Taking to social media after the news broke, Whoopi Goldberg wrote: “He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and none believer"

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, BonoLeonardo 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

50 Cent is happy to get a little shout-out from Taylor Swift. On Friday, hours after Swift released The Life of a Showgirl, the rapper shared his excitement over the pop queen mentioning his name on “Ruin the Friendship,” Track Six on her new album.

“@taylorswift shit is popping right now, she shout me out, she don’t shout you out,” 50 Cent wrote on Instagram alongside the LP’s cover. “LOL THIS IS FOR BIG TIMERS ONLY!”

He added: “Wait I’m the only shout out on the whole album.”

On the song, Swift looks back on a teenage romance and the regret of not kissing someone despite knowing it would’ve been worth the risk. “And it was not an invitation/But as the 50 Cеnt song played/Should’ve kissed you anyway,” she sings on the track looking back at prom night. “And it was not convenient, no/Would’ve been the best mistake/Should’ve kissed you anyway, hey.”

While Swift has not explained the meaning or inspiration behind the song “Ruin the Friendship,” fans have speculated that the track is about Jeffrey Lang, whom Swift has spoken about being close to while they went to Hendersonville High School. Lang died at age 21 in November 2010.

“Yesterday, I sang at the funeral of one of my best friends,” she said at the 2010 BMI Country Music Awards shortly after his death. “And he was 21, and I used to play my songs for him first. So I would like to thank Jeff Lang.”

50 Cent isn’t actually the only shout-out on the album, however. Elsewhere on the record, “Elizabeth Taylor” is titled after the glamorous Hollywood icon of the 1950s, Swift mentions Spanish soccer team Real Madrid on “Wi$h Li$t,” and the star seemingly dedicated an entire song to Charli XCX, titled “Actually Romantic.”

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