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Pope Leo XIV

Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost delivered his inaugural Mass as Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Catholic Church, on May 18, 2025. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he is the first pope from the United States.

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An image of Pope Francis, adorned with a black ribbon, stands on an altar in a church in Gaza

An image of Pope Francis, adorned with a black ribbon, stands on an altar in a church in Gaza

Palestinian Christians in Gaza: Pope Francis never forgot us

Pope Francis made sure to regularly call Palestinians sheltering in a small Catholic parish in Gaza City, offering hope.

Cardinal Peter Turkson is pictured shaking the hand of Pope Francis in 2022

Cardinal Peter Turkson is pictured shaking the hand of Pope Francis in 2022

Conclave: Odds are still against an African pope

The death of Francis has reignited hopes for an African leader to be installed at the top of the Catholic Church.

A long line of people waiting in St. Peter's Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis

A long line of people waiting in St. Peter's Square to pay their respect to the late Pope Francis

Mourners line up to pay their last respects to Pope Francis

Mourners have gathered at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome to pay tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday.

West African Leaders pose during the 66th ordinary session of ECOWAS in December 2024

West African Leaders pose during the 66th ordinary session of ECOWAS in December 2024

AfricaLink News 23 April 2025

Ivory Coast: Opposition candidate barred from elections +++ Ukraine's Zelenskyy visits South Africa +++ ECOWAS turns 50

Pope Francis, seated, shakes hands with Cardinal Peter Turkson, standing, in June 2022

Pope Francis, seated, shakes hands with Cardinal Peter Turkson, standing, in June 2022

Africans wonder if it's time for a Black pope

Francis championed developing countries. Now many are asking if it's time for the first African pope in modern times.

A young woman wearing a head scarf talks to DW

A young woman wearing a head scarf talks to DW

Catholic, Muslim Indonesians praise Pope Francis' legacy

During his visit to Muslim-majority Indonesia last year, Francis emphasized solidarity and interfaith tolerance.

A rosary is seen as the body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

A rosary is seen as the body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

What happens after a pope dies?

Few things are as carefully choreographed in the Catholic Church as the period between two popes.

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson looks at the camera.

Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Turkson looks at the camera.

AfricaLink News April 22, 2025

Next pope could be from Africa +++ Hundreds dead as Angola fights cholera outbreak +++ Putin discusses Ukraine with South African President Ramaphosa

Cardinals queue in the Sistine Chapel to swear on the Bible to never reveal the secrets of their deliberations before the start of the conclave at the Vatican

Cardinals queue in the Sistine Chapel to swear on the Bible to never reveal the secrets of their deliberations before the start of the conclave at the Vatican

Conclave: How is a new pope chosen?

Who will be the next pope? The election process, called a papal conclave, will soon start.

A church service in Gaza remembers the late Pope Francis

A church service in Gaza remembers the late Pope Francis

Christians in Gaza pay tribute to Pope Francis

Christians in Gaza feel an emotional bond with Pope Francis, who communicated with a local parish on a daily basis.

During a church service in Buenos Aires, a mourner holds an image of Pope Francis into the camera

During a church service in Buenos Aires, a mourner holds an image of Pope Francis into the camera

Catholics worldwide mourn death of Pope Francis

The news of the pope's death has triggered mourning around the globe, with people sharing memories of his ministry.

A Nigerian man speaks into a DW microphone

A Nigerian man speaks into a DW microphone

Pope Francis' teachings 'were for humanity'

DW reporters have been out on the streets to hear how people in Nigeria and Kenya will remember Pope Francis.

A white chair on a red dias is illuminated, as dark clerical figures pass in the foreground

A white chair on a red dias is illuminated, as dark clerical figures pass in the foreground

How and where will Pope Francis be buried?

Pope Francis rewrote papal funeral rites in the last two years of his life, breaking with years of tradition.

Pope Francis holds a baby as he arrives to lead a special audience with Vatican workers in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 22, 2016.

Pope Francis holds a baby as he arrives to lead a special audience with Vatican workers in Paul VI hall at the Vatican December 22, 2016.

Pope Francis: What legacy does he leave the Catholic Church?

Francis reshaped the tone of the Catholic Church as its first Latin American pontiff. What will remain of his papacy?

Pope Francis appoints new thirteen cardinals during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica

Pope Francis appoints new thirteen cardinals during a mass in St. Peter's Basilica

Who will be the next pope after Francis?

Speculation is rife about the most likely candidates to succeed Pope Francis as the next pontiff.

Christians light candles, after the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City

Christians light candles, after the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City

Vatican prepares to choose next pope

The death of Pope Francis sets in motion a series of rituals, as the Catholic Church moves from one papacy to the next.

A black-and-white image of the late Pope Francis lifting his cap and nodding his head

A black-and-white image of the late Pope Francis lifting his cap and nodding his head

In pictures: Life and work of Pope Francis

During his papacy, Pope Francis called for peace, inclusion, environmental stewardship and economic justice.

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican, on April 20, 202

Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the popemobile after the Easter mass, at St Peter's square in the Vatican, on April 20, 202

Pope Francis: World, religious leaders pay their respects

Leaders from Asia to the Americas have paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death at the age of 88.

Pope Francis in a black-and-white photo

Pope Francis in a black-and-white photo

Pope Francis' life and legacy

After becoming leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis set out to reform the Vatican and promote climate action.

Pope Francis opens a "Holy Door" at St Peter's basilica to mark the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, on December 8, 2015

Pope Francis opens a "Holy Door" at St Peter's basilica to mark the start of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, on December 8, 2015

Did Francis live up to promise as 'pope of the poor'?

Pope Francis slammed capitalism, ecological destruction and preached tolerance, but didn't fulfill all expectations.

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil in Saint Peters Basilica at the Vatican.

Pope Francis celebrates the Easter Vigil in Saint Peters Basilica at the Vatican.

Francis, a pope both conservative and unconventional

Francis, the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, brought change but he did not fulfill hopes for reform.

Pope Francis speaks from a balcony, on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" message at St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican, on April 20, 2025.

Pope Francis speaks from a balcony, on the day of the "Urbi et Orbi" message at St. Peter's Square, in the Vatican, on April 20, 2025.

Pope Francis sits out Easter Mass, but greets crowd

The 88-year-old pope is recovering from double pneumonia, which left him fighting for his life in the hospital.

The Pope sits in a wheelchair, with a nasal breathing tube, waves

The Pope sits in a wheelchair, with a nasal breathing tube, waves

Pope Francis makes surprise appearance at the Vatican

Pope Francis met with crowds in his first oublic appearance since February 14 after being hospitalized from pneumonia

Tourists look at a piece of the Parthenon frieze in the British Museum

Tourists look at a piece of the Parthenon frieze in the British Museum

Are the Parthenon Sculptures finally returning to Greece?

After UK leaders refused to repatriate Parthenon marbles to Greece, a new government revives restitution hopes.

Pope Frances waves

Pope Frances waves

Pope Francis out of hospital after life-threatening illness

Before being discharged, the pontiff greeted crowds from a balcony at Rome's Gemelli hospital.

Pope Francis prays in the chapel of the Gemelli hospital, where he continues his treatment, in Rome, Italy, on March 16, 2025

Pope Francis prays in the chapel of the Gemelli hospital, where he continues his treatment, in Rome, Italy, on March 16, 2025

Pope Francis to be discharged after five weeks in hospital

Doctors treating the pope said he can return to the Vatican on Sunday but will need two months of rest.

Pope at a chapel in a hospital in Rome

Pope at a chapel in a hospital in Rome

Pope Francis' health 'improving,' Vatican says

Pope Francis is 'improving," continues to make progress at physiotherapy and remains fever-free, his doctors said.

Pope Francis shows him praying at the hospital where he is being treated

Pope Francis shows him praying at the hospital where he is being treated

Pope Francis photo released for first time since he fell ill

The 88-year-old could be seen praying as he sat in a wheelchair. His condition is described as stable.

A person praying with a photo of Pope Francis

A person praying with a photo of Pope Francis

Pope Francis showing 'good response' to treatment — Vatican

The 88-year-old pope has been hospitalized with pneumonia since February.

Pope Francis holds the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, on February 12, 2025

Pope Francis holds the weekly general audience, in Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, on February 12, 2025

Pope showing 'good response' to treatment, says Vatican

As he begins his fourth week in hospital, Pope Francis is showing a "gradual" improvement, the Vatican said.

A picture of Pope Francis projected on the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro on February 27, 2025

A picture of Pope Francis projected on the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro on February 27, 2025

Pope Francis' health condition remains 'stable but complex'

Pope Francis reached three weeks in the hospital in Rome, the longest stay of his 12-year papacy.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican [FILE: February 12, 2025]

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican [FILE: February 12, 2025]

Vatican says Pope Francis had two new breathing attacks

The pope has been in hospital for over two weeks. The 88-year-old pontiff is battling to recover from pneumonia.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience

Pope Francis makes call for world peace from hospital bed

Pope Francis has asked for prayers for the war-torn regions after being hospitalized with bronchitis.

Pope Francis at the Vatican

Pope Francis at the Vatican

Pope Francis spends 'peaceful night' after breathing crisis

The head of the Catholic Church has been in hospital for over two weeks fighting double pneumonia.

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican [FILE: February 9, 2025]

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican [FILE: February 9, 2025]

Pope Francis suffers 'breathing crisis,' Vatican says

Pope Francis received "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" to help him breathe, the Vatican said in a statement.

A close up of candles, flowers and handwritten letters, left for Pope Francis who on February 25 remained in a 'critical' condition in hospital

A close up of candles, flowers and handwritten letters, left for Pope Francis who on February 25 remained in a 'critical' condition in hospital

Faithful flock to Rome, praying for Pope to pull through

Catholics in Rome gather to pray outside the hospital where Pope Francis is being treated.

A priest holds a wooden cross with an image of Jesus on it. Behind him, a group of people pray.

A priest holds a wooden cross with an image of Jesus on it. Behind him, a group of people pray.

Catholics flock to Vatican to pray for pope's recovery

Pope Francis has been battling pneumonia for more than 10 days. He remains in critical condition, worrying Catholics.

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Pope Francis in critical condition, Vatican says

Pope Francis is in critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on February 9, 2025

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, on February 9, 2025

Pope Francis' health is 'critical,' Vatican says

The Holy See said the 88-year-old pontiff was still in danger after suffering a "prolonged asthma-like" attack.

Pope Francis, dressed in white, sits in a white chair while an aide looks on

Pope Francis, dressed in white, sits in a white chair while an aide looks on

Pope Francis' condition 'improving slightly,' Vatican says

Hospitalized for double pneumonia, Pope Francis' condition was improving slightly, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican, on February 12

Pope Francis attends the weekly general audience in The Vatican, on February 12

Pope Francis has 'peaceful night' despite pneumonia battle

The 88-year-old pontiff has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and has spent a fifth night in hospital in Rome.

Pope Francis at mass in St. Peter's square

Pope Francis at mass in St. Peter's square

Pope Francis in 'complex' health situation

In a brief statement, the Vatican announced that the pope's respiratory infection requires a new course of treatment.

Pope Francis appears at his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square at The Vatican on New Year's Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025

Pope Francis appears at his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square at The Vatican on New Year's Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025

Pope Francis hospitalized with bronchitis, Vatican says

The pope will undergo medical examinations and receive treatment for a case of bronchitis, the Vatican said.

Papst Franziskus

Papst Franziskus

Pope Francis' memoir: Laments, and hopes, for the world

For the first time in history, a pope's autobiography has been published in his lifetime.

Pope Francis appears at his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square

Pope Francis appears at his studio's window overlooking St. Peter's Square

Pope Francis highlights abortion in New Year appeal

The pontiff ushers in 2025 by calling for Catholics to reject abortion, urging a "firm commitment" to protect life.

Mascots Xin, Luce, Fe and Sky, with the little angel Lubi and the dog Santino

Mascots Xin, Luce, Fe and Sky, with the little angel Lubi and the dog Santino

Holy Year 2025: What to expect

The Pope will open the "Jubilee" or "Holy Year 2025" on Christmas Eve. What does that entail?

Pope Francis and US President Joe Biden

Pope Francis and US President Joe Biden

US: Biden to meet with Pope Francis, Italy PM Meloni

President Biden and Pope Francis will be discussing "efforts to advance peace around the world."

Pope Francis in a wheelchair surrounded by men in black robes

Pope Francis in a wheelchair surrounded by men in black robes

Pope Francis makes first-ever papal visit to Corsica

Pope Francis is visiting the French island of Corsica two days before his 88th birthday.

General view on the day Pope Francis attends a mass to canonise fourteen new saints including Spanish Father Manuel Ruiz Lopez in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 20, 2024.

General view on the day Pope Francis attends a mass to canonise fourteen new saints including Spanish Father Manuel Ruiz Lopez in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, October 20, 2024.

Pope Francis creates 21 new cardinals

Pope Francis has appointed 21 new clergymen to the Catholic Church's College of Cardinals.

Pope Francis looks at the cardinals he has appointed in red robes (in 2022)

Pope Francis looks at the cardinals he has appointed in red robes (in 2022)

Pope Francis names diverse group of cardinals

Francis is further shaping the circle of senior Catholic clergy who will eventually elect his successor in the conclave.