NEWS
The entertainment world has been reacting to news of Pope Francis’ death.
The pontiff, who became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned, has died aged 88, the Vatican announced today (April 21). As was detailed in a statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell released by the Vatican, the pope passed away at 7:35am this morning.
“The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” it read. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“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.”
Francis was largely considered the most progressive pope to date, and had fans in several high-profile artists, with the likes of Martin Scorsese, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Bono, Leonardo DiCaprio and Angelina Jolie attending papal audiences with him over the years.
Famously, in 2014, the pontiff personally invited Patti Smith to perform at the Vatican’s Christmas concert, where to much controversy she sang ‘O Holy Night’ backed by the Vatican orchestra.
Smith’s booking evoked a mixed response from Christian groups, with Catholic organisation Portosalvo describing the decision as “blasphemous”, following the singer’s 1975 song ‘Gloria’, which famously featured the lines: “Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine”.
She has since responded to news of his death, sharing a poem on Instagram in his memory. “Farewell dear Pope Francis/Nature and poetry and the suffering shall miss
their champion.”
Check out the poem in full, as well as more entertainment world reactions, below.
Dubbed the “People’s Pope” for his more inclusive stance on marginalised communities, his last address to the public yesterday (April 20) called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Francis, who had a portion of one lung removed when he was younger, was hospitalised back in February with bronchitis, which led to double pneumonia and several respiratory issues.
He spent nearly 40 days there, the longest hospitalisation of his 12-year papacy, but was released in late March. Despite an ongoing period of ill health, on Easter Sunday yesterday, Francis came out to bless thousands of people on St. Peter’s Square.
It is estimated that 1.4billion Catholics around the world will mourn Francis’ passing.
This is a developing story
NEWS
Sabrina Carpenter has secured a restraining order against a man accused of repeatedly trying to gain access to her home.
William Applegate, 31, has been instructed to stay away from the "Espresso" singer for the next five years after allegedly attempting to enter her property on numerous occasions, reportedly more than a dozen times, according to AP. Carpenter's lawyer, Blair Berk, told the court that the pop star was "in fear for her own personal safety and the safety of members of her family" because of Applegate's repeated efforts to reach her Los Angeles residence.
Court documents filed by Carpenter state that Applegate was taken into custody after allegedly assaulting a security guard while approaching the front entrance of her home. When he returned a few days later, the singer successfully obtained a temporary restraining order on May 29.
Applegate acknowledged the incidents involving the property but insisted that Carpenter had wanted him to come to her house. He claimed that he and the singer were involved in a secret military operation that required them to "be together as soon as possible".
He further argued that their meeting was necessary for "national and global security". However, he said he would be "more than willing" to stay away from Carpenter if she personally asked him to do so, alleging that law enforcement and those representing her were preventing direct communication.
In legal papers challenging the restraining order, Applegate alleged that Carpenter attempted to send him a message during her headlining appearance at Coachella by making eye contact with him from the audience. Carpenter, however, described Applegate as "a complete stranger" in her filing and said she has never had any contact with him and has no desire to do so.
Addressing Applegate during the hearing, Judge David L. Wasserman said: "I understand that it's your belief that in order to save the world, you and the petitioner must be together. I expect you to obey the order, not what you think is right, not what you think the military commands you."
In other news, Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter recently unveiled the polished music video for their collaboration "Bring Your Love". The track is set to feature on Madonna's forthcoming album, "Confessions II", which is scheduled for release on July 3.
