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
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
