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
Take That have revealed details of their upcoming album Dreamers, shared news of a fresh single titled Feel My Love, and unveiled international dates for their 2027 Dreamers Tour.
Nearly two months after completing their second Circus tour, the hugely successful trio of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald have announced an extensive European schedule featuring over 30 concerts. They have also revealed that their tenth studio record is scheduled for release later this year.
The album’s third track, Feel My Love, will be available next Friday, September 4, 2026, and features Irish American singer and songwriter Michael Patrick Kelly.
The song comes after You’re A Superstar and Sweet July, both of which were performed throughout The Circus Live tour.
The Dreamers Tour will be Take That’s largest European run in several years, with 31 concerts scheduled across 16 countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Ireland. The journey will open in Zurich on June 3 before concluding in Tüßling, Germany, on July 23, while additional performances are expected to be revealed. Audiences will hear songs from Dreamers alongside favourites from the group’s 30 year catalogue.
Those hoping to access tickets ahead of the public sale can preorder Dreamers beginning September 2 at 10am local time. Presales through participating venues will start on September 3, followed by the general release of tickets one day later. Complete tour information can be found at takethat.com.
The announcement of fresh music and further concerts will come as welcome news to supporters, particularly after Gary opened up about the difficult emotions he experienced following The Circus Live tour.
Speaking honestly in a video posted to Instagram, the 55 year old performer admitted that he had “fallen off a cliff” after the returning tour finished at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on July 4.
He explained that he had spent several weeks attempting to film the message: “Whenever we come off tour, it always feels a little bit of an anti-climax… but for some reason, it just feels like I’ve completely fallen off a cliff since the end of the shows.”
Gary also reached out to anyone experiencing similar feelings after the concerts, explaining that the emotional intensity of performing appears to become stronger with every passing year.
Looking back on the happiness the tour brought, he confirmed that The Circus will not be staged for a third time because the demanding production has become too physically challenging at his age.
While hinting at what comes next, Gary said: “I got to run away with The Circus twice. Now I’m running towards our next exciting, brand-new show."
Alongside a recently released Netflix documentary offering viewers a glimpse behind the scenes, Take That’s Manchester concert during the returning Circus run became the most viewed live streamed UK performance so far after airing through Amazon Music.
