadakan Misa di Basilika Santo Petrus yang berada di Vatikan. </p> <p> Dia juga tidak secara langsung mengucapkan doa Angelus yang diikuti oleh jemaah yang berkumpul di Lapangan Santo Petrus. </p> <p> Akan tetapi, minggu sebelumnya, dalam pernyataan Angelus yang dirilis oleh Vatikan, dia menyampaikan rasa terima kasih kepada para pendukung sambil mengakui kondisi kesehatannya yang lemah. </p> <p> </p> <p> "Saya bagikan pikiran ini kepada Anda ketika sedang mengalami masa ujian, dan saya bersatu dengan banyak sekali kakak-kakak serta adik-adik yang tengah sakit dan lemah, layaknya diriku sendiri," tulis Fransiskus. </p> <p> "Kita mungkin lemah secara fisik, namun tak ada yang bisa menghentikan kita dari mencintai, berdoa, menyumbangkan diri kita sendiri, hadir bagi sesama, dengan keyakinan, dan menampilkan tanda-tanda harapan," imbuhnya. </p> <p> Pesannya mengawali Minggu kedua Pra-Paskah, masa persiapan 40 hari yang diisi dengan doa dan pengenalan diri sebelum perayaan Paskah. </p> <p> Kesehatan Fransiskus terus membaik dalam minggu ini, sebagaimana Vatican menyebutkan pada hari Sabtu. Meski demikian, keadaannya tetap stabil dan dia masih membutuhkan perawatan medis yang berasal dari rumah sakit. </p> <p> Walaupun dia belum menampakkan diri di jendela kamarnya yang berada di lantai 10 Rumah Sakit Gemelli, hal itu tak menghalangi para pendukung untuk tetap datang, meliputi pemain tango dan ratusan anak-anak pada hari Minggu tersebut. </p> <p> Beberapa pasang pengantin yang mengenakan pakaian jalan-jalan menarikan tarian tango di bawah langit abu-abu di hadapan segerombolan kameramen di area dekat gerbang utama rumah sakit. </p> <p> "Dengan tarian ini, dia perlu dikirim kembali," ujar penari Daiana Gusper (38), orang asli Buenos Aires layaknya Paus. </p> <p> </p> <p> "Ia menginginkan rasa kekuatan kami, cinta kami terhadap tango serta bagi seorang Paus dari Argentina," ujarnya kepada <em> AFP </em> . </p>

Vatikan Rilis Gambar Unik: Paus Fransiskus Memimpin Misa untuk Pertama Kalinya

ROMA, Vatikan mengunggah gambar perdana Paus Fransiskus pada hari Minggu, 16 Maret 2025, menunjukkan beliau sedang membimbing upaca...

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Vatican Releases First Image of Pope Since Hospitalization

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B2fkS" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B2fkS.jpg"/> <p> The Vatican has shared the initial picture of Pope Francis in the hospital following his 88th birthday as he commenced his stay there. treatment for double pneumonia . </p> <p> The image posted on Sunday depicts the Pope from the rear, showcasing him wearing a purple stole as he sits in a wheelchair facing an altar. </p> <p> This morning, Pope Francis participated in the Holy Mass at the chapel located on the tenth floor of the Gemelli Polyclinic," stated the caption from the Vatican press office accompanying the image. Concelebration refers to the collective ritual performed by leading clergy members during the ceremony. </p> <p> Earlier in the day, Pope Francis admitted his fragility and said he was "going through a testing time" as he expressed gratitude to those who sent him good wishes in a statement from the clinic, where he has been gradually recuperating from pneumonia. </p> <p> The Pope, now 88 years old, has faced various challenges alongside phases of better health since he was admitted to the hospital on February 14. In his message to the believers, he conveyed a deeply personal sentiment that touched upon both his spiritual beliefs and his physical vulnerability. </p> <p> "I share these reflections with you during my time of trials, as I stand alongside numerous brothers and sisters who are unwell and vulnerable just like myself," stated the Pope in the message released by the Vatican. </p> <p> Our bodies may be frail, yet despite this, nothing can stop us from loving, praying, surrendering ourselves, and supporting one another with unwavering faith, becoming luminous symbols of hope," remarked the Argentine pope in his message commemorating the second Sunday of Lent—a 40-day time frame dedicated to prayer and contemplation before Easter. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B2cKo" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B2cKo.jpg"/> <p> For the fifth consecutive time, the pope’s health condition stopped him from delivering the Angelus prayer himself. This prayer is typically recited for crowds assembled in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square after Sunday Mass. </p> <p> Despite Pope Francis not having shown up at the window of his papal suite on the 10th floor of the Gemelli hospital as of yet, many devoted supporters continue to gather, featuring performances like tango dancers and numerous groups of children on Sunday. </p> <p> Amidst grey skies, roughly a dozen couples dressed in regular attire performed the tango before a crowd of cameras, while the Argentine pope was recovering indoors. </p> <p> "Regarding this tango performance, he needs to be let go," exclaimed dancer Daiana Guspero, 38, who, similar to the pope, originated from Buenos Aires. </p> <p> "I wish for him to sense our vitality, our affection for tango and for an Argentinian pope," she said to AFP. </p> <p> Previously, a troop of young Boy Scouts from a Catholic organization gathered at the base of a statue dedicated to the late Pope John Paul II near the hospital entrance. They held yellow and white balloons and attempted unsuccessfully to get a look at the pontiff. </p> <p> You spot the pope right there!" exclaimed one of them excitedly, but was quickly corrected by their group leader, Valerio Santobonio, aged 23: "I don't believe that's him. </p> <p> Santobonio informed AFP that the children aged between five and seven do not fully understand who the pope is or his current state of health. </p> <p> However, their visit was "akin to offering them a glimpse into a broader spectrum of Christian living," according to Santobonio. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B2arA" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B2arA.jpg"/> <p> Andrea Lacomini of UNICEF mentioned that several kids came from a poor village close to Naples early in the morning with a letter for Francis; this trip was arranged by their organization. </p> <p> "He has a deep affection for children; he's like their pope, so everyone is anticipating his arrival. We're confident things will improve," Lacomini stated to AFP. </p> <p> “There’s a need for a significant leader such as him since there aren’t numerous heroes in the world today,” he further stated. </p> <p> He is the sole individual who speaks about peace. </p> <p> Even though he didn't show up at the window, Francis greeted his youngest well-wishers in his message. </p> <p> "I am aware that numerous children are praying for me; some of them visited 'Gemelli' today to demonstrate their support," Francis wrote. </p> <p> Thank you, beloved children! The pope has love for you and is constantly ready to welcome you. </p> <p> A week ago, the Vatican indicated that Francis was no longer in imminent danger following several respiratory issues earlier during his hospital stay, which had raised concerns about the Jesuit's well-being. </p> <p> On Saturday, the Vatican reported that his condition remained stable and was progressing, though they also warned that he would still require treatments provided in the hospital environment. </p> <p> “The Holy Father still requires hospital medical therapy, motor and respiratory physiotherapy; these therapies, at present, are showing further, gradual improvements,” it said. </p> <h2 class="u-heading-size-medium u-heading-style-normal"> The most sacred time in the Christian calendar </h2> <p> The message seemed to put an end to rumors suggesting that the Pope's movement might indicate an upcoming discharge from the hospital. </p> <p> Even though the Vatican mentioned that he continues to work from his hospital room whenever possible, Pope Francis’s absence is notably missed as Easter draws near, with this significant religious occasion only five weeks ahead in the Christian calendar. </p> <p> The leader of the approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide typically oversees an extensive schedule of activities during this time, which includes a Good Friday procession in the evening and an Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square attended by tens of thousands of believers. </p> <p> In his written address on Sunday—which likewise urged for peace in conflict-ridden nations such as Ukraine, Myanmar, and Sudan—Francis took the opportunity to express gratitude once more towards his caregivers and all those who have been praying for him. </p> <p> "How brightly does light shine, in this regard, within hospitals and areas of caregiving! With what warmth and tenderness do these spaces—rooms, hallways, clinics, and even those where the most modest tasks are carried out—become illuminated!" he penned. </p> <p> <strong> Subscribe to the Front Page newsletter at no cost: Your daily roadmap of key events provided by The Telegraph, delivered directly to your mailbox every single day of the week. </strong> </p>

Vatican Releases First Image of Pope Since Hospitalization

The Vatican has shared the initial picture of Pope Francis in the hospital following his 88th birthday as he commenced his stay there. t...

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