At 9:45 AM, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta with these words:”Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.

His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”The Pope was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from a bout of bronchitis for several days.Pope Francis’ clinical situation gradually worsened, and his doctors diagnosed bilateral pneumonia on Tuesday, February 18.After 38 days in hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence at the Casa Santa Marta to continue his recovery.In 1957, in his early 20s, Jorge Mario Bergoglio underwent surgery in his native Argentina to remove a portion of his lung that had been affected by a severe respiratory infection.As he aged, Pope Francis frequently suffered bouts of respiratory illnesses, even cancelling a planned visit to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023 due to influenza and lung inflammation.In April 2024, the late Pope Francis approved an updated edition of the liturgical book for papal funeral rites, which will guide the funeral Mass which has yet to be announced.The second edition of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis introduces several new elements, including how the Pope’s mortal remains are to be handled after death.The ascertainment of death takes place in the chapel, rather than in the room where he died, and his body is immediately placed inside the coffin.According to Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Apostolic Ceremonies, the late Pope Francis had requested that the funeral rites be simplified and focused on expressing the faith of the Church in the Risen Body of Christ.“The renewed rite,” said Archbishop Ravelli, “seeks to emphasise even more that the funeral of the Roman Pontiff is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful person of this world.”

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said that the current U.S. tariff policy could trigger a severe global economic downturn, which could also in turn hurt the U.S. economy.He gave the warning at a news conference on Friday in Abuja, cautioning that the U.S.’ aggressive trade tactics, which put maximum pressure on its trading partners, could ultimately backfire.

According to him, the U. S. is essentially working against itself because the ongoing tariff battle may harm the interests of the U.S., as well as its allies.Citing insights from some U.S. intellectuals, Yu pointed out that many of the challenges facing the U.S. were the result of its internal conflicts.Yu stressed the importance of focusing on addressing domestic issues rather than attributing blame to external entities.He decried the impact of the U.S.’ isolationist approach and zero-sum games on the global stage, and its potentially severe consequences.“By disregarding international cooperation and escalating the trade conflict, the U.S. runs the risk of fueling inflation.“This will undermine its industrial sector, instigate market upheaval, thereby heightening the possibility of an impending economic recession,” he said.He cited economic indicators in the U.S., such as a recent CBS survey showing significant opposition to tariffs among American voters and a notable spike in inflation rates, particularly food items.Yu noted that Goldman Sachs’ revised projections of an increased likelihood of a U.S. recession further underscored the gravity of the situation.He added that global institutions like the International Monetary Fund had also issued warnings that U.S. tariffs could lead to a substantial reduction in global economic growth.This, he said, would negatively impact trade volumes and disproportionately affect developing nations, particularly African countries.The ambassador also critisised the U.S. for targeting African nations under what he described as the false premise that trade surpluses were tantamount to unfair practices.He noted that such actions would culminate in adverse consequences, including currency devaluation and market instability across the African continent.Yu said that the potential consequences of such tariffs on African economies could impede their growth trajectories.He added that these would pose challenges to ongoing industrialisation and poverty alleviation efforts, ultimately jeopardising the progress of the continent.(NAN)

The U.S. Government has called for the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) occupied territory, and urged the alleged Rwandan-backed M23 rebels to declare a ceasefire.

U.S. Department of State’s Senior Advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos, made the appeal at a digital news conference following a four-nation East-African trip to DRC, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.

According to him, the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DRC, and laying down of arms by the M23 rebels are crucial to ending the war in the war-ravaged DRC.

Report says that Boulos’ visit aimed at supporting efforts to achieve durable peace in eastern DRC, exploring and preserving U.

S. private sector investment in the subregion.

DRC has been plagued by conflict for decades, with over 120 armed groups active in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, including the M23, which has killed and displaced thousands.

The East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which deployed forces to curb the escalating conflict, recently withdrew them, raising concerns about a deepening security vacuum.

Responding to questions on the way out of the deteriorating situation in the Congo, Boulos insisted that war was not the solution to the conflict but dialogue and peace.

The U.S. envoy said that at the moment, an opportunity for peace presented itself, like never before, and urged all parties involved to take bolder steps to make that a reality.

“The U.S. position is that the M23 must lay down their arms, and Rwandan forces must withdraw from the DRC.

“I will also reiterate our position that Rwanda should cease all military support for M23 and withdraw all Rwandan troops from DRC territory.

“We all know that this can only be resolved peacefully. This is not and cannot be won and cannot be concluded with force. This has to be resolved through dialogue and peacefully,” he said.

Boulos disclosed that negotiations between the DRC government and M23 toward achieving a broader peace process had already begun, and expressed optimism that the outcome would be positive.

He appreciated the recent dialogue held by DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi and the M-23 for the first time, saying it was a good step that was successful and fruitful by all counts.

Boulos lauded the EAC, SADC, AU and ECOWAS for their mediation efforts, while also expressing optimism about an AU-led peace process.

“With regards to the EAC and SADC, ECOWAS and the African Union, we highly appreciate their efforts. They’ve been trying and doing their best for a very long time, for many years.

“We are looking forward to building on this towards achieving a final peace and a lasting peace and full stability in the DRC and in the region.

“I must say that ECOWAS, although it’s West Africa, has been a major and key player in the continent, especially with regard to peacekeeping missions and many other things,” he said.

Boulos also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to long-term economic partnerships in Africa, adding that U.S. involvement in the region was not aimed at countering other competing powers like China.

He emphasised that the U.S.’ recent mineral supply chain agreements in DRC were not exclusive to the country but also included neighbouring countries like Angola, Zambia.

These, he explained, were part of broader efforts to diversify critical mineral sources and counter over-reliance on single markets, which would mutually serve U.S. and DRC’s national strategic interests.(NAN)