Pope Francis, aged 88, has died, triggering an outpouring of grief and a significant period of uncertainty for the future direction of the Catholic Church. His passing, attributed to a stroke following weeks of battling double pneumonia and ultimately irreversible heart failure according to Vatican sources, is dominating headlines across the globe.
The news was widely reported on front pages by major UK newspapers, each offering their unique perspective on the late pontiff’s legacy. The Guardian described him as “groundbreaking,” highlighting his “revered” status among millions worldwide and detailing the upcoming conclave – a secretive process designed to elect his successor. The UN’s humanitarian agency is reportedly investigating reports of wrongdoing by the IDF, specifically challenging an earlier report that linked the deaths of 15 medics and rescue workers in Gaza to ‘professional failures’, claiming it was rife with misinformation.
King Charles III issued a formal tribute following a moving meeting between the Pope and the monarch just two weeks prior, emphasizing Francis’s commitment to unity within the Church and his dedication to the common causes of people of faith. The Times portrayed Francis as an “outsider” who sought to fundamentally reform the Catholic institution, referencing his prolonged illness. The Union Jack has been lowered to half-mast at numerous royal residences in a sign of national mourning.
The Daily Express featured an eight-page picture special titled “The People’s Pope,” showcasing images from throughout Francis’s papacy, and reported on a controversial comment made about the US Vice-President, JD Vance (referred to as “JD Dunce” by The Star). The i Paper focused on the Pope’s final message, which warned against anti-migrant sentiment and included details of local elections coverage alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ upcoming visit to Washington D.C. to discuss trade deals.
The Daily Mail cited a Vatican statement confirming “He’s returned to the house of the Father,” while also anticipating a “battle for the Catholic Church’s future.” The Mirror championed Francis as “a fighter for the poor and forgotten,” describing him as “humble and loved.” Metro led with a picture from his final Easter blessing, where he reached out to hold hands with a young girl, and reported that approximately 35,000 people attended.
The Sun hailed him as “a Pope for the poor, the downtrodden, and the forgotten,” citing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s tribute. The Daily Telegraph described his death as “his work being done” following a final Easter blessing, with six pages of reports and tributes inside. The Financial Times highlighted global economic instability, including Beijing’s threat of retaliation against nations engaged in trade deals with the US, alongside a tribute to Francis’s modernizing efforts. Furthermore, President Donald Trump is reportedly attempting to curtail Americans’ reliance on paper cheques and launching an attack on the Federal Reserve, causing significant market volatility.
The Daily Telegraph also noted that the US dollar had fallen to a three-year low amidst “market chaos” ahead of Reeves’ planned visit to Washington. The overall atmosphere surrounding the news is one of profound reflection alongside increasing speculation about the direction of the Catholic Church in the years to come.
