Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025

Moments earlier, he had whispered nine poignant words, his last known sentence — “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” Those words were addressed to Massimiliano Strappetti, the nurse who had become a central figure in the Pope’s final years.

More than a caregiver, Strappetti was the man who once saved the Pope’s life by recommending colon surgery. For his unwavering dedication, Pope Francis appointed him as his personal healthcare assistant in 2022.

Strappetti remained at the Pope’s side throughout his final hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and later at the Casa Santa Marta, where he kept round-the-clock watch.

On Easter Sunday, Strappetti was by the Pope’s side during the Urbi et Orbi blessing — what would be Pope Francis’ last public appearance. The day before, they had reviewed the path he would walk to the Central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pope Francis had hoped to surprise the 50,000 faithful gathered in the square by riding in the popemobile after the blessing. But he hesitated and sought his assistant’s guidance, asking, “Do you think I can manage it?”

He did. That Sunday, he returned to the square, embracing the crowd and paying special attention to children. It was his first popemobile ride since his hospital discharge — and the final one of his life.

Tired yet content, he turned to Strappetti and said, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” In that moment, he revealed the depth of his desire to be close to the people, a principle that had defined his papacy from the start.

Later that day, he had a quiet dinner and went to bed. Around 5:30 a.m. the next morning, he showed signs of sudden illness. The medical team responded immediately, but about an hour later, Pope Francis slipped into a coma.

Just before losing consciousness, lying in his bed on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, he offered a final gesture — a wave of the hand to Strappetti.

According to those present, he did not suffer. The death was sudden and discreet, in keeping with the Pope’s reserved nature regarding his health.

From the moment of his election on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis had pledged to walk “together” with the people of God. In his last hours, he made good on that promise with humility, warmth, and grace.

The cause of death was confirmed as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, issued the official certification.

A report released by the Holy See Press Office detailed the Pope’s medical history, which included acute respiratory failure from multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. His death was confirmed via electrocardiographic thanatography.

Source: news.amomama.com

The Vatican has released the official report on Pope Francis’ passing, confirming the cause of death as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and what was described as “irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.”

The Holy See Press Office released the report which was written by Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr Andrea Arcangeli.

The report detailed the Pope’s prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectasis, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes.

It resolved his passing was confirmed as a ‘stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse’ through electrocardiographic thanatography.

Dr Arcangeli said: “I hereby declare that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”

On the morning of April 21, the Vatican confirmed Pope Francis had passed away at 7:35 a.m. in his residence.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025

At 9:45 a.m., Cardinal Kevin Farrell formally announced the news from Casa Santa Marta, expressing sorrow and gratitude. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” he said. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love.”

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23 so the faithful may pay their respects. That plan was expected to be finalized following the first General Congregation of Cardinals on Tuesday morning.

At 8 p.m. on Monday evening, a formal rite was held to certify the Pope’s death and place his body in a coffin in the chapel of his residence. The act was validated by Cardinal Farrell and lasted just under an hour.

Seals were also placed on the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and on the second floor of Casa Santa Marta, where he had lived. Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, later confirmed that Pope Francis’ close collaborators had begun paying their respects. He also noted that funeral arrangements were still pending.

“Oh my God he is now resting,” one netizen commented. Another shared, “Rest in Peace, as you well deserve ,” while a third typed, “Rip Pope you will be missed.”

Just one day before his death, Pope Francis made a surprise appearance that now stands as a poignant final moment in public view.

On Easter Sunday, the 88-year-old pontiff — still recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia — blessed thousands who gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the holiday Mass.

Although he delegated the main Easter service to Cardinal Angelo Comastri, the retired archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope made a striking entrance afterward. Emerging onto the central balcony above the basilica’s entrance, he greeted the faithful with a simple yet spirited message.

Following the news of the Pope’s death, St. Peter’s Square filled with emotion. Pilgrims stood in silence, held rosaries, and recited prayers in honor of the late Pope.

Pope Francis’ death marked the end of a papacy shaped by resilience, reform, and compassion. As preparations begin for the days ahead, the world reflects on the legacy of a leader who spent his final months in service, despite the toll on his health.

Source: ondoho.com; unilad.com

The coughing fit, known as bronchial spasm, forced him to use an oxygen mask on his nose and mouth for the first time after he inhaled vomit into his lungs, the Vatican said.

‘This afternoon… the Holy Father experienced an isolated bronchospasm crisis,’ said the latest detailed update about the pontiff’s condition.

The pope, it said, also had ‘an episode of vomiting with aspiration and a sudden worsening of the respiratory condition.’ He then received the help of ‘non-invasive mechanical ventilation,’ it said.

What else do we know about the pope’s condition?

Francis, 88, has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for two weeks, after being admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.

Friday’s news came after three days of more positive updates on the pope’s health.

The Vatican has not said how long the pope will remain in hospital, but it announced Friday that Francis would not lead the annual Church service on March 5.

The Ash Wednesday service, which kicks off the 40 days of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter Sunday, will instead be conducted by a senior Vatican official.

Francis, who has served as pope since 2013, continues to lead the Vatican from the hospital.

On Friday, the Vatican shared a papal letter to those participating in a Church training course in Rome. It was signed by Francis with a note indicating it had been sent “from Gemelli hospital.”

Source: dailymail.co.uk; dw.com

News broke earlier today (February 27) that the acclaimed actor and his wife 63-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa had been found d.ead in their Sante Fe, New Mexico, home.

Hackman, best known for movies like The French Connection, Superman and Enemy State, was 95 and had long ago retired from the film industry.

As well as the celebrity couple, one of their three dogs was also found d.ead.

Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth has since spoken out and said that it’s believed her father, Arakawa, and their dog d.ied from carbon monoxide poisoning.

As more information comes to light about their unexpected d.eaths, investigators have revealed that Hackman and Arakawa were found in separate rooms.

As per Associated Press, Hackman was found in a mudroom while his wife was in a bathroom next to a space heater.

In the bathroom there was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the counter top.

Such information was divulged in a Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office search warrant.

In addition to this, Denise Avila, a sheriff’s office spokesperson, confirmed that Arakawa and Hackman had no gunshot wounds or any other type of wounds.

In regards to how long they’d been there for, it’s thought they had been deceased for some time. According to Mail Online, the couple were partially-mummified.

The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing.

Tributes across Hollywood have been rolling in for Hackman in the wake of his d.eath.

Star Trek actor George Takei said of the late 95-year-old: “Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was.”

American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola added: “The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”

Elsewhere, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas wrote on Instagram: “A very sad day for… cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away.

“My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.”

Source: unilad.com

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dea.d in their Santa Fe Summit home on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26. Authorities have not suspected foul play, but an investigation is ongoing.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sheriff deputies arrived at Hackman and Arakawa’s home on Old Sunset Trail to investigate the dea.th of two elderly couple and a dog. It is not yet known if the police came after they got an alert about their dea.ths or if they were doing a welfare check.

However, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed just after midnight on Thursday that the two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog had die.d. Mendoza stated that there were no immediate signs of foul play but did not disclose a cause of dea.th or estimate when the couple had passed.

The 95-year-old author and his 63-year-old wife had lived in Santa Fe since the 1980s. Their home was located in a gated community off Hyde Park Road just north of Ten Thousand Waves.

Now, Mendoza has notified the public that he and his team are in the middle of preliminary investigations as they wait on the approval of the search warrant. He also assured the community of their safety, adding that they were in no imminent danger.

Source: news.amomama.com

On February 23, 2025, Pope Francis addressed the public in two heartfelt messages on X amid his ongoing health crisis. In his first message, he called upon his followers to courageously embody love and positivity in their lives, emphasizing the transformative power of kindness and solidarity.

“I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone,” the pontiff said, referencing the day’s Gospel reading.

He passionately encouraged his followers, adding, “May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!”

In his second message, Pope Francis expressed profound gratitude for the outpouring of support he has received globally and mentioned how particularly touched he his by gestures from young believers.

He warmly thanked everyone, stating, “Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!”

These personal messages arrive at a significant moment as the Pope remains hospitalized. Amid Pope Francis penning personal messages to the public, the Holy See Press Office shared an update on the condition of his health via a statement shared on Instagram.

Their statement clarified that Pope Francis remains in critical condition, though his health has stabilized since February 22. The pontiff has not experienced any further respiratory episodes since Saturday evening.

He received two units of concentrated red blood cells, effectively raising his hemoglobin levels. His thrombocytopenia condition remains stable. However, recent blood tests have indicated early signs of mild renal insufficiency, which is currently being managed by his medical team.

Pope Francis continues receiving high-flow oxygen therapy through nasal cannulas and is described as “alert and well-oriented.”

Given the complexity of his condition, Vatican officials stress the prognosis remains guarded, emphasizing the necessity of time for ongoing treatments to fully take effect.

Remarkably, Pope Francis participated in Holy Mass on Sunday morning from his apartment on the tenth floor, joined by the caregivers who have attended to him throughout his hospitalization.

At the same time, Cardinal Timothy Dolan urged attendees of his homily on Sunday to pray for and with the Pope. He also revealed that no one at the Vatican has publicly confessed that Pope Francis may not recover from his condition.

“We of the Catholic family, and so many of our friends and neighbors find ourselves this morning at the bedside of a dying father. As our Holy Father, Pope Francis is in very, very fragile health and probably close to death,” disclosed Cardinal Dolan.

Such updates from Cardinal Dolan, the Holy See Press Office, and the messages from Pope Francis come after the Vatican News shared a previous update on his health. They reported that the Pope would be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic hospital after his morning audiences on February 14.

Source: news.amomama.com

Sunday morning’s update from the Vatican was brief, saying: “The night passed peacefully, the pope rested.”

In a statement released on February 22, the Vatican said the Pope had “a prolonged episode of asthma-like shortness of breath” in the morning, which required him to receive “high-flow oxygen.” In addition to supplemental oxygen, the Pope also received a blood transfusion after tests showed he had low platelets. The statement said the Pope is currently in critical condition.

This is the first time the Vatican has used the word “critical” when describing the Pope’s health condition since he was admitted to hospital on February 14 after suffering from breathing difficulties for several days. X-rays later showed that the Pope had pneumonia.

As of February 23, Pope Francis had spent his ninth consecutive night in the hospital. A Vatican statement released on Sunday morning confirmed that he continued treatment for double pneumonia at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital.

During a press conference, Dr. Sergio Alfieri, the head of the Pope’s medical team, and Dr. Luigi Carbone, the Vice-Director of Vatican healthcare services, addressed journalists for approximately forty minutes.

They noted that the Pope was expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week. While they reassured the public that he was not in immediate danger of death, they emphasized that he was also not fully out of danger.

Dr. Alfieri clarified that Pope Francis was not on a ventilator but continued to struggle with breathing, requiring him to limit physical movement.

Despite this, he remained engaged and continued his work. In a lighthearted exchange, when a doctor greeted him by saying, “Hello, Holy Father,” the Pope reportedly responded with, “Hello, Holy Son.”

Medical experts expressed their primary concern regarding the risk of a bacterial infection entering his bloodstream, which could lead to sepsis.

However, Dr. Alfieri remained optimistic that Pope Francis would eventually be discharged and return to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. He cautioned, however, that the Pope’s chronic respiratory issues would persist even after his hospital stay.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Pope Francis has been enduring severe pain and has privately conveyed doubts about his chances of recovery.

On Sunday, doctors at Gemelli Hospital made the difficult decision to prevent him from delivering his usual morning Angelus sermon—a rare occurrence, even during previous hospital stays. Insiders say the Pope is now strictly following medical directives, a significant shift from his usual determination to maintain his routine.

This is not the first time Pope Francis has faced serious health challenges. In March 2023, he was hospitalized for several days due to a respiratory infection.

The Vatican revealed that he had been experiencing breathing difficulties and was admitted to Gemelli Hospital for medical tests. Doctors ruled out COVID-19 but determined that he required an extended hospital stay for specialized treatment.

During his recovery, the Pope expressed his gratitude for the support and prayers he received from around the world. A few months later, in June 2023, he was again hospitalized, this time for abdominal surgery to address a painful incisional hernia.

Source: news.amomama.com; abs-cbn.com

What is a Herb Stripper?

As so named, herb strippers help remove leaves from stems. They come with different-sized holes to fit different herbs. You simply place the stem on one side of the smallest hole it’ll fit into and pull it through until all the leaves come off. Some strippers have holes large enough to strip kale or other leafy vegetables. Some types can also come with a blade so you can strip and chop herbs with the same utensil. Others have bowls attached to catch the leaves as they go through the holes.

This tool can be a game changer for people who cook with fresh herbs. They may even be inspired to use herbs more often after seeing how quickly the stripper works. It may even encourage home chefs to experiment with new herbs for the first time. So here are some tips you should keep in mind.

To start, when you buy a bunch of fresh herbs, promptly wash and dry them to remove any bugs or dirt. Then, wrap the herbs with paper towels and put them into sealable bags. The paper towels will help maintain freshness, but use the herbs within a few days to get the most out of their flavor. Fortunately, there are so many ways to enjoy their unique tastes.

Types of Fresh Herbs and How to Use Them

Basil

This is one of the most popular herbs, perhaps due to its sweet and slightly peppery flavor. It’s commonly found in Mediterranean recipes but it can complement other cuisines as well. Not to mention it’s the most popular herb for pesto. To get the most out of basil, add the leaves (not the stems) toward the end of the cooking process, whether you are making fish, poultry, or a homemade pasta sauce.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a tough herb to prepare, which makes it ideal for the herb stripper. But the leaves impart an amazing woody and pine-like flavor. That makes it perfect for meals like lamb chops, chicken, roast beef, and roasted potatoes. But it’s also delicious on flatbread, sweet potato fries, and even in cake.

Cilantro

Also known as the coriander leaf, cilantro is a controversial herb. Some people love the bright and zesty flavor and some complain it tastes like soap. But it’s a staple in Asian and Latin American food. Cilantro is delicious raw and cooked, and it’s tasty without being too overpowering.

Dill

Dill is commonly found in German and Scandinavian cooking. It’s a delicate herb with a strong, fresh, earthy flavor. It pairs well with many foods, such as poultry, yogurt, seafood, salad, soup, and egg dishes like quiche.

Marjoram

Marjoram can taste like a milder variation of oregano but it’s still intense. It can pair excellently with vegetables and meat but it also can enhance salads, soups, sauces, fish, and other recipes. While you use the leaves for these dishes, save the stems to bring out the flavor in a stock or soup.

Thyme

Thyme is found all over French cuisine. It can enhance dishes with its floral aroma and strong taste that doesn’t overpower other flavors. Like rosemary, a herb stripper can make preparing thyme a breeze. Add it to roast chicken, bread, potatoes, and cocktails. [3]

Mint

Many people only think of mint when it comes to teas and desserts but there are more ways to enjoy this herb. Try it with savory dishes like salad, chicken, curry, and sandwiches. You can also use it to top a fruit salad.

Parsley

Parsley is another versatile and popular herb due to its fresh and subtle flavor. While the leaves are the most potent, the stems can also contribute to a dish. Use it as a garnish to season a soup or to enhance a salad. The possibilities are pretty endless, but parsley is especially delicious with pasta, butter, eggs, and lemon.

Oregano

Oregano has a strong flavor that is quintessential to recipes like chili pasta and pizza sauces. Unlike herbs like basil, oregano can withstand heat, so you can add it toward the beginning of the cooking process. But remember to exercise restraint with oregano so it won’t overwhelm the other ingredients. Keep the stems to add flavor to stocks and soups.

Source: secretlifeofmom

As innovative as they are, you wouldn’t think they’d be utilized for anything sinister and immoral, right?

Until I heard this, I had no idea they were capable of such a feat.

Some of the coat hooks seen in public restrooms and hotel rooms are hidden cameras.

There have been reports of similar gadgets showing up in public places like hotels’ bathrooms and women’s changing rooms.

There have been three recent reports from Floridians. According to the MCSO’s report:

“In all three incidents, miniature cameras hidden in coat hooks were found mounted on the walls in the women’s restrooms. They were found at Anne’s Beach on May 26th, the Circle K Store at the 99.8 mile marker of Highway U.S. One on May 28th and in the women’s bathroom at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier [on May 31].”

Alert If You Ever See This In Your Hotel Room Leave And Call 911. The Reason Why Is Scary 16292 1

Another camera attached to a garment hook was discovered in a Kansas YMCA locker room in 2011 when a woman accidentally knocked it to the floor.

According to the incident’s investigators, the hook was sticky on its underside.

“The device is not something that would stand out,” Lt. Randy Reynolds of the Wichita Police Department’s $*x Crimes Unit said. “They could be in changing rooms anywhere.”

The scariest part is that one can buy such gadgets for next to nothing, from 20 to 50 bucks.

The company goes so far as to advertise their wares with the slogan, “No one will suspect a clothes hook of concealing a camera.”

MicroSD cards, which are compatible with the hooks, have a maximum recording time of 2 hours at 16 GB

If you were suspicious that someone in your office was stealing from you, I could see how this would be helpful to have on hand. However, a much larger percentage of users are abusing them for sexual purposes and spying on innocent children and women.

How do you identify one?

Knowing what to look for, it’s not hard to spot one of these gadgets. They appear to be standard plastic coat hooks, save for a tiny opening in the top. Those are the lenses. (highlighted in red)

Some may even include a side button that you press in order to begin using the motion sensor.

While some people’s lights are blindingly bright and easy to notice on a white coat hanger, others’ can be difficult to spot on a black one.

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Source: dailypositiveinfo

A flight expert has revealed why wearing leggings on a plane is not a good idea.

Dressing for a long flight can be tricky – you want to be comfortable, have an outfit that isn’t too warm or cold, and maybe even look stylish.

However, as per one expert, there are some big no-nos concerning airplane attire.

There have been numerous tips shared about the dos and don’ts of airplane attire.

A flight attendant has advised travelers to avoid wearing Crocs or flip-flops during a flight, particularly if they intend to use the restroom.

“Be wary of wearing sandals if you are planning on going in the lavatory,” they said.

“That isn’t water on the floor (yes, use your imagination), and sandals invite whatever that liquid is to splash on your feet.”

While another airline steward is encouraging passengers to avoid wearing shorts.

In a viral TikTok video, he explained: “Don’t or try not to wear shorts when you’re on an airplane.

“It’s the same thing as the window, you never know how clean it’s gonna be, so if you have pants, you’re gonna have less germs.”

Now, a flight expert is w:arning people against wearing leggings on planes.

Aviation expert Christine Negroni, the New York Times bestselling author of ‘The Crash Detectives: Investigating the World’s Most Mysterious Air Disasters,’ has revealed other items you should and shouldn’t wear aboard a plane.

In an interview with IGV, Christine Negroni says it’s advisable to wear ‘comfortable flats with a substantial sole that are easy to get off,’ adding: “In case of an emergency evacuation, the ground outside the plane could be cold, wet, icy, hot or covered in metal, fuel or airplane debris.

“If you are using the emergency evacuation chute, you’ll have to remove high-heeled shoes that might puncture the slide which explains why flats are the best shoe choice.

“And while it’s not covered in the Federal Aviation Administration’s rules it is just smart to make sure your shoes are on for takeoff and landing.”

Additionally, Negroni says that wearing leggings is an absolute no-no, as they could prove fatal or result in scarring.

She explains to IGV: “Most air accidents are survivable but many also involve fire.

“Leggings are made of synthetic materials. When these chemically produced fibers get hot, they melt and can bond to the skin.

“In 1999, the Federal Aviation Administration said that garments made of cotton, wool, leather, and yes, even denim were preferable over synthetics.”