Category: Feature Stories

The term “pope” comes from the ancient Greek word “πάππας” (Latin “papa” = father).The term “pope” is an honorary title. The title comes from the Greek world, where it initially referred to abbots and bishops, and from the 5th century AD, to both the Bishop of Rome and the other patriarchs. Since the Middle Ages, the term “Pope” has been used as shorthand for the holder of the Petrine office, although the term “Bishop of Rome” is formally the correct term. As Bishop of Rome and thus successor to the…

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Typically, the body begins to decompose about 24 hours after death. In the case of Pope Francis, this process was halted using a special method. Thanatopraxy was used to ensure that the faithful could say goodbye to the head of the church one last time. Thousands of people will file before Pope Francis’s body in St. Peter’s Basilica until Friday. For Catholics, the opportunity to bid farewell to the dead pope is a ritual and a gesture of gratitude. So that the faithful can see the Pope one last time,…

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Many people drink tea as part of everyday life, but what ends up in the cup is a cause for concern. As part of a recent market check, Greenpeace examined various herbal teas and published alarming findings. The main problem: Many tea bags contain microplastics that are released during brewing. Tea bags release microplasticsMany people drink tea as part of everyday life, but what ends up in the cup is a cause for concern. As part of a recent market check, Greenpeace examined various herbal teas and published alarming findings.…

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On Wednesday, the AFP news agency asked four artificial intelligence (AI) chat programs about their predictions. But AI is also struggling to come up with clear answers to the question of the papal succession, which is not only keeping Vatican insiders and betting shop operators around the world on tenterhooks. Since Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday, the Catholic Church has been in mourning, and speculation about his successor has begun. However, the outcome of the conclave, in which cardinals decide on the next pope in a secret procedure, remains…

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Following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican has declared a nine-day period of mourning starting on Saturday. The traditional period of mourning for the pontiff, known as the “Novendiale”, will last until May 4, the Vatican announced Wednesday evening. During this time, daily ceremonies will be held in St. Peter’s Basilica in honor of the deceased head of the Church. The body of Pope Francis was laid out in St. Peter’s Basilica, and since Wednesday, the faithful have been able to bid farewell at the open coffin.According to the…

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With Pope Francis’s passing, the Catholic Church faces one of its most sacred and secretive processes: the conclave to elect a new pope. While the event carries centuries of tradition, many outside the Vatican don’t know how it unfolds. The word conclave comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with a key.” That’s because the cardinals—senior church officials from around the world—are locked inside the Sistine Chapel during voting. No phones, no press, no contact with the outside world. The goal is to protect the integrity of the decision and…

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The Pope, who died on Easter Monday, only mentioned one wish in his will. This concerns his final resting place, which should be somewhere other than that of his predecessor. The Vatican published the last will and testament of the head of the church—he also wishes for a simple grave. The last wish of the pontiff, who died at the age of 88, concerns his burial. The will clearly states that Francis wanted to be buried without much opulence and pomp.The Pope stated this in his will: “Aware that the…

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Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following complications from a stroke and heart failure. His passing marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the first Jesuit and Latin American pope in 2013. His papacy was committed to humility, social justice, and inclusivity. He chose the name Francis to reflect his dedication to the poor and marginalized, drawing inspiration from St. Francis of Assisi. Throughout his 12-year tenure, Pope…

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The selection of the next pope is always unpredictable. Still, several cardinals are widely seen as frontrunners based on their prominence, experience, and alignment with different factions within the Catholic Church. The next pope will be chosen by a conclave of cardinals under 80, many of whom were appointed by Pope Francis, potentially favoring candidates who share his progressive vision. Most Frequently Mentioned Contenders Name Country Age Profile & Strengths Notable Weaknesses/Controversies Luis Antonio Tagle Philippines 67 Known as the “Asian Francis,” a progressive, champion of social justice, head of…

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