Today, the eyes of the world turn to Rome, where hundreds of thousands gather to bid farewell to Pope Francis — a shepherd who spent his life walking with the forgotten and building bridges across every divide. In this special segment, I’ll walk you through some major Catholic headlines shaping the day: from the global tributes pouring in at the pope’s funeral, to a moving moment when society’s most marginalized honored him in a final farewell. We'll also dive into a call for reform from Ireland’s former president Mary McAleese
Here are three key Catholic news headlines from today, Saturday, April 26, 2025:
Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Rome
Pope Francis was laid to rest today following a solemn funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by over 400,000 mourners, including world leaders and dignitaries. The 88-year-old pontiff, known for his humility and advocacy for marginalized communities, was buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, honoring his personal wish to rest in the Marian church he cherished .
Global Leaders Pay Tribute at Funeral
The funeral drew delegations from over 160 nations, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Prince William. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re led the Mass, emphasizing Pope Francis's message to “build bridges, not walls,” a subtle reminder of the pontiff's commitment to unity and compassion.
Mary McAleese Criticizes Church's Stance on Women Priests
Former Irish President Mary McAleese criticized the Catholic Church's exclusion of women from the priesthood, labeling it as "fake theology." She urged the cardinals responsible for selecting Pope Francis's successor to reevaluate women's roles within the Church, highlighting the need for doctrinal reform to ensure gender equality
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