For close watchers of the Catholic Church, the election of a U.S. pope seemed impossible. The "Trump effect" on the U.S. and global order changed that, papal expert Massimo Faggioli told NPR.

Pope Francis was honored with a funeral Mass Saturday morning in the Vatican City's St. Peter's Square. These are some of the images that captured the grief of those mourning him around the world.

It's a day of remembrance, mourning and celebration as thousands gather in Rome to pay their respects and say farewell to Pope Francis.

The pope was a strong advocate for the poor and the environment and a towering figure on the world stage, addressing not just Catholics but the men and women of our time.

"Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!" Francis said, his voice sounding stronger than it has since his hospitalization. "Viva il Papa!" (Long live the pope), the crowd responded.

The Vatican says Pope Francis's condition has worsened after a breathing crisis in hospital on Friday - two weeks after he was first admitted to hospital in Rome with bronchitis.

Pope Francis overcame concerns about his health to preside over Easter Sunday Mass, leading tens of thousands of people in a flower-decked St. Peter's Square.

He is remembered as a staunch conservative who opposed modernizing reforms and as the first pope to step down since the 15th century.

The head of the church in San Francisco has said the House Speaker can't receive the sacrament there because of her abortion rights support, but Pope Francis has avoided politicizing the Eucharist.

AP journalists saw a car with Francis sitting in the front passenger seat leaving Rome's Gemelli Polytechnic hospital on Wednesday morning.

For a long time, the Catholic Church rejected scientific findings that conflicted with its doctrine, even persecuting Galileo. Now the Vatican looks to promote its observatory as a bridge to science.

Pope Francis decreed that all bishops and cardinals can be tried if suspected of criminal behavior. He also banned Vatican employees from accepting gifts amounting to more than 40 euros (about $48).

The new rules are also aimed at shutting down the churches "envelope" culture — requiring a limit on the value of gifts that cardinals and managers can receive.

Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah as head of the Vatican's liturgy department. The Vatican did not provide a reason for the removal of the outspoken conservative.

"Vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet," Pope Francis said at the Vatican on a subdued Christmas Day.