Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Gifts Pope Symbolic Omophorion Amid Talks on Faith and Ukraine
Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov made a notable visit to the Vatican ahead of Bulgaria’s May 24 celebrations
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in the Vatican due to a stroke, followed by heart failure. His death was also attributed to other health complications, including a prior episode of acute respiratory failure, hypertension, and type II diabetes, as confirmed by the Vatican's press office.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969. Following Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation on February 28, 2013, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected as his successor in the papal conclave on March 13, taking the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
A nine-day official mourning period will be observed, after which the Cardinals will convene in a conclave to elect the next pope.
Earlier, President Trump expressed his condolences for Pope Francis' passing, posting on Truth Social, "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences, remembering Pope Francis' deep affection for India. He praised the late Pope as a symbol of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage, highlighting his dedication to serving the poor and igniting hope among those suffering. Modi's message was shared on X, stating, "Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion."
India has declared a three-day State Mourning as a mark of respect for Pope Francis, to be observed on April 22 and 23, and again on the day of the funeral.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UK and former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, offered a sobering assessment of the war’s trajectory
The Group of Seven (G7) countries have confirmed that Russian sovereign assets held in their jurisdictions will remain frozen until Moscow halts its war against Ukraine
The Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), effectively stripping the institution of its ability to enroll international students
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that the military is now working on establishing a so-called “security buffer zone” along the country’s border with Ukraine
North Macedonia has reported its first two confirmed cases of monkeypox
Russia has reported what it describes as one of the largest Ukrainian drone strikes since the beginning of the full-scale invasion
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