Pope Leo XIV remains in Africa, in Rome the first anniversary of Pope Francis is discreetly remembered, the regime’s press, and the addicts, join the chorus that yearns for his absence, his death. The dispute provoked by Trump’s innate incontinence, grown by the usual leftists who yearn for their Pope, seems to disappear before Leo XIV’s little interest in increasing it, something that evidently interests neither the Vatican nor the Pope at all. In Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican, Pope Francis’s house, a Mass will be offered in his memory on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:00 a.m., almost secret, presided over by Cardinal Angelo Acerbi. Let’s go with another day…
Pope Leo and Witchcraft.
Pope Leo XIV visited the Lar de Assistência a pessoa idosa, a center funded by the Angolan government that houses approximately 60 men and women who are sick, abandoned, or mistreated by their families, accused of witchcraft. «So, dear brothers and sisters, I like to think that Jesus also lives here, in this house. Yes, He dwells among you every time you strive to love and help each other as brothers and sisters. Every time, after a misunderstanding or a small offense, you forgive and reconcile. Every time, some of you or all together, you pray with simplicity and humility.» «I express my gratitude to the Angolan authorities for their initiatives to support the most needy elderly, as well as to all their collaborators and volunteers. Care for vulnerable people is a very important indicator of the quality of a country’s social life.»
The Pope celebrated Mass on the esplanade of Saurimo with 30,000 faithful, highlighting that the Church is a people on the way: «This is the Good News, the Gospel that runs like blood through our veins, sustaining us on the journey. A journey that has brought me here today, with you! In the joy and beauty of our assembly, gathered in the name of Jesus, let us listen with an open heart to his Word of salvation, because it invites us to reflect on the reason and purpose of following the Lord.» And a warning against superstition: «This happens when authentic faith is replaced by superstitious commerce, in which God becomes an idol to whom one turns only when one needs Him, while one needs Him. Even the most beautiful gifts of the Lord, who always cares for his people, then become a demand, a reward, or blackmail, and are misinterpreted by those who receive them.»
And he reiterated that Jesus is not a «holy man»: «Therefore, the Gospel narrative teaches us that there are wrong reasons for seeking Christ, especially when He is considered a guru or a lucky charm. Even the goal that the crowd sets is inadequate: they do not seek a teacher to love, but a leader to venerate for their own benefit.» «Christ calls us to freedom: He does not want servants or clients, but brothers and sisters to whom He can dedicate Himself wholeheartedly.»
Leo XIV and the Scams of the Rich.
Pope Leo XIV lamented during an event held in Angola that many people in the world are «exploited by authoritarians and scammed by the rich,» which constitutes the latest example of the new and forceful style of expression he has adopted on his tour of four African countries. It was during a Mass in Saurimo, near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where violence and oppression go against the Christian message. «Every form of oppression, violence, exploitation, and dishonesty denies the resurrection of Christ.» He condemned the exploitation of natural resources in Africa by «despots and tyrants,» stating that the world is «being devastated by a handful of tyrants.»
Pope Leo XIV Will Receive Notre Dame and Villanova.
Pope Leo XIV will receive the Notre Dame and Villanova teams in Rome at the end of this year; they will travel to Italy on November 1 for the inaugural basketball game of the Eternal City, an event inspired by Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff born in the United States. During the teams’ stay in Rome, Pope Leo XIV plans to attend a meeting with both squads before the game begins. «We feel honored to join Villanova for what will surely be an unforgettable experience for our student-athletes and fans.» «It is a special opportunity for our student-athletes to represent our university on an international stage, while growing in ways that go far beyond basketball.»
The Nurse of Pope Francis.
One year after the death of Pope Francis, his lifelong caregiver, Massimiliano Strappetti,: «I usually go to his tomb, I bring him a white rose and tell him some joke. Maybe he laughs.» «He was like a second father to me, and I still miss him very much.» For the first time, Strappetti (56) speaks publicly about Easter Sunday 2025, the day before Francis’s death: After the surprise Urbi et Orbi blessing and the famous ride in the Popemobile through St. Peter’s Square, the gravely ill Pope was exhausted, «but as happy as a child who is given chocolate.» In the elevator leading to the papal apartment in the Vatican’s Santa Marta residence, a tear of joy rolled down Francis’s cheek, according to his caregiver. After 38 days in the hospital, the Pope did not expect such an appearance.
Regarding the photograph taken on April 10, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica , where Francis wore an Argentine poncho over a long-sleeved white shirt and black pants instead of his usual white vestments, Strappetti commented that the Pope had wanted to enter the basilica suddenly to speak with the restorers of St. Peter’s Cathedral. «I asked him: ‘What if they see us?’, and he replied: ‘Let’s go anyway.'» Not only were the other visitors to St. Peter’s astonished, but a photographer also saw the Pope in his wheelchair; the photograph went viral. «We didn’t expect it. He squeezed my hand, looked me in the eyes, and went into a coma. On Easter Sunday, the day before, he had some pain, but he managed to do everything. He was very happy because I had taken him to the square among the people, which for him was the greatest gift.» «He told me that he would have liked to go to Ukraine; he wanted to go.» «Every day he kept informed about the war.»
What remains of Francis for his caregiver is his perfume and the many cookbooks he gave him, and above all, his empathy. «Once, in a moment of seriousness, I confided to him that I was divorced.» «And what’s the problem?» Francis asked. And added: «Do they let you receive Communion? If not, give me the names of the priests who refuse, and I’ll talk to them!»
Strappetti has his own opinion on the possible canonization of Francis, for which, among other things, an inexplicable healing through the intercession of the deceased would be necessary. «Francis always said: Only Jesus performs miracles.» But indeed, there are healings of serious illnesses that must be examined by the Church and science. «We’ll see. But for me, Francis is already a saint.»
The Cardinal Vicar of Rome and Pope Francis.
Cardinal Baldo Reina, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, wrote a reflection published on the eve of the first anniversary of Pope Francis’s death. «The Argentine Pontiff loved to repeat that it is not important to occupy spaces, but to initiate processes. I believe he initiated quite a few processes.» «A spring, a time of brave sowing to harvest the fruits of a long-awaited renewal.» At the center of Francis’s teaching, the cardinal notes, is the text of Evangelii Gaudium : «It will remain the beacon of his entire pontificate.» Francis «intended to put the Gospel back at the center of the Church’s life,» addressing the challenges of youth, family, and creation, with a style characterized by listening and «openness»: «He could not go on the defensive, barricading himself behind positions of strength that many considered distant.» «He could not defend himself, barricading himself behind positions of strength that many considered distant.» Reina recalls that Leo XIV, in the last Consistory, «asked the cardinals to continue reflecting on Evangelii Gaudium.» The man is not lacking in optimism: «The spring announced by Francis is already being felt. It is too early to gather the fruits.»
Kasper and Pope Francis.
«Pope Francis can only be truly understood if one recognizes that his goal was to initiate processes, not to occupy spaces or positions. He wanted to open windows and doors, and he understood better than some of his more impulsive critics the long-term commitment that evangelization requires» Kasper defended Francis from the reservations repeatedly expressed against him. Some considered him not a sufficiently outstanding theologian compared to Benedict XVI, while others argued that he often made very spontaneous decisions without paying enough attention to their institutional, canonical, and political implications. Kasper responded: «For Francis, faith was not a system, but, in the purest biblical style, a sometimes steep and rocky path in the Church’s eschatological pilgrimage.» For Kasper, Francis’s legacy is in good hands with his successor. He stated that Leo XIV «carries it forward, and does so in his own way and naturally, with his personal touch.»
Ronald Hicks and Pope Francis.
For the Archbishop of New York, the moment of Pope Francis’s death remains vivid in his memory. «It was a moment of almost disbelief.» «It was a moment of shock and sadness and… also of joy for what he brought to the Church.» Hicks met with Pope Francis on several occasions over the years, recalling a personal encounter that left an indelible mark on him. Presented as a priest who spoke Spanish, Hicks said they connected immediately in conversation. He said the pope had an extraordinary ability to make every person feel seen and heard. «He can have 10,000 people around him and when you talk to him, he makes you feel like he’s only listening to you.» But for Hicks, the legacy of the late pope continues to influence the current Church, especially in the way it approaches its mission in the world. «He has given us a path of teaching, a way to move forward.» «On my desk I have this little image of a sheep. It reminds me of his phrase, and that’s how I want to exercise my role as archbishop here in the Archdiocese of New York.»
Scorsese in the Vatican.
Martin Scorsese’s new film about Pope Francis is presented at a private screening in the Vatican, one year after his death. Through Scholas Occurrentes, the movement founded by Pope Francis himself in 2013, the year of his election, to promote a «culture of encounter» among young people through cinema. It has released the first images of Villages, the last dream of Pope Francis, filmed by Scorsese and his team in Italy, Indonesia, Gambia, and Vatican City. Villages will include not only the Pope’s last interview, recorded shortly before his death and never seen before, but also Scorsese’s own visit to his grandfather’s Sicilian village. Scorsese, very close to Pope Francis’s church, was one of the first to express his condolences for the pontiff’s death. «It was an immense loss for the world. I was fortunate to know him and I will miss his warmth and affection.»
The ‘Techno’ Mass in Buenos Aires.
The DJ Father Guilherme, a Portuguese Catholic priest who, past 50, has become a celebrity in the electronic music universe, celebrated a massive “Mass” last Saturday in the historic Plaza de Mayo remembering Pope Francis. For two hours to the rhythm of the music controlled by Guilherme from his DJ booth, while three huge screens projected images of the late Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II, and white doves. “Dance is not fashion, it is passion,” was the message that an off voice launched in the prelude “God bless you and let’s dance.”
Many attendees went to see the ‘beast’ that if you take away the morbidity of being a priest, not much is left. “This is a unique opportunity to see him, and on top of that, free.” «In Ibiza you have to pay 150 euros and up to 2 thousand euros in a VIP.” In the 2000s he started organizing parties to raise funds for his parish and playing at universities, but he asked not to be photographed for fear of reprisals from his superiors. He enrolled in a DJs school in Porto, got in touch with electronic music producers, and started composing his own tracks. Over time, invitations came to participate in festivals and play in clubs in Portugal. The priest burst onto the world stage after his performances at World Youth Day in 2023 before the outdoor Mass celebrated by Francis. “This bond with Pope Francis I will never lose. He was the one who touched my heart with this facet of music.” Some attendees: “I’m zero religion, but I’m having fun.” We assume that in addition to dancing, he will offer some Mass for the eternal rest of Pope Francis, at least, for those of us who have faith, it’s how we wish to be remembered.
‘Father’
Salvatore Cernuzio, Vatican correspondent for Vatican media, in his book «Father» recounts the confidences, anecdotes, and «complicity» he forged with Pope Francis. The book is presented as a homage and an «act of gratitude to a man, a Pope, who changed everyone’s life and touched the hearts of many.» It all began with a letter sent almost on impulse during a papal flight, followed by an unexpected call: «Good evening, this is Pope Francis.» From that moment, a dialogue was born that would last years, made up of meetings in Casa Santa Marta, confidences, laughter, jokes, and deep reflections on faith, family, grief, and the Church. But also advice, confessions, shared experiences, and sincere emotions. «Francis was very aware of the harsh criticism he received in Ukraine, even for statements that had negatively affected the population. And for not having traveled to Kiev. It was a trip he was only willing to make if he traveled to Moscow at the same time. ‘Only together,’ he said.»
The dream of going to China. «Before his trip to Mongolia in September 2023, he considered the idea of making a quick escape from that country, a strategic point between Russia and China.» «More than an idea, it was a hope, or perhaps an illusion, but Francis was a dreamer. ‘I’m there, a stone’s throw away; if they invite me, I’m ready.’ Jokes about Giorgia Meloni, «for whom he felt some sympathy, because he saw her as a young worker, self-made and mother.» And admiration for Sergio Mattarella, «an enlightened man.» Recalling when he prayed alone in an empty and soaked St. Peter’s Square to invoke the end of Covid. What did he think? «Actually, about not slipping… And also that there was a real need to pray at that moment.» «The best and worst of these ten years.» «The meeting with my grandparents in St. Peter’s Square» And he also mentioned the man who would become his successor, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. «He is a saint.»
Vatican Stamp of Pope Francis.
The Worst Pope of the Last Millennium?
Interesting article from The Wanderer that reaches us from Pope Francis’s native Argentina. «Francis will probably go down in history as the worst Pope of the last millennium. It is difficult to find another who has caused the Church damage similar to that which he caused Francis during twelve years, beyond the divine Providence being able to draw something good from all of it. An incomplete but detailed list of the doctrinal damages inflicted by the Argentine Pope can be consulted by downloading free the Denzinger-Bergoglio.
It starts with «The enormous confusion in which he plunged the Church.» «The disappearance of sin.» «The dissolution of the sacraments.» «Institutional cannibalism.» «Coupling of the Church’s priorities to the world’s interests.» «Destruction of the world episcopate.» And ends: «A few months ago, Cardinal José Cobo, Archbishop of Madrid, who is a member of the Dicastery for Bishops, candidly said in a meeting with media representatives that the Pope had asked them not to choose bishops who were intellectuals, or theologians, or who stood out in any way for their abilities; they should choose simple bishops and, fundamentally, pastors. The issue might not seem serious as long as we had a more or less univocal understanding of the concept of ‘pastor.’ Giuseppe Sarto, who was fundamentally a pastor not given to intellectual skills, was chosen bishop and later became a great Pope. For Francis, the pastor was the mediocre one, the priest who thrives with his pose of being simple and close to the people and is usually a hardened climber. Or even worse things, as in the Argentine case, where bishops were chosen for their Peronist militancy (observe the composition of the episcopate of Greater Buenos Aires) or for belonging to a certain shameful and perverted lobby. The reassuring thing about such a catastrophic situation is that those who go to Rome and approach the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore will see that a tomb remains sealed. May God have mercy on the soul of Pope Francis!»
Canonization of Pope Francis?
Father Bruno, priest and journalist, takes up the topic, highlighting the constancy of his commitment until his last moments because he consumed himself «like a candle that goes out after having given everything,» leaving a testimony not linked to theoretical constructions, but to a lifestyle defined as a «concrete evangelical stance .» The gestures performed during Holy Thursday celebrations are also especially remembered, with visits to prisons and the ritual of washing the feet of inmates , interpreted as a constant sign of attention to the marginalized. According to Father Bruno, the possible opening of the canonical process would represent the recognition of a holiness «lived in history,» capable of challenging even those who do not belong to the Catholic world. It is the only case we have found in this sense, the widespread perception is that we are very far from it, ‘subito’ certainly not.
«I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.»
Good reading.